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It’s remarkable to realize that the EdTech market is projected to hit $404B by 2025 – just around the corner. Little wonder that artificial intelligence holds a strong niche in the eLearning domain.
This year, a growing number of EdTech companies introduced schools a new approach to AI. Instead of trying to limit the use of tech in the classroom, they’re showing teachers how AI tools can help with daunting tasks like grading, giving student feedback, or lesson planning. The pitch? Artificial intelligence is a powerful way to save teachers’ time. Let’s see in more detail.
Why do EdTech companies have to incorporate AI in their products?
AI is here, there, and everywhere, from our homes to workplaces. No wonder it’s making its way into education, too. Its impact goes beyond the classroom as advanced technologies keep changing the way we approach teaching and learning in general.
Whether it’s professional development, informal learning platforms, or lifelong education, AI is well positioned to lead the EdTech.
All this should be added that recently Altamira visited Web Summit in Lisbon.
As you’d expect, AI was on everyone’s lips. To recap, the major focus was set on AI’s future and its impact on the way we live, work, and engage with each other. The level of optimism was high, matched only by the strong sense of duty to guarantee AI technologies are used responsibly and for the greater good.
Artificial intelligence dominated the spotlight at Web Summit 2024, showcasing its transformative role across industries, particularly in EdTech.
While many startups highlighted AI-driven solutions to improve learning and streamline education, the pitch competition was won by Intuitivo, a Porto-based EdTech startup.
Intuitivo’s platform, which automates test creation and grading, stood out not for AI features but for its tangible impact—saving educators time. This win highlights that innovation isn’t just about cutting-edge technology but about meaningful solutions that resonate with real-world needs.
How can artificial intelligence improve your solutions?
AI can handle tasks like grading assignments and tracking students’ progress automatically, freeing up teachers’ time and helping them work more creatively.
By analyzing data, AI can also assist teachers in refining their curriculum and materials, making it easier to address students’ needs and improve overall outcomes.
AI can also help students achieve greater educational outcomes. This technology offers endless opportunities for creating personalized learning programs tailored to each student’s needs and abilities, allowing them to learn at their own pace and in a way that suits them best.
Additionally, AI can connect students with a broader range of educational resources, offering practical information to support their education.
For example, Magic School, a company offering AI tools such as quiz generators and text summarizers, reports that 2.5 million educators use their products.
Meanwhile, Khan Academy has introduced Khanmigo, an AI-powered digital tutor described as a free teaching assistant. Teachers can use it to support students in all aspects of coding and the humanities.
As McKinsey report revealed, teachers work an average of 50 hours weekly. A significant portion of that time is spent on tasks like grading papers late at night, planning lessons, or dealing with endless paperwork. Basically, using artificial intelligence-powered tools could help teachers reclaim up to 13 hours each week.
What are the types of AI solutions for EdTech?
In the early days of AI, people used this technology for simple tasks like grading multiple-choice tests. Today, thanks to progress in machine learning and natural language processing, AI can offer personalized learning experiences adapted to each student’s unique needs.
Adaptive learning platforms for personalized education
AI algorithms help analyse students’ learning patterns and behaviours, giving educators the ability to adjust lesson plans to fit each student’s needs. With real-time adjustments to the curriculum and personalized feedback, AI-driven learning platforms greatly improve both student engagement and performance.
Recently, Altamira’s team created a mobile app that offers users a daily checklist with study tasks based on their learning pace and style.
Shas Chabura microlearning app transformed a tough and time-consuming learning process into a rewarding and joyful experience thanks to its simple interface and rich functionality. Our application keeps supporting and motivating its users as they study hard but only one page at a time.
Virtual tutors and chatbots
Virtual assistants are available 24/7 and always ready to assist. They answer questions, explain complex concepts in simple terms, and assist with assignments, building more supportive and interactive learning environments beyond the classroom.
Smart content creation platforms
AI-driven tools can create resources like digital textbooks, study guides, and interactive exercises. They can simplify complex topics, incorporate videos and simulations to clarify concepts, and even design adaptive quizzes that change based on student performance. As a result, the education process becomes more engaging and easier for everyone to access.
Gamification and engagement tools
EdTech tools that use gamification leverage artificial intelligence to create interactive, game-inspired learning experiences. These tools often feature rewards, leaderboards, and challenges that encourage students to engage with the material.
AI easily identifies students’ skill levels and then adjusts the content to match them, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
Language learning and translation platforms
AI-powered language learning apps create lessons that adjust based on the user’s progress. These platforms often feature speech recognition to give immediate feedback on pronunciation and grammar.
AI translation tools also help students grasp content in various languages, making it easier to overcome language barriers in learning.
Collaborative learning platforms
AI can improve collaborative learning by organizing study groups that match students’ skills and learning preferences.
