Unveiling Everyday Innovators: How AI is Shaping Lives in Education and Business
By: Saja Elshareif
Khalid: A Journey of Innovation Through AI
Welcome to Unveiling Everyday Innovators, a blog series that invites you to explore the heart of human experience. Together, one blog at a time, we’ll discover how lives are being transformed in unexpected ways at the intersection of technology and humanity. This series is about the individuals behind these changes—like my husband, Khalid—whose journey shows how AI can be intricately woven into our everyday lives, bringing both subtle and monumental shifts.
As we navigate an era of rapid technological advancements, the potential for AI to revolutionize education is clearer than ever. Khalid's educational and professional experiences, from Jordan to Chicago, offer a glimpse into this potential.
A Glimpse into Khalid's Educational Journey
Growing up in the '90s in Amman, Jordan, Khalid faced the challenges of an overcrowded classroom, with a single teacher managing as many as 45 students! Consequently, in Khalid's classrooms, students often had to independently navigate their learning journeys. With limited resources and traditional teaching methods relying on rote learning, teachers were stretched thin, and most students had shallow understanding of subjects.
In this environment, individualized attention was a luxury, and group projects and discussions were rare due to logistical challenges. Still, Khalid's determination to learn pushed him to seek knowledge beyond the classroom. He spent hours after school diving into subjects that sparked his curiosity, organized his own study schedules, and discovered strategies that worked for him. He also complemented these efforts with private lessons at specialized tutoring centers. Nonetheless, these efforts laid the foundation for his future endeavors and vision for a more personalized educational experience.
Bridging the Past with the Present
Fast forward to 2024, where Chicago’s skyline embodies limitless possibilities, alive with the energy of a city constantly reshaped by technology and innovation. In this dynamic environment, Khalid often reflects on what his early educational experience might have been like if AI had been available to create a more personalized learning journey. Interestingly, today, AI holds the potential to transform education in the same way Khalid took control of his own learning. By offering personalized learning paths, adaptive study materials, and instant feedback, AI replicates what Khalid did for himself—filling the gaps left by traditional, one-size-fits-all models. It empowers students to explore subjects at their own pace, mirroring his self-directed learning journey, but with enhanced support, accessibility, and customization that can democratize individualized attention for all learners.
Now, imagine AI crafting tailored learning pathways for each student in Khalid’s classroom, addressing their unique strengths and weaknesses. This approach could have enabled his teachers to identify areas for improvement, customize assignments, and continuously assess progress. In Jordan, where the education system offers two main tracks—the Academic Track, focused on theoretical knowledge, and the Vocational Track, emphasizing practical skills—Khalid sees incredible potential for AI to enhance both. By aligning education with individual needs and career opportunities, AI could bridge the gap between students' aspirations and the skills required to achieve them.
Building on this vision, AI has the potential to revolutionize education in Jordan. Adaptive learning platforms can cater to individual needs, while AI-powered tutoring systems provide real-time assistance and virtual labs for hands-on practice. Predictive analytics could help forecast exam results and job market trends, enabling early interventions and guiding students toward in-demand skills. AI can also streamline administrative processes like admissions and curriculum updates, ensuring alignment with industry needs. Additionally, AI can support teachers by automating routine tasks and offering tailored professional development, ultimately bridging the gap between education and employment through internships and continuous feedback. Finally, AI's inclusivity features can enhance accessibility, ensuring all students receive the support they need.
Khalid's Application of AI Today
Today, Khalid uses AI as a powerful tool to enhance various aspects of his business, from drafting emails to optimizing employee schedules. With a robust academic foundation, including a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting earned in Chicago, he also previously served as the Director of a Math Learning Center, where he developed strategies to enhance students' understanding of mathematical concepts. Achieving higher education and engaging with a highly individualized education center have profoundly shaped his perspective on learning, highlighting the importance of tailored learning experiences.
Khalid’s professional journey also includes owning an accounting firm and now serving as an IRS Revenue Officer. This diverse experience allows him to consider AI’s application in a broader context, encompassing both business operations and compliance matters. As a current restaurant owner, he actively employs AI for a myriad of tasks; such as: marketing, forecasting demand, managing inventory, and enhancing the dining experience. By utilizing tools to analyze customer preferences and behavior, he can implement targeted promotions and more effective marketing strategies.
While Khalid leverages AI to improve efficiency, he emphasizes that it is not a replacement for human experience and capability. Instead, he views AI as a vehicle for acceleration, enhancing knowledge and understanding while enabling him to focus on what truly matters—creating meaningful connections with his customers and employees. By streamlining the challenges that business owners often face, AI allows Khalid to harness his creativity and strategic thinking more effectively. He envisions an even broader role for AI in the future, such as real-time tracking of financials and restaurant reports, which would help him identify areas for improvement. By integrating AI into his operations, he believes he can enhance not just operational efficiency but also the overall human experience, fostering growth and satisfaction for all involved. His multifaceted experience in accounting, finance, and education informs his innovative approach to using AI, ultimately aiming to elevate his business operations and better serve his clients.
Conclusion: The Future of Education
As Khalid's wife and a second-generation American, I often marvel at the differences in our early educational experiences, yet this landscape continues to evolve far beyond what we experienced. Our oldest son just started third grade, and aside from adjusting to the drop-off procedures at the new school, we are amazed at how technologically integrated this year's curriculum is. (Wait, does screen time include the time spent on the iPad at school?) Diving into our childhood stories has made us think about the future and the integration of AI, and how it can reshape education and learning for the next generation.
In a world where technology continually reshapes our lives, the promise of AI in education presents remarkable opportunities for Jordan and beyond. Embracing AI integration can pave the way for brighter futures, equipping the next generation with the tools and skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape. As we think about our children and the generation to come, we can't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity about how AI will further enhance their capabilities. What innovations will they encounter, and how will these advancements shape their educational experiences and career paths? The future holds limitless possibilities, and we are eager to see how AI will empower our kids to reach their full potential.
Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for the next blog post, where we’ll explore another innovator’s experience and how AI is shaping their life.
This article was crafted by Saja Elshareif, an independent contributor engaged by CheckIT Labs, Inc. to provide insights on this topic.