Cited by 357Artificial Intelligence in EducationArtificial Intelligence in Healthcare and EducationEducational Technology and Pedagogy

Generative artificial intelligence empowers educational reform: current status, issues, and prospects

Open access
Yu, Hao, Guo, Yunyun·2023·Frontiers in Education

Abstract

The emergence of Chat GPT has once again sparked a wave of information revolution in generative artificial intelligence. This article provides a detailed overview of the development and technical support of generative artificial intelligence. It conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application of generative artificial intelligence in the field of education, and identifies problems in four aspects: opacity and unexplainability, data privacy and security, personalization and fairness, and effectiveness and reliability. Corresponding solutions are proposed, such as developing explainable and fair algorithms, upgrading encryption technology, and formulating relevant laws and regulations to protect data, as well as improving the quality and quantity of datasets. The article also looks ahead to the future development trends of generative artificial intelligence in education from four perspectives: personalized education, intelligent teaching, collaborative education, and virtual teaching. The aim of the study is to provide important reference value for research and practice in this field.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This opinion piece reviews generative AI’s development, technical foundations, and current educational applications, then identifies four major problem areas and proposes corresponding solutions. It also outlines future trends in personalized, intelligent, collaborative, and virtual education.

Key findings

  • The paper identifies four issues for generative AI in education: opacity and inexplicability, data privacy and security, personalization and fairness, and effectiveness and reliability.
  • Proposed responses include developing explainable and fair algorithms, upgrading encryption technology, formulating relevant laws and regulations to protect data, and improving the quality and quantity of datasets.
  • It highlights current educational applications such as Duolingo, Squirrel AI, Mathway, Grammarly, Coursera, Knewton’s Adaptive Learning Platform, Turnitin, Yixue Education’s intelligent tutoring system, and VIPKID’s intelligent speech teaching system; Duolingo is described as having “tens of millions of users worldwide.”
  • Future development is projected across four perspectives: personalized education, intelligent teaching, collaborative education, and virtual teaching.

Methods

  • The article is an opinion piece that uses “macro-level logic analysis as the methodological foundation” to discuss viewpoints and issues.
  • It reviews the development history and technical support of generative AI, analyzes current educational applications, identifies problems, proposes solutions, and looks ahead to future trends.
  • No empirical sample, dataset, or formal quantitative analysis is described.

Limitations

  • Stated by the paper: it may only cover current generative AI technologies and application cases, without involving possible future technologies and scenarios; proposed countermeasures may have implementation difficulties; technological prospects may be based only on current technology and application scenarios; and it may not fully consider social and cultural factors affecting use in education.
  • Evident from the text: as an opinion piece using macro-level logic analysis, it does not provide systematic review procedures, empirical testing, or evaluated outcomes for the applications and solutions discussed.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3389/feduc.2023.1183162

Cites

40 of 40 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 29 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Interpretationreasoning

    Many educational applications based on generative AI technology have emerged.

    “Currently, with the popularity of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets and the development of network technology, many educational applications based on generative AI technology have emerged.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Interpretationreasoning

    Educational applications based on generative AI technology have become important auxiliary tools for modern students' learning.

    “Therefore, educational applications based on generative AI technology have become important auxiliary tools for modern students' learning, bringing many conveniences and opportunities to their learning.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Interpretationown data

    Data privacy and security are problems in the current application of generative AI in education.

    “It conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application of generative artificial intelligence in the field of education, and identifies problems in four aspects: opacity and unexplainability, data privacy and security, personalization and fairness, and effectiveness and reliability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Premisecitation

    Intelligent teaching systems can automatically adjust the difficulty and content of the course based on the student's learning performance and level.

    “The system can automatically adjust the difficulty and content of the course based on the student's learning performance and level, providing learning tasks and exercises that are suitable for the student (Khosravi et al., 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Khosravi et al., 2022 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Interpretationnone given

    Opacity and unexplainability are problems in the current application of generative AI in education.

