RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY and ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
With Instruction and Learning being the main focus of Educational Technology, research in this area focuses on aspects such as :
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i) Computer-based Instruction (CBI) which can enhance the regognition of each student 's individual differences and consequently promote various instructional changes.
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ii) ICT in Inclusive Education which is seen as a tool for problem-solving, data analysis and other functions that enable students to develop critical thinking and higher order learning.
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iii) the Universal Design for all concept, constructed by Mace in 1998, who established basic principles for the design of universally accesible "environments" which include a commitment to equitable use, flexibility and simplicity of use, tolerance for error, low physical effort and perceptibility of relevant information.
All these emerging themes in educational technology research are accompanied by issues concerning the assessment of information in internet and the Critical Pedagogy in the use of educational technology.
(Woodward and Ferretti, 2007, The SAGE Handbook of Special Education)
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iv) The WEB SUMMIT 2018 in Lisboa was a particularly interesting event of a truly mega-scale for web innovators and disrupting industries, a paradise for Starts Ups featuring Sofia the Robot, Furhat Robot and keynote speakers like the Web Founder Sir Tim Berners-Lee. I was very happy indeed to participate and I was astonished at the absence of Educators or Teachers.
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Sofia the Robot expressed her "dream" of one day becoming a Teacher, helping humans learn. The truly astonishing fact about AI is that the more humans interact with developed Robots, the better the AI behind Robots learn. A discussion with Sofia is ever changing her "knowledge" on various issues.
Video of interview with Sofia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojPmlSX-6q4
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Furhat the Robot was "awakened" in front of the audience. He also "expressed" the "view" that he can (in fact he demonstrated his language abilities) teach humans languages and various workforce skills.
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Video of Furhat the Robot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5Zc8IO8hec&t=275s
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What are the implications of Robots and AI in Education?
How will Robots behave as Teachers?
Will Robots demonstrate empathy and compassion, skills that Special Needs Teachers must have in order to support their students?
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These are crucial and critical questions for all Educators in International Schools !
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