Insight: Machine learning - Education Technology

Despite becoming an increasingly common phrase, there is still some confusion around machine learning (ML) and how it relates to artificial intelligence (AI). Key to machine learning is data; algorithms are designed to learn from this data and then make a determination or prediction about the subject. In machine learning, computers don't have to be programmed to complete tasks, it's about getting them to actually acquire knowledge. Machine learning is a subset of the much broader world of artificial intelligence, however, AI is more focused on developing a machine that can do something that only a human would normally be able to do. In the field of education, there are many opportunities for machine learning to make an impact. However, there are also concerns that need to be addressed, not least the vast amounts of data that have to be stored and analysed in order to create effective machine learning algorithms.