Such platforms can track group interactions, offering teachers valuable feedback on how to enhance teamwork and make sure every student is involved.
How can AI be used in EdTech to improve teaching methods?
Most educators consider personalization to be AI’s greatest benefit, showing that its impact goes far beyond just automating tasks.
Today, education software development isn’t just about improving automation. Instead, the focus is on addressing global challenges in education while keeping users’ needs at the forefront.
From tailoring learning paths to offering instant feedback and evaluations, AI in EdTech aims to reshape traditional education, making it more accessible.
Personalized learning
More than 60% of K-12 teachers in the U.S. incorporate personalized learning into their classrooms, making education more inclusive and far-reaching. Artificial intelligence makes it possible by adjusting to individual learning styles, turning personalized learning from a goal into a reality.
For example, an AI tutor can change the difficulty of physics based on a student’s ability, making sure the challenges are engaging without being overwhelming or too easy.
Automated assessments
Around 20 to 40% of a teacher’s workload is spent on grading, lesson planning, and administrative tasks, all of which AI could greatly simplify. Automated assessments offer a way to free teachers from these repetitive tasks and promise more accurate and fair evaluations of student performance.
Using technologies like natural language processing (NLP) and ML, AI can analyze test answers, essays, and even open-ended assignments with impressive accuracy.
Natural language processing helps AI understand the subtleties of human language, allowing it to evaluate students’ written work.
Meanwhile, machine learning algorithms analyze large amounts of data, enabling the system to adjust and predict student performance more accurately.
One example of this technology is Turnitin, which uses AI to detect plagiarism and ensure that student’s work is original and properly cited.
Student enrolment
The way students enrol in higher education is undergoing a major change, thanks to AI. About 42% of colleges and universities in North America are now using AI for recruitment and admissions.
By analysing factors like age, income, location, and academic performance, artificial intelligence can predict enrolment trends and help schools create more effective admissions campaigns.
Machine learning algorithms use past and current data to estimate the likelihood of students enrolling in future semesters.
With AI, higher educational institutions can customize their recruitment efforts, making better use of resources and improving student diversity. AI chatbots also help by providing real-time, personalized guidance to prospective students throughout the enrolment process.
Intelligent tutoring systems
Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) are also leading the way in education, offering personalized instruction that goes beyond the typical one-size-fits-all method.
By drawing on cognitive theories and educational data, ITSs adjust to each student’s pace and learning style, providing tailored feedback and educational content to help them reach their learning goals
The efficiency of ITSs is backed by research, with studies showing that students using these systems see an average improvement of 15% in academic performance, a 20% increase in engagement, and a 25% boost in knowledge retention compared to those in traditional classrooms.
Several platforms are already making a mark with AI tutoring features. For example, language learners can practice conversations with Duolingo’s chatbot, which assists in developing foreign language skills through simulated dialogues.
Altamira team delivered an AI-powered solution for children’s academic success empowerment called Elula.
In response to the need for accessible neuropsychological assessments, Altamira introduced a transformative solution that reimagines the traditional approach to diagnosing and monitoring cognitive, mood, and personality disorders in children.
Our project offers a stress-free alternative to the conventional complex process of neuropsychological testing.
The AI-powered solution Uluru, simplifies and expedites the diagnostic process, making it more accessible and less stressful for both children and their parents.
Benefits of AI for educational stakeholders
The Compilatio survey Teachers and Students Confront Their Views on AI offers a sneak peek into how artificial intelligence is changing the learning experience. For 51% of students, AI serves as a personal study companion, breaking down complex topics into manageable, easy-to-understand chunks – almost like having a smart friend available around the clock to help with tough subjects and a piece of advice.
However, students aren’t fully replacing their textbooks with AI. Only 2% rely entirely on it for studying, suggesting that AI serves more as a helpful supplement rather than a substitute. Eventually, it means that AI isn’t taking over, instead, it’s enhancing learning and making it more accessible.
Moreover, as tools are being developed to ensure fair use of artificial intelligence in academic work, students can enjoy the best of both worlds – advanced and immediate support for their studies without compromising ethical standards.
The right application of EdTech tools and processes can serve as a powerful equaliser—addressing each student’s needs, identifying knowledge gaps, and enhancing their understanding of core subjects.
To sum up, AI in education is well-positioned to ease teachers’ workloads. With 78% of educators feeling overwhelmed, many call for a more balanced workload, which AI could help achieve.
At the same time, a survey from the National Parents Union shows that parents are generally hopeful but cautious about AI in education. Most parents, 56%, see the value in AI-powered online tutoring that can offer valuable support outside of school hours.
