DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE INEVITABLE PARADIGM SHIFT
As traditional approaches to education are reshaped by digital technology, generative artificial intelligence is now at the center of this transformation
While digitization and digital transformation enable the development of over-the-horizon visions in many areas, including education, it is a critical process that increases the performance of individuals in the processes that shape our daily lives. While these processes have gained great momentum with technologies that typically provide one-way or semi-static interaction, they have triggered an important paradigm shift with technologies that enable two-way communication and interaction, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Therefore, while traditional educational approaches are being reshaped by digital technology, today generative artificial intelligence is at the center of this transformation. Capable of processing, producing and interpreting human language, these technologies offer marginal as well as innovative opportunities at every stage of education.
GENERATIVE AI AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Unlike traditional information processing processes, generative artificial intelligence stands out for its ability to not only analyze information, but to synthesize and produce it using the resources at its disposal. Generative AI models can create new content by mimicking the processes that humans use, rethinking many aspects of education. This technology can influence not only how students access information, but also how they design and use it.
However, for the digital transformation in education to be effective, the mere existence of technology is not enough; the meaningful and strategic use of that technology is important. The conscious use of technology by teachers and students can be possible with digital literacy skills on the human-AI axis, and even with AI literacy skills, given the capabilities of generative AI. This is where AI literacy emerges as a new core skill in education.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY
AI literacy involves individuals understanding AI, using it effectively, and questioning its ethical dimensions. In this context, new skills such as prompt engineering are becoming critical. Prompt engineering requires the ability to prompt correctly and effectively in order to get the best results from generative AI. These skills enable individuals not only to use technology but also to enable it to make meaningful contributions to processes.
At this point, the 3wAI Generative AI Literacy Framework, an approach that answers fundamental questions such as “What Should I Know?”, “How Should I Use It?”, and “Why Does It Matter?”, provides an effective model for understanding and developing AI literacy. This framework includes understanding the basic characteristics of AI in the knowledge dimension (What Should I Know?), using this technology effectively in the application dimension (How Should I Use It?), and interrogating the ethical dimension with a critical perspective (Why Does It Matter?). In this way, individuals can be empowered to use artificial intelligence consciously, responsibly, and creatively.
AN EXCITING FUTURE: OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS
No technology is completely neutral, and every technology presents both risks and opportunities. Generative AI offers significant opportunities, especially regarding time and labor efficiency. However, unchecked integration of these technologies can raise ethical issues, privacy concerns, and the trivialization of human creativity. In a field like education, which shapes future generations, ignoring the opportunities offered by generative AI and ignoring the risks can have detrimental consequences in the long run.
Therefore, it is essential to take a proactive approach to technology integration and create strategic plans by thoroughly analyzing the risks. These strategies require comprehensive planning that includes not only tangible technologies (e.g., tools and infrastructure), but also intangible technologies (e.g., processes and approaches).
CONCLUSION
At this point, it is critical to invest in artificial intelligence technologies to create individuals and societies that not only consume knowledge, but also produce it. For the future of education, it is necessary to invest not only in hard technologies, but also in soft technologies and the processes that these technologies support. It is also clear that AI technologies will determine the global centers of power in the knowledge economy of the future. In this context, policymakers and educational leaders should develop strategies for effectively using these technologies and establish comprehensive policies at the national level.
These strategies should include not only the integration of existing technologies, but also the development of new technologies and their ethical management. In conclusion, generative artificial intelligence is creating a paradigm shift in education that offers both great opportunities and serious responsibilities. To maximize the potential of this technology, policies must be developed that restructure educational processes and enhance global competitiveness in the knowledge economy. This will be the cornerstone of an approach that will shape the individuals, societies, and economies of the future.