Addressing the asymmetric learning gap through artificial intelligence
Relieving parents’ anxiety and fulfilling children’s curiosity
It was confusing explaining the science questions from the middle schooler’s perspective.
The concept is understood, but articulating it is challenging.
Mr. Park (42), a resident of Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, felt perplexed while helping his first-grade middle school daughter with her science homework. He had a vague understanding of the concept of “gas diffusion,” but figuring out how to explain it was daunting. He was at a loss for words, and his daughter expressed frustration.
Many parents nod in agreement with this sentiment. In the educational field, real-life descriptive questions and inquiry-centered classes are expanding, but parents remain stuck in an answer-focused learning experience. Despite changes in teaching methods and evaluation criteria, the information gap at home is significant. Parents attempt to explain in the old way, while children try to understand in the current way.
From teaching parents to learning companions
A solution emerging among many parents nowadays is leveraging the power of AI. Particularly, AI tools like ChatGPT become useful assistants when parents are at a loss for words in response to their children’s questions.
For instance, if you take a photo of a page from a first-grade middle school science workbook and upload it to ChatGPT, it reads the problem, analyzes the concept, and explains the step-by-step solution process. It not only provides the answer but also continues the conversation with phrases like, “This is how the concept works,” and “Let me explain why this result occurs.”
If you want to use it more effectively, you can utilize ‘prompts.’ For example, you could input:
“You are a parent with a first-grade middle school child. The child is asking about a science problem. Please do not make it too complicated and explain the core concepts easily with examples.”
Such ‘role prompts’ adjust the AI’s tone and explanation style to fit the parent’s perspective. Depending on the problem type, it can also show the process of applying mathematical formulas or highlight key sentences in Korean texts.
In the edutech platform, content specifically for parents, such as explanatory content or chatbot-based learning guides, is being developed, reflecting this trend. It is becoming increasingly common to witness parents and children using their smartphones to request explanations from AI, similar to having a three-way conversation.
The government is also experimenting
The government is fully introducing AI technologies in classrooms starting this year. Students will receive tailored support to achieve practical level-based learning in classrooms, such as assessing each student’s level more meticulously using AI digital textbook learning analyses.
AI analytical data enables real-time understanding of individual students’ comprehension and learning flow in classrooms. Teachers can design differentiated classes based on this information. Instead of transmitting simple answers, it’s now possible to offer thought process-centered feedback.
Additionally, large-scale training sessions and travel consultation programs are conducted to enhance teachers’ digital education capabilities. Outstanding class examples using artificial intelligence digital textbooks are identified and shared, aiming to broaden their on-site applicability.
The Ministry of Education believes this AI-based learning system will not only realize personalized student education but also contribute to bridging the educational gap. Technology isn’t replacing learning but is being positioned to understand and aid it.
However, concerns are also raised about the digital textbook introduction. On April 29, some metropolitan area education superintendents expressed opposition to further development at the ‘3rd Metropolitan Education Superintendents Conference,’ citing issues like usage fees, system stability, and lack of field adaptability, arguing that educational effectiveness and field acceptance should be prioritized over technological applications.
Relationship improvement effects are also anticipated
Experts believe AI educational coaching will positively influence parent-child relationships. AI, acting as a mediator in moments of conflict, alleviates psychological burdens and increases conversation opportunities with children.
Mr. Jeong (44), a parent residing in Ilsanseo-gu, Gyeonggi-do, stated, “In the past, I was afraid of the moment my child asked questions,” adding, “Nowadays, I feel like I’m learning along with my child by receiving AI assistance, making conversations with my child more natural.”
Learning does not just occur with teachers and within classrooms. AI has begun to play the role of bridging the language of parents and children in the family, another educational space. An era has arrived where parents no longer need to turn a blind eye to their children’s questions.