THE POLYTECHNIC, IBADAN

DEPARTMENT OF OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

SEMINAR (OTM4--)

IMPACTS OF ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC

PERFORMANCE

BEING A SEMINAR PAPER PRESENTED BY:

KUDAISI MUTIU

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IMPACTS OF ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE

Abstract

In our contemporary society, the relentless integration of technology into every facet of life has
given rise to a plethora of innovations, notably “virtual assistants” underpinned by artificial
intelligence (AI). Education, as a dynamic field, has been no exception, witnessing the
remarkable impact of AI. This paper delves into the multifaceted intersection of AI and
education, elucidating its transformative potential and examining the various AI tools commonly
used by students. AI tools have revolutionized education by offering personalized learning
experiences, real-time tutoring, plagiarism detection, virtual laboratories, language learning
apps, note-taking and study assistance, career and course recommendations, and collaborative
learning environments. These tools enhance the educational journey, making it more
individualized, efficient, and accessible. However, ethical considerations concerning privacy and
academic integrity remain paramount. The theoretical framework underpinning this study is Lev
Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). We explore how AI in education can identify
optimal learning opportunities, provide personalized learning, offer scaffolding and support,
facilitate peer collaboration, deliver assessment and feedback, continuously monitor progress,
and consider cultural and contextual factors—all within the context of the ZPD theory. Utilizing
a qualitative approach, this study draws conclusions from a comprehensive literature review and
the ZPD theory to unveil the potential of AI in revolutionizing education, leading to enhanced
academic performance. AI, when harnessed effectively, has the capacity to guide students
through their optimal learning zones, fostering continuous improvement and inclusivity while
considering cultural and contextual nuances.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Students, Academic Performance

Word Count: 237
INTRODUCTION
In the contemporary era, our society is progressively embracing a vast technological

transformation that permeates every aspect of life, including politics, economics, education, and

social interactions. This trend towards adapting to new technological paradigms has spawned an

array of technologies known as "virtual assistants." These virtual assistants employ computer

algorithms to mimic human intelligence, creating an illusion of interaction with another human

being, a phenomenon collectively known as ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) (Ocaña, Valenzuela, &

Garro, 2019; Yang, Zhuang, & Pan, 2021).

Within the realm of education, AI has garnered significant interest due to its capacity to foster

communication between educators and students through virtual information assistants. These AI-

driven systems simulate responses that closely resemble human conversations and progressively

adapt their interactions with users. However, amidst the ongoing global technological revolution,

AI remains incapable of replicating certain uniquely human qualities, such as creativity, the

ability to generate novel ideas, improvisation, and constant evolution. Current trends in AI and

computational science are veering towards "human-centered AI, which takes into account the

individual characteristics and contexts of users, aiming to mitigate biases associated with the

algorithms underpinning AI systems (Yang et al., 2021).

UNESCO (2019) outlines the nexus between AI and education as encompassing three key areas:

learning with AI (utilizing AI tools within the classroom), learning about AI (its underlying

technologies and techniques), and preparing for AI (ensuring that all citizens comprehend the

potential impact of AI on human existence). UNESCO believes that AI holds the potential to

address some of the most pressing challenges in education, particularly by fostering innovative

teaching and learning practices that are grounded in the principles of inclusivity and equity,
while simultaneously accelerating progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals

(SDG).

Consequently, AI emerges as a potent force capable of expediting the realization and

advancement of global educational objectives by dismantling barriers to learning access,

streamlining administrative tasks, and optimizing methods to enhance student performance,

ultimately culminating in improved learning outcomes (Moreno, 2019). In sum, when applied as

a technological tool within the realm of education, AI has the potential to introduce innovative

approaches that leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance the

teaching and learning processes from both the student's and teacher's perspectives

The educational field is constantly changing and adapting to new generations and their

educational needs (Halili, 2019). If we consider that all these developments go in parallel with

technological advances, we can say that the speed at which education is being updated may be

the fastest ever (Harrison, 1986). Although these advances are studied from their many forms,

they all have a common factor: AI.

To address the concept of AI, as discussed above, it must be understood to include any resource

or machine that carries out human work. Humans create these machines to mechanise the tasks

they perform every day, with the purpose of accomplishing more in less time. Popenici and Kerr

(2017) define it as computing systems that can engage in similar processes to the human ones,

such as learning, adapting, synthesising, self-correcting and using data for complex processing

tasks. More specifically in education, educational artificial intelligence (EAI) refers to the use of

AI to support personalised and automated feedback and guidance in the educational field Song

and Wang (2020).

