Trends in Innovative Pedagogy – 2024

Contents:

• Learning in Dialogue with Generative AI
• Creating Multimodal Projects with AI
• Smart Textbooks
• Assessment in Augmented Reality
• Immersive Learning
• Peace Pedagogy and Climate Action Pedagogy

Learning through Dialogue with Generative AI

In 2023, educational chatbots based on generative neural networks became widespread, leading to a real race among educational institutions. Some universities began developing bots whose task is to check the answers of other bots to student questions. These innovative technologies not only help improve the quality of education but also facilitate more effective interaction between students and educational systems. The development of such chatbots opens new horizons for automating the educational process and providing prompt feedback.

In 2024, dialogues with generative neural networks will cease to be a novelty in the field of education. However, researchers from the Open University are focused not on the possibility of communicating with chatbots, but on their pedagogical effectiveness. Their goal is to determine whether existing chatbots can become a useful tool for teachers and help students master new knowledge. It is important to understand how these technologies can be integrated into the educational process to enhance learning and improve interactions between teachers and students.

The report presents useful and promising options for interacting with artificial intelligence. Various scenarios and approaches that can significantly improve the quality of dialogues with AI are considered. These options are aimed at optimizing communication and increasing the efficiency of working with modern technologies. Importantly, such dialogues can find application in various fields, including business, education, and healthcare, making them particularly relevant in the context of rapid technological development.

• 24/7 online tutoring support for students. Bots successfully cope with answering urgent, specific questions, such as which method is suitable for solving a specific problem.
• Interactive training and skill testing in role-playing games and simulations. Chatbots help students hone (or assess) their foreign language communication skills, interview skills, and professional communication skills—for example, with patients for future doctors. Incidentally, we wrote about such an AI tool developed at Skyeng for assessing English proficiency.
• Generation of lesson plans and educational content. The authors point out that any material produced using AI must be double-checked—not only because neural networks can mix facts with realistic fiction, but also to ensure that the content is appropriate for the students' age and the educational context.

The shortcomings of chatbots based on generative neural networks and the risks of introducing artificial intelligence into the educational process have become hot topics of discussion in various countries over the past year and a half. These issues are being actively considered, and developers are receiving recommendations on how to address them. A report by the Open University highlights several key issues. First, there's the potential for information distortions, known as AI "hallucinations," which could lead to the dissemination of unreliable data. Second, there's the risk of collecting and transmitting large amounts of user data through unreliable channels. Finally, an important aspect is the possibility that both students and teachers will begin to rely too heavily on neural networks, which could negatively impact the quality of education and critical thinking. Therefore, it is important to approach the introduction of AI into education with caution and develop strategies that minimize these risks.

In "Innovative The report "Information on the topic of generative neural networks in educational pedagogy" raises an important issue: the use of chatbots based on generative neural networks requires a special approach to achieve maximum effectiveness. Many students are uninterested in writing long prompts in dialogue with AI, which limits their ability to receive useful hints for independent work. Instead, students prefer to use chatbots as simple search engines, seeking ready-made answers with minimal effort. This indicates that AI-based learning is not always engaging and motivating for students. New strategies and methodologies are needed to help integrate AI-based technologies into the educational process to make it more interactive and effective.

The report's conclusion emphasizes the importance of discussing AI ethics in education with students themselves. It is important that rules for the use of new technologies be developed taking into account the views of the students who will be following these standards. The authors emphasize that while gathering student input is not particularly difficult, integrating these inputs into practice and regulation is a much more complex task. Effective collaboration between educational institutions and students on AI ethics can significantly improve the quality of education and prepare young people for the challenges of the digital world. Despite the high interest in the potential of neural networks, there are significant doubts about people's readiness to learn using artificial intelligence. Early research shows that students express concerns about the excessive use of AI in the educational process, believing that it could devalue learning. These concerns highlight the importance of a balanced approach to integrating technology into education to preserve the value and quality of learning.

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Chatbots in education: real help or an illusion?

Chatbots are becoming increasingly popular in education. They offer students and learners the opportunity to receive information and assistance in real time. The main advantage of chatbots is their accessibility: they operate 24/7, allowing students to request assistance at any time. This is especially important for students who may study at unusual times or need urgent support. Chatbots can perform a variety of functions, such as answering questions about course materials, assisting with homework, and recommending resources for in-depth study. Their use can significantly facilitate the learning process, allowing students to find the information they need faster and more effectively.

