The rapid technological developments of this era demonstrate the emergence of interconnectedness between technological developments, creating new possibilities never before seen in the industrial era. This represents the fourth industrial transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology, also known as Industry 4.0, focuses on placing humans at the center of innovation by leveraging the results and impacts of Industry 4.0 technology.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a combination of computer programs, machine learning, hardware, and software. The presence of AI has transformed the world of work like never before in various sectors, from infrastructure to healthcare. These changes include shifts in job types, new skill demands, and the emergence of new collaborations between humans and machines. AI is significantly replacing repetitive, manual, and rule-based jobs, such as in manufacturing, administration, transportation, and customer service.
The World Economic Forum (2020) predicts that around 85 million jobs will be replaced by automation by 2025. On the other hand, AI is predicted to create 97 million new jobs that are more suited to the digital era. Since 2020, AI has created more than 500,000 new jobs globally. Various professions have emerged that previously did not exist, such as AI Engineer, Prompt Engineer, Data Scientist, Data Ethicist, and AI Product Manager.
AI acts as a catalyst in the fourth industrial revolution, transforming work structures across various fields. For example, in healthcare, AI helps doctors diagnose diseases more quickly and accurately. In education, it can help teachers automate administrative tasks like grading and creating learning content, or leverage AI features in teaching systems, freeing them to focus more on mentoring students.
AI is taking over time-consuming, routine tasks, allowing humans to focus more on strategic and innovative aspects. The most difficult jobs to replace are those involving social interaction and critical thinking. By 2030, jobs that combine human skills with AI technology are predicted to become a major trend across various industries.
Artificial intelligence (AI) as it relates to implementation in education refers to systems designed to support the educational and learning process. In education, AI is used to personalize each student’s learning. This is because the learning process is entirely focused on the learner. Besides being active, the presence of AI systems makes learning more engaging. Where teachers once taught using traditional methods, they now use artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate the learning process in a new way.
This discussion will focus on education as a process involving planned efforts to transmit abilities and skills, while simultaneously developing human nature and character. The quality of education plays a crucial role in determining a person’s future destiny, as it not only shapes intellectual abilities but also builds personality. Therefore, education cannot be ignored, given its significant influence on the direction and quality of human life going forward.
AI can help improve administrative efficiency for teachers by automating routine tasks like exam grading, attendance management, and scheduling. With these efficiencies, research shows that AI can free up up to 13 hours per week for teachers, allowing them to focus more on the direct interactions, moral guidance, and emotional support that machines cannot replace for students.
Furthermore, this technological advancement has created a variety of innovative features that can be accessed in class or independently. These include Chatbots and Virtual Mentors, which serve as conversational practice partners or digital tutors available 24/7 to quickly answer complex questions.
On the other hand, traditional learning often faces challenges in meeting the diverse needs of individuals. Various problems arising from this system have the potential to hinder improvements in the quality of learning. The “One-Size-Fits-All” approach in traditional classrooms with large numbers of students often limits teachers’ ability to provide individual attention. This results in material that doesn’t always align with each student’s unique learning style or interests. Educators often spend significant time on routine tasks that could be allocated for direct interaction with students. Furthermore, in traditional environments, students face limitations in exploring and practicing independent learning skills due to overly rigid systems.
Given these challenges in the education sector, system improvements are necessary. Meanwhile, AI has emerged as a modern solution offering greater efficiency and personalization. However, amidst the development of AI technology, which is being used as an instant and practical solution, its implementation must still be balanced with prudence. Not only does it serve as a solution, but it also poses inherent concerns and risks associated with this sophisticated device.
Many careers have developed that can improve the quality of education. Careers that support education collaborate with technology, creating various learning opportunities, such as learning apps, which are widely developed by one type of career in education, namely EdTech Developers.
EdTech stands for Education Technology, a technological innovation in the field of education that refers to the use of hardware and software designed to enhance classroom learning activities and improve educational outcomes. This trend grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced everyone to maintain distance and avoid crowds. Consequently, teaching and learning activities were transformed into online learning using distance learning technology. The role of EduTech brings significant opportunities for the world of education, especially for students and lecturers, particularly in teaching and learning activities.
