The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs and education systems is becoming increasingly important as society adapts to technological advancements. With its potential to reshape traditional roles and educational practices, AI is driving conversations around how we can prepare for the future.
At the forefront of this exploration is Professor Yong Zhao from the University of Kansas, who recently published insights on the radical changes AI can bring to education. He emphasizes the need to rethink the structure of schools instead of merely integrating AI tools within existing frameworks.
Many current discussions about AI’s role in education focus on incorporating technology to support traditional teaching methods. According to Zhao, this approach underestimates AI’s revolutionary potential.
Professor Zhao suggests viewing AI not just as a tool for teachers, but as a catalyst for transforming educational practices altogether. He argues for adopting personalized learning models, leveraging AI to tailor educational experiences to each student's unique talents and interests.
The concept of personalized learning is gaining traction but has seen limited implementation. Zhao highlights the disconnect between awareness of these benefits and their actual incorporation within school settings, calling for educational systems to adjust their curricula significantly.
AI can facilitate project-based learning, allowing students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This shift changes the role of teachers from knowledge transmitters to coaches and mentors, guiding students through their learning journeys.
With traditional educational structures facing pressures to adapt, the integration of AI presents timely opportunities for reform. Zhao believes true transformation can arise from centering education around students' strengths rather than weaknesses.
The radical changes Zhao proposes include dismantling age-based class structures. This approach would enable learners to connect with others who share similar interests, creating more engaging and relevant learning environments.
Research suggests the traditional education system primarily prepares students for existing workforce roles. Yet, as AI reshapes the job market—eliminates some roles, and creates new ones—there is growing awareness of the need to equip students for future opportunities.
To this point, Zhao stresses the importance of nurturing innate talents and allowing students to explore career paths aligned with their interests. This kind of educational reform aims to empower learners to thrive, regardless of the evolving job market.
At the corporate level, companies like Mondelēz International are embracing AI as part of their workforce strategy. Their AI initiatives strive to improve efficiency and decision-making across various operational levels.
Meenakshi (Vora) Ghoge, senior director of data and analytics at Mondelēz, champions the integration of AI within the organization. She sees AI as pivotal for maximizing the potential of their data scientists and other employees.
Mondelēz’s AI Community of Practice encourages collaboration among its employees to explore AI capabilities. By creating learning opportunities and sharing knowledge, employees are empowered to innovate and improve analytical capabilities.
Ghoge emphasizes the value of experimentation, stating, "We need to build a mindset of quick test-and-learns." This practice nurtures resilience, allowing employees to learn from failures and improve on their approach.
One prominent project at Mondelēz is the implementation of the suggested order tool, which advises sellers on product quantities. This system mirrors successful recommender systems employed by companies like Amazon.
Among AI projects underway at Mondelēz, another focuses on optimizing pricing strategies using advanced machine learning models. This strategic use of AI not only enhances competitiveness but also drives profitability.
Beyond technical aspects, the human element remains central to Mondelēz’s transformation. Leaders like Ghoge strive to build skilled teams aligned with the company’s educational goals.
Notably, Tamer Ebied leads Mondelēz’s global AI Community of Practice, honing data scientists’ skills. He values the diverse backgrounds of his colleagues, believing this eclectic mix enhances collaborative problem-solving.
Ebied notes, "Unlike many of my peers, I do not have formal training in computer or data science," underlining the value of diverse experiences. This broad perspective helps bridge the gap between technical and strategic business decisions.
Ebied’s goals include ensuring Mondelēz is seen as an AI-native organization, moving beyond buzzwords to practical, impactful applications. This requires aligning AI projects with the company's existing skill sets and focusing on scalability.
With shared learning and expert guidance integral to the AI Community of Practice, employees are better positioned to flourish. Four core offerings—training programs, expert access, resource management, and community-building—underpin this initiative.
Lin Xin, another leader at Mondelēz, supports the deployment of advanced AI/ML cases throughout the organization. His work includes developing training programs and ensuring compliance with responsible AI principles.
By integrating good governance principles, projects avoid pitfalls and remain aligned with business goals. His team's collaborative approach helps tackle challenges such as data quality and model consistency across regions.
Both Zhao’s educational revolution and companies like Mondelēz reveal the transformative potential of AI. This technology can reshape not just learning environments, but also how businesses operate and deliver value.
Critics often cite the slow pace of change within educational systems as frustrating. Yet, Zhao’s research encourages dialogue about how radical reform can leverage AI for meaningful improvements.
Employers, and educational institutions alike, must acknowledge the necessity of evolving their practices. Supporting innovation within the workforce is key to staying current and competitive.
By capitalizing on AI's strengths, we can create responsive educational environments. Emphasizing unique talents and fostering collaborative learning will help shape the next generation of workers.
Both students and companies are poised to benefit immensely from these shifts, ushering in unprecedented opportunities for growth, creativity, and learning. The confluence of AI's capabilities with adaptive educational practices presents exciting horizons for everyone involved.
