The Impact of Technology on the Future of Education

Edwin Chong, Professor and Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University

In an interview with Education Technology Insights, Edwin Chong, professor and head of electrical and computer engineering, Colorado State University, talks about how technology has transformed the education industry and its impact on the future of learning.

What are your current roles and responsibilities at your organization?

I have been a professor for the past 32 years. After serving at Purdue University from 1991 to 2001, my focus has been on teaching and research in the fields of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mathematics.

I currently hold the position of Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Colorado State University.

What are the major challenges in the education industry?

The pandemic has presented both challenges and opportunities in the education industry. While it disrupted traditional models of instruction, it also accelerated the adoption of remote work and the development of advanced online courses. However, there are current challenges such as declining enrolments and a significant reduction in international students impacting certain programs like electrical and computer engineering. Discussions around the demographic cliff and the potential decrease in college-age students require our attention as well.

Technological advancements have played a crucial role in education, enhancing its delivery and accessibility. Concerns have emerged regarding academic integrity, with increased cases of cheating facilitated by online repositories of materials. The implications of AI technology, including platforms like ChatGPT, have raised confusion and anxiety, necessitating careful consideration and strategic adaptation to leverage their potential benefits while addressing associated risks.

Are there any technological advancements making a positive impact?

AI technology, including ChatGPT, has the potential to provide significant benefits and efficiencies to the educational industry, as it does to other sectors. Just like calculators once raised concerns but are now widely accepted as tools, ChatGPT can be seen as a valuable aid rather than an impediment. It can enhance certain aspects of learning and increase efficiency in specific areas.

It should not be considered as a replacement for tasks such as essay writing in an English class that require human creativity and language skills. ChatGPT can be particularly useful for obtaining quick information on general topics or generating basic descriptions where the focus is not on the quality of language. In general, AI and data-driven approaches offer promising technologies that can improve operational management and product delivery across various industries, including education.

Is there any current project initiative where you are implementing these technologies?

The interest in ChatGPT and AI's impact on the educational sector is evident through the numerous organized discussions, panel sessions, and workshops. These events, hosted by various departments and levels within my institution, highlight the significance of this topic. Faculty members actively engage in conversations regarding concerns and implications related to ChatGPT and similar technologies.

The university has also been proactive in disseminating information and documentation about ChatGPT and addressing issues such as academic integrity in the context of evolving technologies.

How do you envision the future of the education industry?

I am highly optimistic about the positive impact of technology on education, as it has already demonstrated numerous benefits and will continue to enhance the value of educational products. Technology can improve student learning, delivery methods, course organization, and design. It increases access to education, enabling individuals to easily take online courses as long as they have internet access.

Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a rapid technological evolution to facilitate virtual platforms for online learning, resulting in improved capabilities and widespread adoption. These advancements have also led to increased access to education for a more diverse audience, promoting social mobility and improving lives.

“Technology has the potential to transform how universities operate, manage performance, set goals, and measure outcomes. By utilizing data-driven approaches, educational institutions can measure their effectiveness, inform decision-making, and enhance future strategies.”

Technology has the potential to transform how universities operate, manage performance, set goals, and measure outcomes. By utilizing data-driven approaches, educational institutions can measure their effectiveness, inform decision-making, and enhance future strategies. In the long term, automation and AI technologies can further improve scalability and efficiency in tasks such as grading.

Looking ahead, the line between human and AI interaction may blur, leading to a dramatic increase in access to educational products and a significant decrease in delivery costs. This could enable the expansion of teaching assistance, smaller class sizes, and more personalized education. The concept of education may extend beyond traditional college and graduate student models, with lifelong learning becoming the norm as advanced technology makes education accessible, efficient, and adaptable to individual needs.

What is your advice to your peers in the industry?

To navigate the impact of technology on education, there are three key factors. Firstly, it is crucial for all participants to acquire knowledge about evolving technologies. Secondly, maintaining an open mind allows us to explore the positive aspects of technology and benefits they offer. Finally, diligently managing associated risks ensures responsible integration of technology. By fostering education, open-mindedness, and risk management, we can harness technology's potential for positive outcomes in education.

Risk Management