< Previous20 edge_september 2023 cover story T oday, it’s difficult to imagine doing anything without technology, even in areas such as education. Over the years, the proliferation of the internet and the widespread use of devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones have ushered in a new era for students and educators. This surge in technology has opened up a vast world of information and resources that was once beyond our reach. Technology has given students and educators alike the freedom to access knowledge with a click of a button. With the internet readily accessible, students can effortlessly find answers to their questions from virtually any location. This adaptability empowers students to tailor their learning experience to their own pace and preferences, granting them the autonomy to decide not only what they learn but also when and where they learn it. Transforming learning and teaching The digital revolution has paved the way in driving significant transformation in education. In the not-so-distant past, chalkboards and textbooks were the staples of classrooms. At $433.17BN The projected value of the global edtech and smart classroom market by 2030 Source: Fortune Business Insights An immersive environment Tools such as VR allow for a deeper level of interaction and communicationedge_september 2023 21 cover story present, students are armed with a plethora of digital resources. Earlier on, the internet, in particular, has been a game-changer. The World Wide Web has made vast amounts of information accessible to anyone. It gave everyone the freedom to access knowledge outside of the scope of the typical school curriculum, promoting self-directed learning. Educators, too, have benefited from the internet’s resources, using online platforms to share materials, engage in professional development, and collaborate with other instructors across the globe. Subsequently, the advent of mobile devices has further revolutionised the way people teach and learn. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have put learning at our fingertips, enabling students to access educational content anytime, anywhere. This has been especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote learning became a necessity. Tools such as video conferencing solutions, online learning platforms, and educational apps have also allowed students to continue their education despite physical distance. The rise of online platforms like Coursera and Udemy has also democratised education, enabling learners to enroll in courses offered by prestigious institutions and learn from globally renowned educators. This shift has also made learning more accessible and adaptable to individual needs. Challenges: Tech fatigue, digital divide and more While technology has the power to revolution- ise education, it also has its drawbacks. The question of whether technology in education is a boon or a bane is complex. It depends on how technology is implemented and the context in which it is used. One significant concern revolves around the use of digital devices. These tools while instrumental to learning can impact students’ physical and mental health. Excessive use of digital devices can lead to issues like eye strain, sleep disturbances, and decreased physical activity. Additionally, the ease of access to information on the internet has raised concerns about the quality and credibility of sources, contributing to misinformation and a lack of critical thinking skills in some cases. The digital divide is another pressing issue. While technology has the potential to bridge educational inequalities, it has also highlighted disparities in access to resources. Not all students have equal access to devices and high- speed internet, creating a “homework gap” that can exacerbate educational inequities. Students’ data privacy and security is another pressing issue. With an increasing amount of children’s education occurring in digital spaces, it becomes crucial for platforms to uphold stringent data privacy regulations to safeguard the confidential information of students. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the readiness of educators. Teachers must be adequately prepared with the competencies and understanding required to effectively utilise these technologies. They need to transition from being providers of information to becoming facilitators of learning, a transformation that necessitates substantial training and assistance. Opportunities for EdTech players The Gulf region is expected to witness a substantial increase in student enrollments, Increased collaboration Tech has made it easier than ever for students, parents, and teachers to collaborate “With an increasing amount of children’s education occurring in digital spaces, it becomes crucial for platforms to uphold stringent data privacy regulations to safeguard students”22 edge_september 2023 cover story projected to reach 14.2 million by 2027, up from the current 11 million. This growth has highlighted the importance of digital transformation in education, paving the way for a multitude of possibilities for educational technology (EdTech) solutions providers to expand their presence in the GCC. In this promising market, EdTech players in the region can assume a pivotal role in meeting the demand for technology- driven learning solutions. One significant opportunity lies in personalised learning, where EdTech companies can harness the power of AI and big data to craft adaptive learning platforms. These platforms, in turn, enable educators to tailor content to the unique needs and abilities of individual students, fostering more effective and engaging learning experiences. Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) are another exciting frontier. EdTech can leverage these immersive technologies to create virtual laboratories, historical simulations, and interactive educational experiences. Such applications not only amplify engagement but also provide students with practical, hands-on learning opportunities. Driven by the growing demand for flexible education options, another area teeming with opportunities is hybrid and remote learning. EdTech companies can focus on enhancing digital content delivery, improving video conferencing tools, and addressing online learning challenges, such as digital fatigue and interactivity issues. Furthermore, there are noteworthy opportunities in the blockchain space. EdTech players can leverage this technology to modernise how degrees and certifications are Online learning is the fastest- growing market in the education industry with a 900% growth rate globally since the year 2000 Personalised learning Technology allows for adaptive learning platforms that can tailor lessons to individual students’ abilities and pace The internet age The web has made vast amounts of knowledge more accessible edge_september 2023 23 cover story documented and shared, reducing fraud and instilling trust in academic qualifications. Lastly, gamification and engagement continue to be strong tools for making learning more enjoyable and effective. EdTech companies can supply educational institutions with content infused with gamified and interactive elements to ensure students remain