The role of AI: Empowering student in the digital age

Anthony Fernandes, Founder and Director of Shaalaa, his journey has been a blend of passion and persistence. After completing MBA, he ventured into technology and Human Resource Management, which provided valuable lessons in management and teamwork. Over the years, he took on various tech projects like setting up networks, creating websites, and offering web server services. As a first-generation entrepreneur, he faced challenges, but his dream of creating a one-stop destination for students kept him motivated. His aims to provide comprehensive educational resources so every student in India has the tools they need to excel academically.

He discusses how AI transforms student research by enhancing efficiency, enabling advanced analysis, and fostering innovation, while emphasizing ethical and critical thinking practices.

Excerpts from an interview Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education. How do you see its role in empowering student researchers in the digital age?

AI is indeed reshaping education, particularly in the realm of student research. It’s enabling students to approach, execute, and present their work more efficiently and creatively. AI tools assist in everything from data analysis to literature reviews, significantly enhancing the research process. However, while AI offers tremendous potential, it also comes with challenges like bias, inaccuracy, and ethical concerns. The key is to use AI thoughtfully, complementing traditional research methodologies.

What are the primary ways AI is being integrated into student research today?

There are three major applications of AI in student research:

1. Asking Queries and Receiving Responses:AI platforms allow students to ask questions and get real-time answers. While this is great for quick searches and brainstorming, students must critically evaluate the information, as AI-generated responses can sometimes be inaccurate or biased.

2.Literature Review and Information Gathering: AI-powered databases simplify locating academic resources, books, and papers. By filtering vast amounts of information, these tools save time and help students focus on analyzing high-quality material.

3. Data Analysis and Interpretation:AI’s ability to process large datasets and generate insights quickly is transformative, especially in STEM fields. It allows students to perform tasks like predictive modeling and sentiment analysis with limited technical expertise.

What advantages do AI tools bring to the research process?

AI offers several benefits:

• Efficiency and Automation: Routine tasks like organizing data, generating graphs, and proofreading drafts can be automated, freeing up time for deeper analysis.

• Access to Advanced Tools: AI gives students access to sophisticated analytical tools that were once limited to professional researchers.

• Enhanced Customization: AI platforms often have customizable features, enabling students to tailortheir workflows to specific needs, making research more personalized and productive.

What challenges do students face when using AI in research?

While AI is powerful, it has its limitations:

• Bias and Inaccuracy:AI can perpetuate biases from its training data, leading to skewed or inaccurate findings.

This is especially problematic in areas like humanities and social sciences.

• Technology Dependency:Over-reliance on AI can hinder the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students risk becoming passive consumers rather than active participants in the research process.

• Ethical and Privacy Concerns:The use of AI raises questions about data privacy and the ethics of relying on machine-generated insights.

Students must navigate these issues carefully to maintain academic integrity.

How can these challenges be mitigated?

Transparency and accountability are crucial. Researchers should:

• Clearly state how AI tools were used.

• Acknowledge the limitations and biases of the AI systems employed.

• Cross-check AI-generated findings against credible, non-AI sources.

By fostering a culture of transparency, students can uphold ethical standards while leveraging AI’s capabilities.

How can students strike a balance between using AI and developing foundational research skills?

The key is to ensure that AI complements, rather than replaces, traditional research skills. Here are some best practices:

• Cultivating Core Research Skills: Students should continue developing skills like hypothesis formulation, critical analysis, and academic writing.

• Adopting a Hybrid Approach: Combining AI tools with conventional methods ensures students benefit from technology while retaining a hands-on understanding of the research process.

• Ongoing Education: Institutions should provide training on the ethical use of AI to help students navigate its complexities responsibly.

How do you envision the future of AI in education?

AI has the potential to revolutionize education by automating routine tasks, enabling advanced analyses, and expanding access to resources.

When used thoughtfully, AI can enrich the academic landscape and prepare students to thrive in a digital world. However, we must prioritize critical thinking, ethical considerations, and a commitment to traditional methodologies. This balance will empower the next generation of scholars and innovators.

What advice would you give to students and educators regarding AI in research?

To students, I’d say embrace AI as a tool for enhancing your research, but don’t rely on it blindly. Cultivate curiosity and critical thinking. To educators, I urge you to guide students in using AI responsibly and ethically, ensuring it becomes a complement to foundational research skills. Together, we can harness AI’s potential to create a future where technology empowers, rather than overshadows, human ingenuity.