However, it's worth noting that chatbots cannot completely replace human interaction. Despite their capabilities, they cannot always offer the deep analytics or personalized approach that teachers provide. Chatbots can be a great addition to the educational process, but for best results, it is important to combine their use with traditional teaching methods.

In conclusion, chatbots can significantly assist in learning by providing access to information and support. Their integration into the educational process can improve the effectiveness of learning, but the importance of teachers and personal interaction in learning should not be forgotten.

Creating Multimodal Projects with AI

Tools based on generative neural networks significantly simplify the implementation of unconventional educational practices that existed long before modern advances in artificial intelligence. One such approach is replacing traditional written creative assignments with assignments that integrate text with content from other modalities, such as images, videos, music, and other audio files, as well as with various spatial arrangements of objects. An example of this approach is the "non-essay" format, where students can use any means to create a persuasive statement. These assignments offer not only the opportunity to express creativity but also a way to delve deeper into the topic being studied, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of the material. The use of generative neural networks in education opens new horizons for the learning process, allowing students to experiment and find individualized learning paths. Recently, educators have begun recommending that students use AI tools to complete projects. This opinion is shared by the authors of "Innovative Pedagogy," emphasizing that such technologies allow students to focus on the content of the work rather than on technical aspects. For example, students can entrust a neural network with creating illustrations if they lack artistic skills, or use AI to compose music. This makes more complex combinations of different media formats accessible to a wider audience. However, this doesn't mean that students rely entirely on AI: assignments still present challenges, as they must independently find ways to explore the topic and integrate different media. Using AI in teaching not only facilitates the process but also expands the horizons of creativity, allowing students to experiment and develop their skills.

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New Practice of Using ChatGPT in Educational Institutions: Benefits for Schools and Universities

In recent years, artificial intelligence technologies such as ChatGPT have been increasingly used in educational institutions. The use of ChatGPT in schools and universities opens up new opportunities for learning and interaction between students and teachers. Using this tool not only improves the quality of education but also makes the learning process more interactive and accessible.

ChatGPT can help create personalized learning plans, answer student questions, and provide additional subject-specific materials. This allows teachers to focus on more important aspects of learning, and students to receive instant answers to their questions. Furthermore, ChatGPT can be used for language learning, as it can conduct dialogues and offer various language exercises.

The introduction of ChatGPT into the educational process also promotes the development of critical thinking in students. They learn to analyze information, verify its reliability, and formulate their own opinions. Thus, the use of ChatGPT in schools and universities not only enriches the educational process but also prepares students for modern challenges related to information technology.

Overall, the practice of using ChatGPT in the educational field demonstrates significant advantages and promise. This innovative solution can change the approach to teaching, making it more effective and adaptive to student needs.

The Open University has included the use of artificial intelligence in its list of innovations, as it significantly changes the content of educational practice. Writing effective prompts and editing the results obtained from neural networks are becoming key aspects of assignment completion. This implies that teachers need not only to assign assignments and permit the use of AI but also to actively participate in student training. Key elements of this process include identifying appropriate tools, teaching prompting skills, and critically evaluating generated content. Thus, integrating AI into education requires reconsidering teaching approaches and actively engaging educators in developing students' competencies. Using AI tools in teaching presents both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, students can develop important skills that will serve them well in the future. On the other hand, learning to use these tools correctly becomes a separate pedagogical task. Without proper attention to this issue, there is a risk that students will begin to perceive permission to use AI as permission to cheat, which will negatively impact their educational process. The authors of "Innovative Pedagogy" identify key steps for effectively addressing this issue. These steps are aimed at implementing modern teaching methods and adapting educational processes to the demands of the times. Focusing on innovative approaches, they emphasize the importance of integrating technology into educational practices, which facilitates deeper learning and increases student motivation. The focus is on developing critical thinking, creativity, and student independence, which is an important aspect of modern education.

• identify learning goals that can be achieved through the use of AI in a creative project;
• select AI tools that are accessible to students;
• study what other support is needed to use them;
• plan mid-course discussions so that students do not rely entirely on AI, but present their work with it step by step.

Smart Textbooks

Interactive electronic textbooks represent a significant advancement in education, especially given the influence of artificial intelligence. In this context, AI refers to both generative neural networks and analytical systems capable of processing user data. The authors of "Innovative Pedagogy" define smart textbooks as digital products that can track user behavior, including page navigation and reading time, to adapt content to their needs and answer questions. This is especially relevant in fields such as computer science and foreign language learning, where interactive elements promote the development of essential skills. Using such technologies in teaching not only improves information acquisition but also makes it more engaging and effective.