With EdTech, teaching and learning activities are much more enjoyable. Packed with modern technology, classroom learning, which was once conducted conventionally, has now become more modern and engaging for students.
An EdTech Developer is a professional responsible for designing, building, and maintaining software and hardware specifically designed to enhance the teaching and learning process. This role combines IT expertise with educational practices to create more engaging, inclusive, and personalized learning experiences. Based on sources cited, EdTech Developers have roles and responsibilities related to improving the quality of education, such as developing platforms and tools, integrating technology and AI, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Currently, EdTech is experiencing rapid growth in Indonesia. In 2021, there were approximately 210 EdTech startups, demonstrating the high demand for EdTech among Indonesians and its positive impact on the development of education in the country. Various EdTech platforms in the country utilize this platform to present a wide range of learning materials, campus academic systems, and other educational needs.
Besides its role in improving the quality of education in Indonesia, EdTech also serves as a career alternative for aspiring teachers. This is because, to pursue a career as a teacher, individuals typically focus solely on educational institutions or institutions. However, competition is increasingly fierce due to increasingly limited opportunities. With the advent of edtech, education graduates can have greater career opportunities. This also opens the door to the idea that education graduates don’t have to teach in schools, educational institutions, or institutions.
Several concrete examples of AI implementation in education have emerged, such as the global-level Khan Academy, which uses AI to provide personalized learning paths for students. Teachers can also access detailed progress reports. Nationally, Ruangguru, one of the largest EdTech platforms in Indonesia, has implemented adaptive and interactive features powered by AI technology to support distance learning.
An example of an EdTech company in Indonesia is SEVIMA, which has developed various solutions like siAkadCloud and Gofeedercloud to assist academic management in higher education. Globally, the development of tools like LEAi or EasyGenerator also utilizes AI to assist in the automated creation of educational content.
The emergence of new careers amidst the rapid development of AI technology indicates the need for skills that combine technical, pedagogical, and interpersonal skills. These include AI and digital technology literacy, instructional design and pedagogy, data analysis, creativity and storytelling, coaching and mentoring skills, and collaboration and ethics. Focusing more than just education can expand future career opportunities.
The application of AI and technology in education faces complex challenges, stemming not only from the digital divide and access, as seen in underdeveloped regions with limited access to technology. Competition for attention and effort in creating content that engages students is fierce. The use of AI also raises concerns about data privacy, algorithm bias (fairness), and accountability for the resulting content. Numerous cases of misuse of AI technology have occurred, leading not only to individual gains but also to the detriment of others.
To address these challenges, there are solutions and optimization strategies that can be implemented by adapting to the circumstances. One example is the implementation of the Edutainment concept, which combines education with entertainment through storytelling and interactive elements (such as quizzes or gamification) to increase student engagement and retention. Furthermore, a hybrid approach combines traditional learning with technology to create a balanced learning experience while maintaining social interaction within the school environment. Similarly, continuous evaluation, which involves conducting pilot studies and evaluations based on student feedback, allows for continuous adjustments to learning strategies to ensure they remain effective.
In conclusion, the development of AI as part of the Industry 4.0 transformation has brought about significant changes in various aspects of life, including education. AI not only plays a role in replacing repetitive jobs but also creates new opportunities and improves the efficiency and quality of the learning process. Careers such as EdTech Developer are a means of improving the quality of education. In education, AI enables the creation of more personalized, interactive, and adaptive learning systems tailored to the needs of each student.
However, the implementation of AI also faces various complex challenges that cannot be avoided. Therefore, the use of AI must be balanced with appropriate wisdom and strategy. Ultimately, AI should be positioned as a supporting tool that strengthens the role of teachers, not replaces it, thus creating a more effective, inclusive, and sustainable education system in the future.
By: Aisya Zukhrufa Jannah
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