Here are my slides on the topic of generative AI in education, that were included in the Future of Physiotherapy Education panel discussion at the IFOMPT conference (04 July 2024). Other panellists covered different aspects of the session, which are not included here. The notes below cover pretty much everything in the short slide deck.
Summary
AI in physiotherapy education is transforming traditional approaches towards more humanistic, complex care. Current AI capabilities include personalised learning, virtual simulations, and intelligent tutoring. Risks involve potential loss of critical thinking, oversimplification, and ethical concerns. Strategies for integration include developing AI literacy, enhancing existing methods with AI, establishing ethical guidelines, focusing on adaptability, and fostering dialogue between educators and AI developers. The aim is to leverage AI’s benefits while addressing challenges in physiotherapy education.
Transforming physiotherapy education
- Moving away from traditional approaches like clinician-centred assessment and patho-anatomical reasoning.
- Shifting towards humanistic dimensions, emphasising safety, comfort, efficiency, positive communication, collaboration, and person-centred care.
- Using AI to support this transition through AI-generated simulations, adaptive learning content, and formative feedback.
Existing AI capabilities in education
- Personalised learning experiences
- Virtual simulations and case studies
- Automated assessment and feedback
- Enhanced access to up-to-date research
- Intelligent tutoring systems
Risks associated with AI in education
- Potential loss of critical thinking skills
- Over-simplification of complex topics
- Widening gap between education and clinical practice
- Ethical concerns in assessment and academic integrity
Strategies for integrating AI in physiotherapy education
- Incorporating AI literacy into curricula
- Using AI to enhance existing teaching methods
- Developing ethics guidelines for AI use
- Focusing on adaptability and critical thinking skills
- Promoting dialogue between educators and AI developers