Harnessing the Power of Generative AI to Close the Achievement Gap
I used to dread the thought of having to write an op-ed. I struggled with the writing and the stress of deadlines. About six months ago, everything changed when I discovered the power of generative AI. Now I feel more confident and productive.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, concerns have been raised about whether inequities in access to online programs could further exacerbate gaps in student performance that existed prior to (and worsened during) the pandemic. But now, the rise of generative AI has the potential to provide support for these students, helping them reach their highest potential.
Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence algorithms that can create new and unique outputs such as images, music, or text, all similar to what humans create. While most people think of generative AI tools as another Siri or Alexa, they are much more powerful. The easiest way to describe the difference is that Alexa and Siri rely on pre-programmed scripted responses, while generative AI tools are ‘self-scripted’ and without predefined answers since it can learn and adapt because of training on vast amounts of data. This technology enables a range of applications, including, with appropriate prompts, translating one language into another, writing business plans, creating marketing strategies, and drafting standard operating protocols.
Able to summarize vast amounts of data at any grade level, generative AI also provides a cost-effective tool for providing tutoring services. Unlike traditional tools that focus on either building one's IQ or emotional intelligence, generative AI can offer both supports in a single tool, making it easier for users to get the assistance they need without trying to figure out which type of support to seek.
One of the biggest barriers to academic success for low-income students is access to high-quality tutoring and academic support. Many don’t have access to one-on-one after-school programs or traditional tutoring services. Generative AI has the potential to bridge this gap by providing personalized tutoring and homework assistance at a fraction of what traditional tutoring services cost. These systems can provide feedback on writing assignments and help with math problems. They can explain intricate concepts, all tailored to a student's needs. Avatar Buddy, which I co-founded, released its solution in January 2023 after a pilot project in summer 2022 with limited user access. With inclusivity and accessibility a top priority, we also involve low-income students in the development and testing and provide training to users on how to use it effectively and responsibly. During the pilot project, we conducted weekly check-ins with the students. Since we released in January 2023, we have received the following anecdotal responses. One student reported that after using the tool for five weeks, his math grade increased from C to A-. Another student used generative AI to help her understand Shakespeare. Yet another was struggling to understand geometry concepts. Once she started using Avatar Buddy, her comprehension increased. She said that the way the tool explained the concepts made it easier to understand, and as a result, her grade improved.
Another important factor in academic success involves emotional support. Many low-income students face social challenges that impact their ability to succeed. Generative AI has the potential to assist them by providing a safe, confidential space where they can express their thoughts and feelings. These systems can use natural language processing to seemingly understand and respond to emotions, offering encouragement and guidance. According to one student, Avatar Buddy helped her deal with her emotions and reduced the impact of an anxiety attack.
Others report similar results. The podcast Bard Fork + How to Talk So Chatbots Will Listen has an episode where one user said they use the tool daily to reaffirm themselves, which has helped them cope better throughout the day. In another example, a person is using Avatar Buddy to improve their relationship with their girlfriend. When they have a disagreement, they ask Avatar Buddy for its opinion, which results in fewer and shorter fights. These examples highlight the potential benefits of generative AI beyond its traditional applications. While the technology is still in its infancy, these early success stories suggest that generative AI could have a significant impact on emotional support and personal relationships. It's also important to note that while generative AI has shown promising results in these areas, ongoing research and development are still necessary to determine the full potential of this technology, as well as address ethical concerns and ensure its responsible use.
As the use of AI in education becomes more prevalent, it is important to address concerns about privacy, bias, and accuracy. To promote fairness and inclusivity, it is crucial to design these systems with robust safeguards in place. To ensure that the AI is tailored to the needs of the students it is intended to support, we must strive to include low-income students in its development and testing. This approach aligns with the recommendations of the recent Social Impact Review article, We Should Trust Youth To Drive Their Own Learning. We also need to encourage users to check other sources before accepting the tool’s output. While generative AI can provide a valuable resource, it is important to use it as a supplement rather than a replacement for human interaction and feedback.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of generative AI for low-income students are significant. Generative AI can build a pathway for these students by helping them overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential. Careful and thoughtful implementation of generative AI in education can help create a more equitable and just future for all students. I’m an example of what can be done. With the help of my AI solution, I can generate high-quality pieces quickly, without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.
About the Author:
Stephanie Sylvestre is a transformative leader with almost 30 years of experience in information technology and nonprofit partnerships. As a 2022 Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellow, she designed an asset-based approach framework for Black wealth creation in Miami-Dade County. Stephanie is currently the co-founder of Avatar Buddy, LLC, an artificial intelligence company which uses generative AI to help users be the best version of themselves thereby reaching their highest potential. Previously, she was the Chief Programs Officer/Chief Information Officer at The Children's Trust, where she transformed a portfolio of funded agencies into a powerful partnership, launched several initiatives, and led the IT team through a flawless transition to remote work during the COVID-19 lockdown. In 2019, they named her CIO of the Year. Prior to that she has held IT leadership positions in the Subway and Burger King franchise world.
Stephanie has served on the boards of several organizations, including Aqua Foundation, the National LGBTQ Task Force, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, and was Honorary Consul of Belize for the Southern United States. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in International Relations and the University of Miami with a M.A. in International Studies & International Economics.