In a groundbreaking shift set to define the educational agenda of 2024, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change is poised to reshape classrooms globally. Education experts in the UAE and the US anticipate a transformative impact on learning methodologies, assessment techniques, and the overarching approach to preparing the youth for the future workforce.
AI transforms education
Generative artificial intelligence emerges as the pivotal force driving a paradigm shift in education, parallel to the revolutionary internet boom of the 1990s. Marcos Muller Habig, acting CEO of 42 Abu Dhabi, a tuition-free coding school, underscores the role of ChatGPT in this educational revolution. ChatGPT is anticipated to play a crucial role in offering personalized tutoring experiences, where students can interact in their unique ways, receiving tailored answers to their queries.
The transformative power of generative AI extends beyond student interactions. Educators find that AI assists in crafting more coherent and consistent feedback, streamlining their workflow and allowing for increased focus on students and lesson plans. Yet, traditional exams remain indispensable, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in assessing students’ abilities.
Paul Almeida, the dean at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, emphasizes the growing influence of AI in learning methodologies. The university’s executive MBA program in collaboration with Dubai International Financial Centre embraces personalization, granting students autonomy to customize their learning based on individual strengths and preferences. Traditional classrooms evolve into adaptable, technology-rich spaces fostering interactive and collaborative learning experiences, aligning students’ skillsets with the dynamic global job market.
Green education drive – Sustainability as a cornerstone
The urgent concern for the planet’s future propels a green education drive, particularly in business schools and universities worldwide. Students, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the future, drive a renewed emphasis on sustainability. Universities, positioned uniquely, examine the science and practice of sustainability, influencing policies in both private and public sectors.
In the UAE, Gems Education pioneers a net-zero school in Masdar City, aiming to generate as much energy as it consumes. This initiative aligns with the broader green drive in the UAE, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in educational institutions.
Ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, collaborates with Aldar Education to instill mindfulness about food waste among school pupils. The ne’ma Diary challenge empowers students to comprehend the implications of food waste, fostering a culture of accountability and mindfulness.
AI and climate change reshaping learning landscape
The continuous and unpredictable evolution of the business world prompts a reevaluation of educational paradigms. Paul Almeida highlights the necessity of lifelong learning for professionals to thrive in an ever-changing economy. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, committed to rapid economic growth, recognize the importance of creating an adaptable workforce through lifelong learning initiatives.
As we step into 2024, the intersection of AI and climate change propels education into uncharted territories. The symbiosis of generative AI and personalized learning experiences transforms classrooms, preparing students for a dynamically evolving job market. Simultaneously, the green education drive underscores the urgency of incorporating sustainability into academic curricula. The question remains: How will this confluence of AI and climate change redefine the future, not just for students but for the planet they are poised to steward?