The growing demand in education in recent years has given rise to a thriving new field of

research which integrates AI and education, which has resulted in an expansion

Furthermore, and updating this terminology, EAI is related to different fields, such as robotics

(Jawaid et al., 2020), applications for smart devices (Petko, Schmid, Müller, & Hielscher, 2019),

electronic devices (Pyörälä et al. 2019), e-learning (Reister & Blanchard, 2020; Singer-

Brodowski, Brock, Etzkorn, & Otte, 2019), or virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) (Bower,

Dewitt, & Lai, 2020; Kavanagh, Luxton-Reilly, Wuensche, & Plimmer, 2017), intelligent

conversational software agents (chatbot) (Schachner, Keller, & Wangenheim, 2020), virtual

assistants (Jee, 2019), and online platforms for self-learning (Moreno, 2019). All these areas

have a common goal: to learn, to teach and to solve problems (Baker, Smith, & Anissa, 2019).

The realm of education is in a perpetual state of evolution, adapting itself to the changing needs

of successive generations (Halili, 2019). Remarkably, the pace of these educational

transformations appears to be moving at an unprecedented rate, a phenomenon that correlates

with the rapid progress of technology (Harrison, 1986). However, amid this multifaceted

evolution, one common thread emerges: artificial intelligence (AI).

To elucidate the concept of AI, it is imperative to encompass all tools and machines engineered

by humans to emulate and streamline various tasks. These creations aim to enhance productivity

by executing routine functions swiftly and efficiently. Popenici and Kerr (2017) provide a

comprehensive definition, characterizing AI as computational systems capable of mirroring

human processes, including learning, adaptation, synthesis, self-correction, and intricate data

processing. In the educational context, Educational Artificial Intelligence (EAI) denotes the

application of AI to furnish personalized, automated feedback, and guidance (Song and Wang,

2020).
The surging demand for innovative educational methods has given birth to a burgeoning research

domain that unites AI and education, consequently expanding the horizons of EAI. Broadening

the scope further, EAI finds relevance across a spectrum of domains, including robotics (Jawaid

et al., 2020), smart device applications (Petko, Schmid, Müller, & Hielscher, 2019), electronic

tools (Pyörälä et al., 2019), e-learning (Reister & Blanchard, 2020; Singer-Brodowski, Brock,

Etzkorn, & Otte, 2019), virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) (Bower, Dewitt, & Lai, 2020;

Kavanagh, Luxton-Reilly, Wuensche, & Plimmer, 2017), intelligent conversational software

agents (chatbots) (Schachner, Keller, & Wangenheim, 2020), virtual assistants (Jee, 2019), and

online platforms for self-directed learning (Moreno, 2019). These diverse domains collectively

share a common objective: the pursuit of knowledge, the facilitation of teaching, and the

resolution of complex problems (Baker, Smith, & Anissa, 2019)

AI Tools for Students

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become integral to modern education, transforming the

way students engage with learning materials and manage their academic journeys. These AI tools

offer a plethora of benefits, aiding students in various aspects of their academic lives. Here, we

explore some of the key AI tools commonly used by students:

Adaptive Learning Platforms

Adaptive learning platforms, like Knewton and DreamBox, utilize AI algorithms to customize

learning experiences. These platforms assess a student's progress and adapt the content and

difficulty level accordingly. In doing so, they provide a personalized learning path for each

student, helping them master concepts more effectively (Vander Ark, 2015).
AI-Powered Tutoring Systems

AI-driven tutoring systems, such as ScribeSense and Carnegie Learning, provide students with

real-time assistance. They can answer questions, offer explanations, and provide additional

practice problems to reinforce learning. These tools act as personalized tutors available around

the clock, enhancing students' understanding of complex subjects (VanLehn, 2011).

Plagiarism Detection Software

Plagiarism detection tools, like Turnitin and Copyscape, employ AI to analyze and compare

written content against a vast database of academic and web documents. Students use these tools

to ensure the originality of their work and maintain academic integrity (Hoy, 2013).

Virtual Labs

AI-driven virtual labs, such as Labster and ChemCollective, offer hands-on laboratory

experiences in a virtual environment. These tools enable students to conduct experiments, make

observations, and learn scientific principles without the need for physical equipment. This is

particularly valuable for remote or online learning environments (Wheeler et al., 2020).

Language Learning Apps

AI-powered language learning applications, like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, provide interactive

language lessons tailored to individual learners. These apps use AI to adjust the difficulty of

exercises and provide instant feedback, making language acquisition more engaging and

effective (Shen et al., 2020).

Note-Taking and Study Assistance

AI tools like Otter.ai and Evernote use natural language processing to transcribe spoken words

into text, making it easier for students to create comprehensive notes. Additionally, study
assistance tools, such as StudyBlue, help students organize and optimize their study materials,

increasing productivity and retention (Guo et al., 2018).

Career and Course Recommendations

AI-driven career and course recommendation platforms, like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning,

analyze a student’s interests, skills, and academic history to suggest relevant courses and career

paths. This assists students in making informed decisions about their educational and career

journeys (DeBoer, Ho, & Stump, 2014).

