AI Fundamentals and Core Technology

Here you'll find definitions for the fundamental concepts, architectures, and processes that underpin modern AI systems.

A mathematical framework trained on data to make predictions or decisions. Educational AI models are trained on learning data, successful teaching strategies, and curriculum standards to provide personalized instruction and assessment.

The process of teaching AI systems to perform specific tasks using data and feedback. In education, this includes training models on curriculum standards, successful teaching strategies, and diverse student learning patterns.

Describes systems or tools that use artificial intelligence as their core technology. AI-powered educational tools go beyond simple automation to provide intelligent adaptation, prediction, and personalization based on data analysis.

A step-by-step procedure for solving problems or completing tasks. In education, algorithms determine how AI systems assess student work, recommend content, adapt difficulty levels, and predict learning outcomes.

Computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions. In education, AI transforms teaching through personalization, automation of routine tasks, and insights into student learning.

Using technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. In education, automation handles routine tasks like attendance, grading, scheduling, and progress reporting, freeing educators to focus on teaching.

AI systems that improve performance through experience without explicit programming. In education, machine learning algorithms learn from student interactions to better predict struggles, recommend resources, and personalize learning paths. Advanced forms like deep learning use layered neural networks to recognize complex patterns in student behavior and learning progressions.

The information used to teach AI systems how to perform tasks. Educational AI training data includes student work samples, curriculum standards, successful teaching strategies, and diverse learning patterns, requiring careful curation for quality and bias prevention.

Autonomous software programs that can perceive their environment, make decisions, and take actions to achieve specific goals without constant human intervention. In education, AI agents might automatically grade assignments, monitor student progress, create study guides, or alert teachers when students need help.

A computer program designed to simulate human conversation through text or voice. Educational chatbots can serve as 24/7 tutors, answer student questions, provide practice conversations for language learning, and offer immediate support when teachers aren't available.

A specific large language model developed by OpenAI that can engage in conversational dialogue. GPT stands for "Generative Pre-trained Transformer."

AI systems designed for natural, human-like dialogue that understands context and maintains conversation flow. In learning environments, conversational AI lets students ask questions in their own words and receive explanations that feel like talking with a patient tutor.

AI systems that create new content like text, images, or code based on learned patterns. In education, generative AI helps students brainstorm ideas, create first drafts, generate practice problems, and explore creative possibilities.

Large neural networks trained on enormous text datasets, capable of understanding and generating human-like text. LLMs power sophisticated educational AI that can explain complex concepts, answer questions, and engage in educational dialogue across subjects. ChatGPT, for example, is an LLM developed by OpenAI.

The branch of AI enabling computers to understand and generate human language. In education, NLP powers chatbots, automated essay scoring, and systems that understand student questions in natural language.

AI-powered software that helps users complete tasks through natural language interaction. Educational virtual assistants help students find resources, answer questions, manage schedules, and provide learning support like a digital teaching aide.