The Emergence of AI Agents
In this context, the term "agent" distinguishes between utilizing a tool for self-directed tasks and delegating tasks to an entity. For instance, when faced with a mathematics problem, the tool-based approach involves using a search engine to find solutions, requiring you to sift through the information. Conversely, the agent-based approach allows you to request the solution directly. The more the AI agent understands your identity, knowledge, and learning preferences, the more intuitive the interaction becomes, transforming it from a mere tool into an engaging entity.
Bill Salak, Chief Technical Officer at Brainly, anticipates that by 2025, AI agents will be capable of handling intricate tasks based on straightforward user commands. “Rather than navigating various platforms, users will articulate their objectives to an agent, which will operate on their behalf, consolidating data, making informed decisions, and executing actions seamlessly. This shift will revolutionize our online experiences, emphasizing efficiency and personalization. Websites designed for human engagement will evolve into APIs tailored for agents to leverage the underlying business capabilities.”
Brad Barton, the Chief Technology Officer at YouScience, agrees that as artificial intelligence evolves, it is quickly becoming a preferred resource for students due to its interactive and tailored support. He anticipates a growing integration of AI into educational settings, including classrooms, tutoring services, and learning applications, as educators recognize the value of this engaging learning tool.
Jack Lynch, the CEO of HMH, shares a similar perspective, highlighting the expanding role of AI agents in K-12 education. He predicts that in the upcoming year, significant advancements will be made in leveraging technology, especially Generative AI, to alleviate teachers' workloads. This shift will allow educators to concentrate on their core strengths: directly engaging with students and nurturing the essential relationships that contribute to student development and success.
The interactive and personalized nature of AI enhances the learning experience for students, mimicking the dynamic between a teacher and a student. An effective AI agent functions like a skilled educator, responding to inquiries while considering the student's existing knowledge base, thereby providing answers that facilitate comprehension. This may involve posing a follow-up question or addressing a different issue that clarifies the confusion behind the initial query.
AI Agents in Education and Beyond
The responsibilities of AI agents will extend beyond those of traditional teachers. Bill Salak notes that “AI agents will assume various tasks typically performed by human staff, ranging from administrative duties to more intricate analytical functions. This shift will lead to a comprehensive redefinition of human contributions” within the educational landscape. Consequently, humans will need to concentrate on distinctive skills such as creativity, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, with roles increasingly focused on overseeing, collaborating with, or enhancing the capabilities of AI agents.
Jay Patel, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Webex Customer Experience Solutions at Cisco, asserts that AI Agents are set to become ubiquitous. Their influence will extend beyond transforming the educational landscape for both students and educators, significantly affecting various sectors. He emphasizes that these AI models, including smaller language models, possess the sophistication to function on individual devices, allowing users to benefit from highly personalized virtual assistants. As a result, these agents will operate more efficiently, catering to individual preferences and appearing more intelligent.
Patel anticipates that the AI agents adopted will reflect the unique values, personalities, and missions of their organizations. This alignment will facilitate interactions that resonate deeply with the brand, creating a positive feedback loop where AI engagements feel informed and purposeful, rather than resembling interactions with an untrained novice.
Looking AI Agents In The Eye
To unlock the full potential of AI agents, it is essential that user interactions feel intuitive. Natural, conversational exchanges will be crucial, along with the agent's ability to grasp the context of inquiries.
Hassaan Raza, CEO of Tavus, believes that incorporating a "human layer" is vital for AI agents to excel as educators. These agents must be relatable and capable of engaging with students in a way that demonstrates not only expertise in their subject matter but also empathy. A comprehensive interface for these agents should include video capabilities, enabling students to engage with the AI in a more personal manner.
Tavus showcased a successful example of such an interface with the launch of a digital Santa Claus last December. Within a few weeks, over one million people interacted with the digital Santa, expressing their desire to be included on the nice list. Tavus has discovered that providing the right type of human-like interface significantly enhances the quality of interactions people have with AI.
The transition to collaborating with distributed teams in video settings has significantly contributed to this development. Once we adapt to engaging with teachers or students we have not met face-to-face through video, it becomes considerably easier to interact with AI agents, particularly when these agents possess a strong video presence.
The achievements of AI companions serve as another illustration of the possibilities that exist. Although the primary aim of these companies has not been to create supportive study partners, the potential for such applications is substantial and highlights alternative pathways for the evolution of AI agents.
AI Agents Will Become Ubiquitous
The prospects for AI agents in education are considerable. As Anurag Dhingra, SVP & GM of Cisco Collaboration, noted, “You’re going to wake up one day in 2025 and realize you’ve been using Generative AI all along. Whether you’re at work, at school, at home, when you’re on vacation, or just using your phone – AI will subtly work its way into nearly everything we do.”
AI will integrate into our daily lives primarily through AI agents. As we become more accustomed to utilizing them, organizations will increasingly embrace their deployment across all facets of their operations. This trend will be especially pronounced in education, where a long-standing push for personalization has already established a solid foundation. Anticipate that AI agents will influence every dimension of education by 2025.