Collaborative Learning Environments

AI tools, including Google Workspace and Slack, facilitate collaboration and communication

among students. They offer features like real-time document editing, discussion boards, and

intelligent chatbots to enhance group work and peer interaction (Karakoc et al., 2019).

These AI tools collectively enrich the educational experience, making learning more

personalized, efficient, and accessible. However, it's essential to use them ethically and

responsibly, as they can also pose challenges related to privacy and academic integrity

Theoretical Framework

Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) theory emphasizes the idea that learning is

most effective when it occurs within the ‘zone’ where students are challenged with tasks just

beyond their current level of competence but with appropriate support. This study is underpin

using the following ZPD variables:

Identifying Optimal Learning Opportunities

AI in education can be leveraged to identify and create optimal learning opportunities within

students' ZPD. AI-driven educational platforms can adapt content and tasks to suit each student's
individual skill level. By doing so, students are consistently exposed to material that is

challenging but attainable, which can enhance their academic performance.

Personalized Learning

AI can provide personalized learning pathways for students, adjusting the difficulty of tasks and

content in real-time based on their individual progress. This adaptability aligns with the ZPD

concept, as students receive the necessary support and challenge to move from their current level

of understanding to a higher level, potentially leading to improved academic performance.

Scaffolding and Support

Vygotsky's ZPD theory also emphasizes the importance of scaffolding, which is the support

provided by teachers or technology to help students advance. AI can offer scaffolding by

providing hints, explanations, and additional resources when students struggle, effectively

guiding them through their ZPD to achieve academic goals.

Peer Collaboration

The ZPD theory suggests that collaborative learning with peers who are at a similar level but

possess different knowledge and skills can be beneficial. AI can facilitate peer collaboration by

connecting students who can help each other within their ZPD, thereby enhancing academic

performance through social interaction and peer support.

Assessment and Feedback

AI can offer immediate feedback and assessment tailored to individual ZPDs. This feedback

loop is essential for students to gauge their progress and make necessary adjustments to their

learning. Effective feedback and assessment can positively impact academic performance.

Continuous Progress Monitoring: AI can continuously monitor students' performance and adapt

to their evolving ZPDs. By keeping up with students' development and adjusting content and
tasks accordingly, AI can ensure that students remain in their optimal learning zone, leading to

sustained and improved academic performance.

Cultural and Contextual Factors: Vygotsky's theory also acknowledges the influence of cultural

and contextual factors. AI should consider students' cultural and environmental backgrounds

when providing support and challenges to ensure that these factors do not hinder academic

performance

Methodology

This study use qualitative approach exploring and drawing conclusion from the literature review

and ZPD theory by Vygotsky

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the integration of artificial intelligence in education has the potential to

revolutionize the way students learn and perform academically. By leveraging AI technologies,

educators can create personalized learning experiences tailored to each student's individual

needs, abilities, and learning styles. This level of customization helps students engage more

deeply with the material and enhances their understanding and retention of knowledge.

One of the key impacts of AI on students' academic performance is the ability to provide real-

time feedback and assessment. Traditional methods of assessment often rely on periodic exams

or assignments, which may not accurately reflect a student's true understanding of the subject

matter. With AI-powered tools, students can receive immediate feedback on their work, allowing

them to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments. This iterative process

fosters a culture of continuous learning, enabling students to excel academically.

Moreover, AI can facilitate adaptive learning, where the curriculum is dynamically adjusted

based on the student's progress and performance. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI

algorithms can identify patterns in a student's learning behavior and adapt the content and pace

of instruction accordingly. This personalized approach ensures that students are challenged

appropriately and can progress at their own pace, leading to improved academic outcomes.

Additionally, AI can enhance collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Virtual learning

environments powered by AI can facilitate communication and collaboration among students,

regardless of their geographical locations. This enables students to work together on projects,

exchange ideas, and learn from each other's perspectives. By fostering a sense of community and

promoting collaboration, AI can create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment.

However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding

the use of AI in education. Privacy concerns, algorithmic biases, and the potential for

overreliance on technology are some of the issues that need to be addressed. Striking a balance

between human interaction and AI-driven instruction is crucial to ensure that students receive a

well-rounded education that encompasses critical thinking, creativity, and social skills.

In conclusion, the impacts of artificial intelligence on students' academic performance are vast

and promising. By leveraging AI technologies, educators can create personalized learning

experiences, provide real-time feedback, foster adaptive learning, and enhance collaboration.

However, it is essential to approach the integration of AI in education with careful consideration,

ensuring that ethical considerations are addressed and the benefits of human interaction are not

compromised. With thoughtful implementation, the synergy between young minds and artificial

intelligence holds the potential to usher in a new era of learning and academic excellence.
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