The main challenge in developing truly smart textbooks is the complexity and high cost of this process. Creating such textbooks requires the integration of multiple neural network models. For example, training a large language model designed for the iTELL series of smart textbooks required collecting approximately 15,000 summaries, manually evaluated by teachers. Furthermore, training another model capable of answering student questions required a vast dataset of 25,000 questions and corresponding answers. These efforts highlight the importance of high-quality content and significant resources for achieving high efficiency in educational technologies.

Gathering sufficient resources for specialized disciplines is a complex task. Modern large language models face specific challenges when working with subjects such as word processing and graph interpretation in mathematics. Without addressing these issues, creating high-quality textbooks in these subjects can take significant time.

Reading is an important aspect of personal development and broadening one's horizons. It helps improve critical thinking skills and enriches vocabulary. Through reading, we immerse ourselves in new ideas and concepts, allowing us to better understand the world around us. Books, articles, and other forms of written content can be a source of inspiration and motivation. Regular reading helps develop analytical skills and creativity, which is especially important in the modern world. By choosing a variety of genres and topics, you can not only have fun but also gain new knowledge that will be useful in life.

It is predicted that within the next five years, artificial intelligence in the form of tutors will be introduced into every school in the United States. This innovation promises to revolutionize the educational process, providing a personalized approach to each student. AI tutors are able to adapt to student needs, providing personalized assignments and support. The implementation of such technologies can significantly improve the quality of education, reduce teacher workload, and improve student outcomes. With growing interest in artificial intelligence and educational technologies, expectations regarding their impact on the educational process are becoming increasingly optimistic.

Augmented Reality Assessment

In 2024, key trends in innovative pedagogy will be associated with the use of advanced technologies such as extended reality (XR), including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These technologies are not only popular but are also actively integrated with neural networks and artificial intelligence systems, significantly enhancing their educational potential. Innovative XR-based learning approaches enable the creation of interactive and engaging learning environments that promote deeper learning. The introduction of AI analytics into the educational process helps tailor content to the individual needs of students, making learning more personalized and effective.

According to the report, XR systems for skills assessment are actively used in various industries, including healthcare and construction. The main reason is the highly immersive nature of simulations, especially virtual reality. These technologies provide users with the feeling of being present in a given environment and the ability to independently influence it. For example, in a virtual operating room, a future nurse can feel like they are at the center of real events and act as if they were performing a real operation. Using XR systems in training facilitates deeper skill acquisition and increases specialists' confidence in their practical application.

XR training is primarily an effective tool for mastering both common and high-risk skills. This is especially relevant in education, where safety and proper skill acquisition are paramount. For example, before allowing a student to operate a tower crane or work with a nuclear reactor, they must be given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the equipment's design and functionality in a safe virtual environment. This approach not only reduces risks but also improves the quality of training, ensuring better retention of information and skills. XR technologies, despite the high cost of equipment, significantly reduce employee training costs. Instead of organizing in-person training and testing for thousands of salespeople or administrators, companies can invest in a single customer interaction simulator and the necessary devices for its use. This not only saves money but also increases training effectiveness, allowing employees to master key skills in a convenient and interactive format. The use of XR technologies in training contributes to improved customer service and increased overall team productivity. XR assessment is gradually being introduced into professional education. However, the authors note that this process is slower than expected. For students, assessment formats using virtual and augmented reality remain new, as VR devices have not yet become widespread in everyday life. In surveys, students express a willingness to participate in simulations but prefer to avoid serious exams with the risk of receiving a low grade. The spread of this trend largely depends on the overall development of XR technologies - if they become popular in the field of entertainment and consumer devices, educational institutions will need to adapt and integrate these technologies into the educational process.

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Virtual and augmented reality are becoming important tools in the educational process at schools and universities. These technologies allow for the creation of interactive and immersive learning environments, which significantly improves the perception and assimilation of information.

The use of virtual reality allows students to immerse themselves in the topics being studied, whether history, biology, or physics, which helps them better understand and remember the material. For example, virtual tours of historical sites or 3D cell models make learning more engaging and visual.

Augmented reality, in turn, allows for the integration of digital information into the real world. Students can use mobile devices to interact with educational materials, making the learning process more dynamic and interactive. For example, when studying geography, students can point the camera at a map to see additional information about countries or regions.

Thus, the introduction of virtual and augmented reality into educational institutions not only helps to increase interest in subjects but also improves the quality of knowledge, developing students' skills needed in the modern world.

