Types of artificial intelligence tools and systems and their functions

1. Introduction

The technological advancement of artificial intelligence and the increased availability of tools with various functionalities bring new professional demands to educational stakeholders in selecting and using technology responsibly.

In order to use artificial intelligence in a meaningful and sustainable way, it is necessary to clearly understand its technical aspects, as it is the technological features that determine its pedagogical capabilities. Different tools have different goals: some focus on content generation, others on personalisation of learning, some on data analysis, and others support administrative functions that make everyday tasks easier for teachers.

Classifying artificial intelligence tools and systems into categories allows for more systematic reflection:

• What technological functionality does an artificial intelligence tool or system provide, and which processes can it automate or improve (technical application)?
• How can the application of an artificial intelligence tool or system improve teaching and learning, especially regarding learning outcomes and student engagement (pedagogical application)?
• In which pedagogical contexts and teaching situations is the artificial intelligence tool most appropriate to achieve optimal educational value (application in an educational environment)?

This topic presents four key categories of artificial intelligence tools in the context of higher education:

1. Generative tools that create new educational content.
2. Adaptive tools that tailor learning to individual students.
3. Analytical tools that support teachers' decisions using data.
4. Administrative tools that automate organisational tasks.

Understanding the differences between these categories is key to critically selecting technologies that fit specific educational needs, learning outcomes, student profiles, and teaching contexts. This enables all educational stakeholders to make informed and responsible decisions about the application of digital technologies in education.

Note: Categories are named according to the functions of artificial intelligence systems and tools previously explained, but in a different context.