Another 53% appreciate how AI can give initial feedback on homework, saving time and leaving more room for family activities, like movie nights and hobby games. Additionally, 52% of parents like the idea of AI generating customized worksheets and lesson plans, as it allows learning to be tailored to a child’s individual needs, strengths, and areas for improvement.
This helps parents to back up the materials their child learns at school without the burden of searching for resources. So that AI provides a focused learning assistance at home without needing to be an expert in every subject.
On top of that, AI is transforming how schools operate, making administrative tasks more efficient. By handling routine duties like scheduling, grading, attendance, and student enrolment, artificial intelligence frees up educators and administrators from these time-consuming responsibilities.
As AI takes care of the behind-the-scenes work, schools can run more smoothly, leading to better data-based decision-making and more time dedicated to what matters most: the students.
What are the top AI adoption challenges for EdTech?
Almost all educational institutions understand the value of AI and have clear reasons for wanting to implement it. However, many are still in the early phases of making it work.
Many educators still worry that when students heavily rely on tech, they lose the chance to engage in the deep, focused discussion and analysis that promotes creative reasoning and critical thinking.
Apart from that, the biggest issues they face include the high cost of AI adoption, which concerns 57% of institutions, a lack of technical skills and ongoing staff training, noted by 47%, and 37% having yet to fully commit to building a strong data strategy to back up their AI initiatives.
Data challenges
As schools move towards adopting AI, managing data becomes inevitable. About half of educational institutions have made progress by centralizing their data, making it easier for analytics teams to access and helping them make better decisions.
However, there are still some gaps. For 40% of institutions, problems with data quality and timing are major obstacles. In many cases, operational teams implement temporary solutions, suggesting that a more organized, strategic approach to data management may be lacking.
This uneven state of data readiness could affect how effectively AI is implemented and used in education.
System integration and interoperability
A key challenge in implementing AI in education is ensuring that different software systems work together smoothly. Many institutions use various platforms and databases, each with its data formats, protocols, and technical details.
When these systems can’t communicate due to differences in data structure or APIs, it hampers the flow of information needed for AI to function properly.
Data privacy and security
Data privacy and security are major headaches to adopting AI, with 39% of leaders in large organizations identifying them as key concerns. This worry often stems from doubts about whether the existing data infrastructure can handle AI at a larger scale.
A practical way to address these issues is by implementing stronger security protocols and adopting privacy-focused technologies like differential privacy.
In addition, regular audits of AI systems and infrastructure are essential to identify any weaknesses early on. By carefully addressing these concerns, organizations can meet regulatory requirements and build the trust needed for AI to be widely accepted and used.
Talent-related challenges
Implementing AI in education technology brings two main talent challenges into focus. The first is attracting the right vendors to build AI solutions. These experts need to be skilled in AI technologies like machine learning and have a deep understanding of the education sector’s unique needs.
Over half of school districts struggle with tech integration, often because they lack the necessary in-house IT expertise. As a result, schools are debating whether to partner with external AI providers or develop a combination of in-house and external talent.
The second challenge is ensuring those who will actually use AI tools—mainly teachers and administrative staff—are well-prepared to work with them. Training isn’t just about showing them how the technology works; it’s about making sure they understand how to use AI reasonably and safely.
The final words
Integrating AI into education comes with a range of challenges that need careful examination. These aspects include finding the funding to cover the high costs of AI development, as well as addressing the shortage of skilled professionals who can apply these technologies in the education sector.
Issues like data privacy, ethical concerns, and ensuring that AI enhances rather than disrupts the learning experience are also major obstacles. Additionally, both teachers and students are often hesitant to rely on AI, preferring the familiarity and comfort of traditional teaching methods.
These challenges highlight an important point: integrating AI into education is not something that can be done alone. It requires collaboration with partners who have technical expertise and a deep understanding of the educational domain.
Today, both schools and businesses are seeking solutions that can be implemented quickly to meet immediate needs (e.g., remote learning tools or new compliance training in the corporate sector), as it directly impacts how swiftly organisations can materialise financial and operational benefits.
However, from my perspective, investing in EdTech offers more than just financial returns; it involves fostering a generation of learners and educators who are prepared for the challenges ahead.”
How Altamira can help you?
Looking to optimise your educational services with AI? At Altamira, we create tailored software solutions that align with your goals. With extensive experience in developing MVPs, web, and mobile apps, and a strong commitment to quality, we’re dedicated to delivering outstanding results.
At the crossroads of technology unknowns, Altamira remains your trusted partner in AI-powered business transformation. We will carefully create and structure your AI roadmap, help you adopt best practices, manage your data, and develop feature-rich solutions designed to automate, improve, and facilitate your operations.
Our end-to-end software development services include the following and anything in between:
- Custom software development
- Vendor transfer management and audit
- Mobile app development
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Contact us to get a free expert consultation.