Smart technology in the classroom: a systematic review.Prospects for algorithmic accountability

TL;DR

This systematic review examines the use of AI and smart technology in education, highlighting mixed effects on children and proposing a framework for accountability in this emerging field.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of AI applications in education, identifies research gaps, and introduces a framework for accountability in smart educational technologies.

Findings

Mixed positive and negative effects of wearables on children

Insufficient evidence on impact of smart tech on children's performance

Need for more research in AI, wearables, and accountability in education

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have emerged in the educational domain as a tool to make learning more efficient. Different applications for mastering particular skills, learning new languages, and tracking their progress are used by children. What is the impact on children from using this smart technology? We conducted a systematic review to understand the state of the art. We explored the literature in several sub-disciplines: wearables, child psychology, AI and education, school surveillance, and accountability. Our review identified the need for more research for each established topic. We managed to find both positive and negative effects of using wearables, but cannot conclude if smart technology use leads to lowering the young children's performance. Based on our insights we propose a framework to effectively identify accountability for smart technology in education.