Immersive Learning

This heading presents two key trends from the "Innovative Pedagogy" report: the first is the in-depth study of language and culture, and the second is the analysis of scientific models in practice. These trends contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject, improving both language skills and overall cultural awareness. Immersion in language and culture allows students not only to master vocabulary but also to understand the context of language use in various situations. Studying scientific models from the inside helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are especially important in the modern educational process. These trends create the conditions for the development of a well-rounded individual capable of adapting to a rapidly changing world.

Studying scientific objects using XR technologies and AI analytics represents an innovative approach to the educational process. Virtual simulations of various natural objects allow us to explore phenomena that are impossible to observe in the real world due to their complexity or inaccessibility. A good example is a pollination simulator. In this interactive application, students, using VR headsets, find themselves surrounded by virtual bees and flowers. They can observe how the insects transfer pollen and even influence this process by controlling the bees' movements. AI analytics is essential in processing the collected data and interpreting user actions, making learning more engaging and effective. This approach not only broadens the understanding of natural processes but also promotes the development of critical thinking and a scientific approach in students.

Unlike XR technologies, assessment tools are very popular in school education. The main challenge is that XR technologies have not yet become part of everyday teaching practices. Furthermore, developing high-quality simulations requires significant financial investment.

The trend of language and cultural immersion through video games, including VR, is becoming increasingly popular. While such examples are still few and far between, the authors of "Innovative Pedagogy" point to classic computer games such as Brendan's Voyage, set in the Middle Ages, and Operation LAPIS, dedicated to Ancient Rome. These games not only offer a compelling storyline but also boast a high level of historical accuracy in recreating people, architecture, details of everyday life, and ancient languages. Using such games can significantly enrich language and cultural learning, allowing players to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of different eras and places, which contributes to better assimilation of material and broadens horizons.

Games can be both digital and non-digital. For example, a game scenario dedicated to the events of the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 is actively used for educational purposes. While not widely used, these formats are a useful complement to more common teaching methods. Advances in artificial intelligence technology can significantly simplify the process of creating effective educational video games, expanding learning opportunities and engaging students.

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A game development expert revealed the reasons why modern educational games fail to meet user expectations. He noted that many are ineffective in teaching and fail to engage players. The main problems include insufficient gameplay depth, low interactivity, and outdated mechanics. As a result, such games not only fail to achieve their educational goals but also lose interest among their target audience. To improve the quality of educational games, developers need to consider modern trends in game design and provide more engaging and productive experiences for users.

Modern trends include the concept of speculative worlds and speculative pedagogy, which is less common in the Russian context. The concept of speculative worlds is most often associated with art, offering the opportunity to view reality and its norms from an alternative perspective. This allows for a rethinking of existing ideas. Speculative pedagogy involves critically analyzing the present, past, and future through the lens of art, including watching innovative films and reading fiction, as well as creating one's own "worlds"—developing plots and characters. These processes can be implemented in virtual reality (VR) or using generative artificial intelligence. It is important to critically analyze works of art, for example, assessing how Black characters are portrayed in Star Trek. Furthermore, students who feel their ethnic or other group is underrepresented in popular culture can create new narratives on their own, promoting diversity and inclusivity in the cultural context.

Peace Pedagogy and Climate Action Pedagogy

The final two trends are not related to technology. The report defines peace pedagogy as a variety of practices aimed at creating positive relationships in the classroom, at home, and at a broader level—in the country and the world. This includes mindfulness meditations, lectures aimed at preventing bullying, conflict analysis, and participation in civic initiatives. These approaches contribute to the development of emotional intelligence and social responsibility, which is an important aspect of modern education.

Pedagogy of action in response to climate change requires updating Curriculums with an emphasis on environmental stewardship and interdisciplinary learning are essential. It is important to integrate natural science disciplines, creating connections between them. This includes both substantive and methodological changes, such as conducting lessons outdoors to directly observe natural processes. Such approaches not only enhance student engagement but also foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues. Curriculum updating is possible not only in the natural sciences. For example, in the English course for future teachers described in "Innovative Pedagogy," climate change becomes a relevant topic for discussion, essay writing, and project implementation. This emphasizes the importance of integrating contemporary global issues into the educational process, which promotes critical thinking and awareness of social issues among students. In the crowded curricula of schools and universities, adding new topics presents a serious challenge. This is because any new focus requires abandoning others already included in the program. This creates a conflict of interests, since different disciplines can be equally important for the educational process. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between the need to update content and maintaining the quality of education.