- AI integration in education for rural areas can improve student retention and academic performance to prevent population decline.
- AI tools can provide access to educational resources for remote regions, personalized learning pathways, and help bridge gender gaps in employment and economic participation.
- Ethical and safety risks, such as bias in algorithms, data privacy breaches, and increased strain on public services need to be addressed for safe and sustainable AI deployment in rural education.
Brussels, 18/04/24. Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the promise to transform educational services in regions grappling with population decline, a challenge that often stems from financial limitations and a shortage of technological expertise and infrastructure.
A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that approximately 40% of remote regions are currently experiencing a decline in population, a trend that is projected to persist due to aging populations and the exodus of young people to urban areas (OECD Regional Outlook 2023). However, this can change with the introduction of AI, both to improve student retention and academic performance, and to improve the productivity of regions through the integration of digital skills for workers.
It is important for administrators, local decision makers and teachers to know the potential of AI in villages. Contrary to general thinking, it can help create jobs and encourage rural entrepreneurship.
A recent study conducted by Inspired Education Group revealed that students utilizing an AI platform to establish personalized learning pathways experienced an average performance improvement of 8.12 percentage points. AI can make virtual classrooms, online courses, and interactive learning platforms accessible from remote regions. AI tools can also be designed to work offline and allow rural students and teachers to always have access to educational resources. This implies a guarantee of quality education for all remote areas, while maintaining a safety net for young people willing to dream. Now with technology and AI they will have a companion to help them in their development in a personalized way.
In addition to the potential benefits of primary and secondary schools, the integration of AI in rural areas can also benefit adult education initiatives. Now, more and more researchers are supporting the idea that AI can be a valuable tool in enhancing education and skills training for rural populations, including adult learners and women in rural areas. In the same way, through digital literacy and access to modern resources, rural populations will be kept abreast of the latest digital transformations. AI can play a significant role in teaching new skills to rural workers, increasing their labor opportunities and enhancing their employability in job markets. Furthermore, AI can be particularly beneficial for empowering women
