Pars Today

Pars Today- Studies indicate that proliferation of developed artificial intelligence technologies in the West can promote unintentionally a kind of cultural and intellectual imperialism in the educational systems across the world.

In the digital age, artificial intelligence technologies are making rapid progress and are infiltrating in different parts of the world. These technologies have had deep impact on various sections, including high education. But, while these technologies have brought about a lot of innovative chances, they have created big challenges, too, which can lead to a sort of "digital neocolonialism". Pars Today has broached on some aspects of this issue.

Threats

One of the most important effects of artificial intelligence in education which can cause sensitivity is the dependence on developed technologies in the Western countries. This dependence creates a cycle of consumerism wherein educational institutes of the developing and under-developed countries turn into consumers of these technologies instead of innovation. The result of this situation will restrict the autonomy of these institutes and disable them in developing proper solutions for specific educational challenges. This scenario can result in the development of a technological prospect and create technological inequality among various regions.

On the other hand, the tools based on the AI which are used in education, have often been designed with the data which are mainly portraying Western and English-speaking environments. This prejudice can lead to production of monotonous and culturally limited educational content. The global usage of these systems has the risk of creating a "single approach for all" which cannot comply properly with the cultural, historical and social backgrounds of students in non-Western countries. This homogeneity of educational content will deprive educational experience from its local bond and richness and may cut students' link with native sciences.

Another aspect of digital neocolonialism via AI is cultural and intellectual imperialism. Proliferation of developed artificial intelligence technologies in the West can promote unintentionally a kind of cultural and intellectual imperialism in the educational systems across the world. Through prioritization of Western scientific methodologies and frameworks, these technologies might marginalize other epistemologies and educational traditions. This situation can lead to destruction of intellectual variety and erosion of identities.

In addition, unequal distribution of privileges of AI throughout the world is one of the important challenges. While AI has the potential to revolutionize education via personalization and efficiency, it is the institutes in rich parts of the world which have the financial ability, infrastructure and expertise needed for reception and combination of the latest AI innovations, hence to improve their educational results.

Conversely, the institutes in poorer regions may face with remarkable obstacles, including high costs, inadequate infrastructure and shortage of specialized force to execute and maintain AI technologies. These inequalities not only strengthen the already existing inequalities, but also they can broaden educational gap between developed and developing countries and lead to continuation of educational and economic poverty.

What should be done?

To counter these challenges, universities and research institutes should adopt various and prevalent approaches. Development of local AI technologies is of high importance. Investment in local research projects and creation of AI research centers can contribute to development of tools and systems which can properly meet the local needs. Besides, diversity of data and making sure that AI systems, which have been taught on a set of various data representing cultural, language and social fields, can contribute to reduction of prejudices and increase of universality and efficiency of these technologies in different fields.

Bolstering human control and ethical standards is also necessary. Protection of human control in development and settlement of AI technologies and creation of ethical frameworks in universities can help guarantee correct and responsible usage of these technologies. International cooperation and exchange of sciences should also be encouraged so that knowledge and expertise is shared justly and AI development enjoys various views and innovations.

Investment in education and training manpower is another important approach. Development of comprehensive educational programs in a bid to equip local researchers, teachers and students with the skills needed for AI development could decrease inequalities and make sure that these technologies will be developed and applied to the benefit of global communities.

Finally, universities and educational institutes should face with dual challenges of using AI technologies to improve education and confront digital neocolonial risks. Adopting a prevalent and responsible approach, one can make sure that AI technologies will be developed and used in a just and useful way for various global communities and will contribute to creation of a more just and prevalent global educational prospect.

Key phrases: What is artificial intelligence? risks of AI, AI in educational system, digital colonialism     

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