motivated and deeply engaged in their studies. What lies ahead? The role of technology in education cannot be overstated. Moving forward, we can only ex- pect to continue to witness technology evolve and profoundly transform the education land- scape. Ranging from AI and machine learning to blockchain, cloud and even the metaverse, technology presents fresh avenues for both students and educators to engage. While there are drawbacks to technology in education, the benefits far outweigh them. It is important to understand that technology is only a tool that can help enhance experiences for educators and students alike. Achieving better educational outcomes requires a collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and industry leaders. Nevertheless, with the right strategies and investments, technology can pave the way to a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for the education sector. $7BN The expected expenditure on edtech in the Middle East by 2027 Source: ReportLinker24 edge_september 2023 feature The rise of AI professors How the synergy between human and AI can redefine teaching and learning experiences AI By Arya DeviBy Arya Deviedge_september 2023 25 feature A new professor joined Harvard University and that became headlines. Why? The new joinee was an AI professor. Harvard announced that its coding class will be taught by an AI chatbot instead of a human instructor starting this September. The university revealed that the bot will help students by spotting mistakes, responding to questions, and giving helpful criticisms. Harvard believes that providing students with round-the-clock access to software-based resources will enable them to learn more effectively at their own pace and in their preferred style. They expect to eventually achieve a teacher-student ratio that is close to 1:1. This is the main highlight of the initiative. The use of AI in education has the potential to revolutionise the learning experience, making it more accessible, personalised, and dynamic. This shift marks a significant stride towards personalised education, raising intriguing questions about the role of AI in shaping the future of learning. With the advent of technology, AI tutors are trained to guide students towards answers, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, rather than providing them with direct answers. The approach is believed to not only empower students to tackle challenges independently but also provides a continuous learning curve. AI professor with human supervision An AI professor might also have more raw research knowledge than a regular lecturer. This will aid professors to focus on fine- tuning teaching experience rather than teaching basics. “AI integration can speed up code evaluation, giving human instructors more time to improve individual student interactions, similar to an apprenticeship approach that boosts tutoring effectiveness,” said Dr Jassim Haji, President of Artificial Intelligence Group. To fully harness the potential of AI in education, educators must adopt strategic approaches that balance technological innovation with the human touch. While there are fears that innovations such as AI could displace jobs, it’s important to understand that this technology should be viewed as an augmenting tool that complements the role of human teachers rather than replacing them. Proper teacher training is vital to ensure educators can effectively integrate AI into their 26 edge_september 2023 feature teaching methods and leverage its capabilities. One of the compelling applications of tech in education lies in data analytics. By utilising AI-generated analyses, teachers can gain deeper insights into students’ progress, identifying areas where additional support is needed. This data-driven approach enables targeted one-on-one mentoring, allowing educators to address individual challenges and provide timely interventions. Moreover, AI’s efficiency in assessing and grading assignments can free up valuable time for teachers to focus on fostering meaningful interactions with their students. With AI grading papers, the question of favouritism can be detached entirely. But there are still concerns about ethics. Addressing AI bias One of the key concerns of many while utilising generative AI is the reason of it being biased to a certain extent. This bias comes with the training data that was programmed into the model which resulted in the latent space being biased. AI bias is a deeply concerning issue that arises from the intersection of technology and social biases. Despite the promise of objectivity, AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate and amplify societal prejudices. This is why ethical considerations play a pivotal role in AI integration. Educational institutions must prioritise the elimination of biases within algorithms and data sets. Addressing AI bias requires employing a variety of methods, with a crucial approach being the broadening and assurance of inclusivity in training data. By including a wide range of perspectives, AI models are less likely to learn and propagate biases. Algorithmic fairness techniques also play a crucial role. Researchers are developing algorithms that explicitly aim to mitigate bias by re-weighting data or adjusting model parameters. These techniques strive to ensure that AI systems treat all individuals and groups fairly. Human oversight remains essential. Human reviewers can identify and rectify biased outputs, helping to fine-tune models and prevent discriminatory outcomes. In this case, it would be the professors who are overlooking the courses and fine-tuning education. However, it’s important to note that human reviewers themselves must undergo training to recognise and address biases. Transparent practices, informed consent, and robust data privacy safeguards are imperative to maintain trust among students, parents, and stakeholders. Balancing AI’s capabilities with ethical considerations ensures that its implementation aligns with educational values and objectives. “Data privacy and security are crucial due Ensuring trust and fairness Human oversight is imperative to overcome AI biasedge_september 2023 27 feature to the sensitive nature of student information. Institutions must establish clear protocols and encryption to safeguard data. Integrating AI in classrooms can help in building important 21 st century skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. However, educational institutions must promote equal access to AI resources, embrace AI’s supportive role, and invest in training and communication strategies to foster acceptance and understanding among stakeholders,” said Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Acting Chief Researcher, AI Cross- Center Unit, TII. Future of education With technology aiding in personalised, interactive and fun learning experiences, the future of education is poised to be dynamic. Professors who are equipped with real-time “Integrating AI in classrooms can help in building important 21 st century skills like critical thinking and problem- solving” - Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, TII assessment capabilities, will adapt instruction in response to individual progress. Beyond traditional classrooms, technology holds the potential to democratise education. Virtual instructors, subject matter experts, and translation aids can bridge geographical gaps. Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), will redefine experiential learning. Students can also learn with simulated environments and acquire practical skills with these technologies. “The learning landscape will turn interactive, through simulated environments, gaming elements and intelligent VR/AR technology assisted by AI. Students will receive instant feedback during experiential learning and AI will enhance the engagement, effectiveness, and customisation of the curriculum,” said Haji. Don’t be mistaken, technology will never replace human teachers, they will remain an indispensable component of the education ecosystem. This transition will be similar to how school libraries went from book-based to online, giving everyone the best of both worlds. Best of both worlds AI will not replace human educators but their presence can make learning environments more dynamic28 edge_september 2023 opopiopinionionn W hen we think of cybersecurity and cyber-attacks, schools and education aren’t typically the first sectors that come to mind. In popular consciousness, we tend to imagine sophisticated, large-scale incidents against governments or financial institutions. But around the world, the reality is that the education sector remains a common and growing target for cyber-attacks. Globally, the education sector saw a continued rise in cyber-attacks last year compared to 2021. In the UK, this involved 62 percent of higher education institutions ‘experiencing breaches or attacks at least weekly’, and 71 percent experiencing detrimental outcomes such ass loss of funds data. The Middle East is by no means immune. In a high-profile attach last year, the Dubai-based GEMS education group — with 40 schools in the UAE and more throughout the region — experienced a system wide hack that involved crucial files being deleted. In this incident, police responses and new measures, including recovery protocols, were able to mitigate the damage. As with the global trends, these were largely prompted by education migrating online By Genie Sugene Gan Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy, APJ & META, Kaspersky Back to school: Cybersecurity in education in the Middle East In the digital age, the education sector faces mounting cyber threats, underscoring the need for government engagement, awareness, and technology for safer learning CYBERSECURITY opinion during the Covid-19 pandemic. By mid-2021, organisations in education and research sectors saw thousands of attacks per week — around a quarter more than the pre-pandemic levels. We can and must do more to protect our education systems from cyber-attacks — not least because children need and deserve our protection across the board. Governments have taken bold measures to help turn the tide, particularly through robust systems to provide quick responses to all manner of incidents. This is maintained through a growing series of cybersecurity controls and protocols that kick into action when an attack is identified and reported. These measures will remain at the heart of cybersecurity responses, and are the absolute essential ingredient. But there is more that we — in cybersecurity fields, the education sector, or simply as society — can do to advance a more secure environment for our schools. The first is a series of solutions that builds of these core cybersecurity controls and measures into an expanded framework consisting of Policies, Education, and Technology: Policies: On the policy front, this involves edge_september 2023 29 opinion bringing a specific focus on the education sector in order to raise the attention and measures in place for all institutions being affected. Given the rise in attacks against our children’s educational institutions, and the need to protect our youth as a vulnerable aspect of society, this would involve governments creating dedicated policies for the sector — much like how finance, oil and gas, or defence have specific areas of attention. Education:The second aspect of this framework is educating all those involved throughout the sector. This begins with policymakers on both the education front and cybersecurity fields, in order to maximise awareness of the challenges and possible responses in a fully codified manner. These educational efforts go all the way down to students and parents themselves. Anyone using connected devices must be aware of the risks and security requirements. Crucially, this extends to the area of cyberbullying, which continues to be a rising issue as more and more youth spend time online and using social media sites. In the UAE, 32 percent of children have come across cyberbullying, and it is a primary concern for more than half of parents. School curricular should reflect this reality, covering practical education on cyberthreats and cyber hygiene for our children. Addressing these issues at an early stage will not only help reduce children’s negative experiences online — it will also contribute to safer systems for schools on an institutional level. Similarly, education involves ensuring full understandings by the administrators and decision-makers at institutional and organisational levels, to ensure that the latest international practices are being adopted across all potentially vulnerable areas. Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving environment due to the fact that bad actors are always looking for new technologies and gaps to exploit. It requires permanent vigilance, threat assessment, and system upgrades to stay one step ahead. Technology: As a result of this changing landscape and need to adapt, there is also a technological component to bolstering education sector cybersecurity. We can look at robust and dedicated Security Operations Centres for the education sector specifically. These centres are crucial to help prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. We can also look at more simplified or localised tools and technologies to be rolled out to school students and parents, in order to help ensure proper adoption and implementation of measures. In looking at this type of framework for the education sector, there is a lot of opportunity for public private partnerships in building out best practices and new localised programs on national and organisational levels. At Kaspersky, we have a range of initiatives that we have invested in adapting for the Middle East region to be as effective and wide-reaching as possible. This includes content and resources for children specifically, such as our Arabic version storybooks and activations to help children understand threats and best practices. There is always a need to have these kind of resources as localised and relevant as possible, and partnerships with local policymakers and institutions across the sector will be an important step. “We can and must do more to protect our education systems from cyber-attacks — not least because children need and deserve our protection across the board” Policies, education, and technology The three key pillars for building an effective cybersecurity frameworkNext >