In honor of closing out another decade, I look to some of the positives the future has in store for us, such as how artificial intelligence is creating a wonderful new form of learning.

When we think of the future of technology, our responses are likely polarized by our personal opinions. While some fear a Black Mirror dystopia where technology has crippled humanity, others are enlightened by the vast possibilities technology can provide. One of the most fascinating ways that the technology of the future, or in this case the rapidly-evolving present, can impact humanity for the better is through artificial intelligence. AI technologies can be used for many stimulating ventures, though one of the most universally beneficially ways that AI can be used is creating online, affordable education for a wide range of people.

While some countries offer more affordable education opportunities (and Germany even provides free education), many don’t have the luxury of easy access to affordable education. A 2018 report revealed that as many as 44.7 million Americans have student loan debt, totaling a staggering $1.47 trillion as of the conclusion of 2018. As we move into 2020, unfortunately attending college or university in America only continues to be an enormous financial challenge for all but the very wealthy or scholarship-endowed. Affordable education is becoming more and more a challenge to attain, which is why the prospect of using AI for education is enormously attractive.

While once considered futuristic at best, AI’s advanced algorithms are now able to deliver one-on-one education through sophisticated programming. Not only will such revolutionizing learning make education more accessible, but it accomplishes the tremendous feat of removing education bias. Because AI technologies have become so advanced, the adaptive learning system can construct personalized learning models based on the individual needs of the students, offering education that most effectively reaches the students. This form of customized learning is virtually impossible for the majority of people to attain in the physical world, save for through the usage of exorbitantly expensive personal tutors.

Personalized learning provides a tremendous advantage to students, especially those who would have their voices silenced by a bustling lecture hall or classroom. This advanced form of learning allows for students to operate at their own pace, antiquating the concept of a traditional syllabus. In turn, this provides students with a far more well-rounded education that they would be able to reap in a traditional setting. A departure from a set syllabus also allows for students to always focus on relevant material, rather than leaf through dated textbooks. Adaptability is a highly beneficial trait that many traditional classrooms lack, allowing for real-time education that always remains current. Under this system, far less learning time is wasted.

While the sheer volume of students makes personalized interactions impossible for every member of a traditional class, AI learning offers an entirely personalized experience that allows for complete individualization. That translates to students no longer being faces lost in the crowd, but the front and center conductor of their own education experience. Such a form of learning is particularly advantageous for any students who have learning curves, as it allows for the information to be delivered in a way that specifically is suited for the individual. As a bonus, AI learning can offer tutoring, allowing students to have all of their questions answered so that they don’t progress to new lessons without thoroughly understanding their current studies. This eliminates the lose-lose choice of traditional learning that forces teachers to either leave students behind or have the more advanced students stall their learning process as others catch up.

“The future is here” might sound overdone, but it is accurate, especially when it comes to the development of e-learning. Modern humans are privileged enough to be entering into an entirely new era of education services, allowing for the most inclusive educational opportunities. E-learning has never been more accessible than it is at this moment, and with technology continuing to develop, the future looks bright for revolutionized education. Though this widespread reality might not fully materialize for the current generation, such advances make living in a land of equal playing field education a real possibility.