  Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have sparked renewed interest
in its potential to improve education. However, AI is a loose umbrella term
that refers to a collection of methods, capabilities, and limitations-many of
which are often not explicitly articulated by researchers, education technology
companies, or other AI developers. In this paper, we seek to clarify what "AI"
is and the potential it holds to both advance and hamper educational
opportunities that may improve the human condition. We offer a basic
introduction to different methods and philosophies underpinning AI, discuss
recent advances, explore applications to education, and highlight key
limitations and risks. We conclude with a set of questions that educationalists
may ask as they encounter AI in their research and practice. Our hope is to
make often jargon-laden terms and concepts accessible, so that all are equipped
to understand, interrogate, and ultimately shape the development of human
centered AI in education.
