IPOH: Artificial intelligence (AI) is forcing educators to rethink the way they teach and assess students, with traditional methods of testing knowledge no longer sufficient, says an education expert.
Malaysian English Language Teaching Association (Melta) president Prof Dr Sivabala Naidu likened the rise of AI to the introduction of calculators, which were initially prohibited in schools but are now accepted in examinations where scientific calculators are required.
“We need to adapt to this new reality. The way we teach should change and the way we assess students should also change,” he told a press conference after the opening of the 34th Melta International Conference at a hotel here Saturday (Sept 12).
Themed “Shaping the Future of Learning: Leadership and English Language Education Practitioners in Action”, the event was launched by Quest International University’s vice-chancellor Prof Dr Zita Mohd Fahmi.
The keynote address was delivered by Hosei University’s (Japan) Prof Dr Robert Stroud.
Also present was Perak State Education Department’s Language (Learning Sector) assistant chief director Faisal Md Yusuf.
Prof Sivabala said instead of relying solely on questions requiring students to recall facts, educators should place greater emphasis on problem based, project based and task based learning.
He said the same approach should be adopted in assessments, with students being evaluated through projects and tasks that require them to apply knowledge and demonstrate their abilities.
“We have to embrace the use of AI because without it, we are not going to be future ready,” he said.
However he said while AI was clearly disrupting education, concerns such as plagiarism and students becoming overly reliant on the technology must also be addressed.
He also welcomed the government’s new education blueprint and initiatives aimed at preparing schools and students for the use of AI.
“We have seen the blueprint and we are very happy with what has come out,” he said.
Prof Stroud said technology and collaboration are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of education, particularly in connecting students and educators from different parts of the world.
“I am heavily involved in building online communities for educators and learners from various countries, providing platforms for them to exchange ideas, learn about different cultures and practise languages.
“These spaces allow people to use technology to really understand different perspectives from around the world,” he said.
Among the initiatives he was involved in was Culture Club, described as one of his biggest projects aimed at bringing learners together.
Faisal said AI should complement the human element in education rather than turn students into machines.
“AI is the way forward as the world changes, but it must not conflict with the human part of being human. We should be more human rather than be like a robot,” he said.
He said curriculum development was an ongoing, data driven process that had to adapt to changing needs, with AI now forming part of that journey.
“AI is a part of the journey. After AI, I don’t know what will come next, but we have to continue adapting,” he said.