    “It conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application of generative artificial intelligence in the field of education, and identifies problems in four aspects: opacity and unexplainability, data privacy and security, personalization and fairness, and effectiveness and reliability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 17
  • May combine two claims. 11
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    There has been growing research interest in the application of generative AI in education, especially since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022.

    “In recent years, there has been a growing research interest in the application of generative artificial intelligence in the field of education, especially since the release of Chat GPT in November 2022, which brought the concept of generative AI to the public attention and sparked increasing interest in its potential impact on education.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Stokel-Walker, 2022 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Terwiesch, 2023

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Zhai, 2022

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Duolingo users can learn multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, and Chinese.

    “Users can learn multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, and Chinese.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lim et al., 2022

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Personalization and fairness are problems in the current application of generative AI in education.

    “It conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application of generative artificial intelligence in the field of education, and identifies problems in four aspects: opacity and unexplainability, data privacy and security, personalization and fairness, and effectiveness and reliability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The application of generative AI in the field of education is increasing.

    “With the development of technology, the application of generative AI in the field of education is increasing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Effectiveness and reliability are problems in the current application of generative AI in education.

    “It conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application of generative artificial intelligence in the field of education, and identifies problems in four aspects: opacity and unexplainability, data privacy and security, personalization and fairness, and effectiveness and reliability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Duolingo includes various grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, and reading comprehension exercises.

    “The application includes various grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, and reading comprehension exercises, and users can improve their language skills by completing these exercises.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lim et al., 2022

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Duolingo's core concept is to turn language learning into a game.

    “The core concept of Duolingo is to turn language learning into a game, helping users to learn new languages easily and happily through interactive learning methods (Lim et al., 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lim et al., 2022

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Duolingo provides personalized learning plans and real-time feedback.

    “In addition, Duolingo also provides personalized learning plans and real-time feedback to help users better understand their learning progress and problems, and provide corresponding advice and support.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lim et al., 2022

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Duolingo is a free language learning application based on generative AI technology.

    “Taking Duolingo as an example, this is a free language learning application based on generative AI technology.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lim et al., 2022

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Generative AI may disrupt some educational practices while also supporting them.

    “These two perspectives highlight the inherent contradictions of generative AI and its role in education; it may disrupt some educational practices while also supporting them.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Intelligent homework grading can automatically detect various types of student homework, including multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, short answer questions, and essay questions.

    “The system can automatically detect various types of student homework, including multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, short answer questions, and essay questions, achieving efficient, accurate and fair homework grading.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Yixue Education's intelligent tutoring system is based on artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology.

    “For example, Yixue Education's intelligent tutoring system is based on artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology, which analyses students' learning situations and performances to generate personalized tutoring content and strategies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ouyang and Jiao, 2021 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisereasoning

    Intelligent homework grading can provide teachers with more efficient and accurate homework management tools.

    “Furthermore, the system can also provide teachers with more efficient and accurate homework management tools, saving a lot of time and energy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Intelligent homework grading automatically analyses students' homework, judges its correctness and errors, and provides corresponding scores and suggestions.

    “Intelligent homework grading automatically analyses students' homework, judges its correctness and errors, and provides corresponding scores and suggestions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    Intelligent homework grading can establish corresponding knowledge bases and algorithm models through learning and analyzing historical data to judge whether students' answers are correct.

    “Specifically, the system can establish corresponding knowledge bases and algorithm models through learning and analyzing historical data, judge whether students' answers are correct, and provide corresponding scores and suggestions to help students improve their homework.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The Knewton platform can improve students' learning efficiency and effectiveness.

    “Through this personalized teaching method, the Knewton platform can improve students' learning efficiency and effectiveness, making teaching more flexible and efficient.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Intelligent homework grading can provide real-time evaluation and feedback.

    “In addition, intelligent homework grading can also provide real-time evaluation and feedback, allowing students to timely understand their learning situation and progress.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Generative AI has a wide range of applications in education, but there are also some issues that need to be addressed.

