Ai Disrupting Education And Business Sectors

Dr. Claude Toland, Director Of Education At Universal Technical Institute Houston Campus

Understanding AI’s Role In Disruptive Technology

Baimas-George, Demartines and Vrochides (2024) stated, “Disruptive technology. The term provokes an unconscious sense of negativity and division because the word “disruptive” is often used to describe that which is unruly or troublesome. And yet, here we lay it together with technology and create a phrase that, in fact, encapsulates. However, in recent years, we have seen an explosion of disruptive technology in the areas of education and business. This is in the form of what everyone is calling Artificial Intelligence (AI). We think this is all new, however, according to Nguyen (2023), the first AI program was written in 1955. Nguyen continues to state that since 2022 we have seen AI tools such as ChatGPT and DALL-E explode into popularity and catch the public’s attention.

When we think about disruptive technology and how it has impacted society, we are reminded of the printing press, going back to the 15th century. The steam engine from the 18th century powered the industrial revolution allowing manufacturing to use mass production. As we approached the 20th century, we had the introduction of the computer, and then finally the internet in the mid-1990s and the smartphones starting with the iPhone in 2007. When Artificial Intelligence (AI) was introduced, this was a major disruption in education and business technology.

“Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing education and business, personalizing learning, automating tasks, and enhancing decisionmaking. As AI evolves, it will continue to shape industries, foster innovation, and create transformative opportunities for both educators and businesses worldwide”

Why does disruptive technology matter? Disruptive technologies often lower the barriers to entry in markets, making previously expensive or inaccessible products available to a larger audience. They can democratize access to goods, services, and information, leading to new industries and changing how society functions. However, these technologies also create challenges, such as job displacement, regulatory hurdles, and ethical concerns. In summary, disruptive technology has been a driving force behind major societal shifts and will continue to shape our world.

AI As A Disruptor In Education

AI enables personalized learning by adjusting content to suit individual learning styles and needs. Pane et al. (2017) highlight how adaptive learning technologies powered by AI can improve student performance by offering tailored content based on assessments. These systems continuously analyze student data and provide targeted resources to enhance learning outcomes.

In addition, AI can automate the grading of assignments, quizzes, and exams, allowing teachers to focus on higher-level tasks. Brynjolfsson and McAfee (2014) note that AI tools improve efficiency and speed in administrative functions, leading to more time for educators to engage with students.

Virtual AI tutors provide students with instant help and support, potentially reducing the achievement gap. Baker et al. (2019) discuss AI-driven tutoring systems that provide real-time feedback, enhancing the learning experience. AI can be used to create dynamic and customized learning materials. Zawacki-Richter et al. (2019) explore AI's role in developing adaptive content for online education platforms, improving learning outcomes.

AI As A Disruptor In Business

AI is transforming business by enhancing efficiency, decisionmaking, and customer experiences. AI automates repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on creative and strategic work. Chui et al. (2018) highlight AI's role in automating processes such as data entry, customer service, and inventory management, improving efficiency and reducing costs. AI can process and analyze large datasets and is developing business decision-making. Davenport et al. (2020) explain that businesses leverage AI to extract valuable insights from big data, enabling faster and more informed decisions.

In addition, AI-powered predictive analytics anticipate market trends and customer behavior. Sheng et al. (2019) illustrate how AI tools help businesses forecast customer needs, informing marketing, sales, and inventory strategies. This goes with AI enhancing customer experience by personalizing interactions and predicting needs. Huang and Rust (2021) argue that AI enables companies to improve service quality through chatbots, virtual assistants, and AI-driven interactions that increase customer satisfaction.

In summary and lastly, AI is poised to dramatically transform both education and business by improving personalized learning experiences, automating business processes, enhancing data analysis, and fostering innovation. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their impact on these sectors will only deepen, creating opportunities for new educational models and business strategies.

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