    “In conclusion, generative AI has a wide range of applications in education, but there are also some issues that need to be addressed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Generative AI requires a large amount of data to train its models, which may contain sensitive information such as personal identity information and academic records.
    • Rests on an assumption: Personalized learning data for students is usually provided by schools or institutions, so students have difficulty controlling their own data and understanding how it is used and shared, which may lead to concerns and mistrust regarding personal privacy.
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Due to the complexity of generative AI models, it is difficult to explain their decision-making process and the basis for generated results, which makes it hard for students to understand why they get a particular answer and how to improve their mistakes.

    “Due to the complexity of generative AI models, it is difficult to explain the decision-making process and the basis for generated results, which makes it hard for students to understand why they get a particular answer and how to improve their mistakes (Laupichler et al., 2022).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Laupichler et al., 2022 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The application of generative AI in education can assist teachers in better understanding students' learning situations and needs, thus achieving personalized education and improving the quality of education and teaching.

    “In summary, the application of generative AI in the field of education can assist teachers in better understanding students' learning situations and needs, thus achieving personalized education and improving the quality of education and teaching.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    If generative AI educational programs provide more transparent and interpretable decision-making processes and generated results, students will be more likely to understand and accept the teaching content, thus improving learning effectiveness.

    “If the program can provide more transparent and interpretable decision-making processes and generated results, students will be more likely to understand and accept its teaching content, thus improving learning effectiveness (Arcaute et al., 2023).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Arcaute et al., 2023

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    VIPKID's intelligent speech teaching system can improve students' oral expression ability and learning effectiveness, providing better learning experience and support for students.

    “Through this intelligent speech interaction method, VIPKID's intelligent speech teaching system can improve students' oral expression ability and learning effectiveness, providing better learning experience and support for students (Castelli and Manzoni, 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Castelli and Manzoni, 2022

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    If a student comes from a poor family, they may not have the opportunity to use high-quality learning tools and resources, which may lead to their learning achievements being inferior to those of other students.

    “For example, if a student comes from a poor family, they may not have the opportunity to use high-quality learning tools and resources, which may lead to their learning achievements being inferior to those of other students.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
23 of 23
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Generative AI requires a large amount of data to train its models, which may contain sensitive information such as personal identity information and academic records.

    “Generative AI requires a large amount of data to train its models, which may contain sensitive information such as personal identity information and academic records.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Personalized learning data for students is usually provided by schools or institutions, so students have difficulty controlling their own data and understanding how it is used and shared, which may lead to concerns and mistrust regarding personal privacy.

    “In addition, since personalized learning data for students is usually provided by schools or institutions, students have difficulty controlling their own data and understanding how it is being used and shared, which may also lead to concerns and mistrust regarding personal privacy.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The rise of generative AI has sparked panic due to sensationalist articles and swift bans by some educational institutions and organizations.

    “The rise of generative AI has sparked panic due to sensationalist articles and swift bans by some educational institutions and organizations.”
3 of 3

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Correction suggestion described as both incorrect and correct

    Minor

    The same example says the program may give an incorrect correction suggestion, then says the student may not understand why that suggestion is correct.

1 of 1

Cites

1 retracted

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Terwiesch, 2023, Would Chat GPT3 get a Wharton MBA? A prediction based on its performance in the operations management.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Yu, H., & Guo, Y.
Affiliations
  • Shaanxi Normal University (CN)
  • Northwest University (CN)
Corresponding author
Yu, Hao
ORCID
Yu, Hao
Venue
Frontiers in Education
Published
2023-06-01
Volume
8
ISSN
2504-284X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4379054888
Cited by
357
References
40
Citations by year
2026: 82 · 2025: 145 · 2024: 105 · 2023: 25
FWCI
83.80
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Frontiers in Education (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Health Informatics › Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Educational Technology and Pedagogy
Keywords
generative AI, ChatGPT, educational reform, artificial intelligence in education, explainable AI, algorithmic fairness, data privacy and security, encryption technology, AI regulation, dataset quality, personalized education, intelligent teaching, collaborative education, virtual teaching

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