Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education has ushered in a wave of excitement and uneasiness among educators and students alike. We must adapt rather than ban the usage of AI out of fear and misunderstanding.
According to survey data from Best Colleges, “22 percent of students admitted using ChatGPT to complete an assignment or exam.” Students aren’t the only people using AI; teachers are, too, with growing confidence.
Earlier this year, I shared why teachers need to help students understand AI's advantages and potential pitfalls. Teachers also need support to learn how they should use AI effectively.
Here are some considerations:
1. Acknowledge the Role of AI in Education
The first step is to acknowledge the presence and significance of AI. It’s a tool increasingly being incorporated into classrooms to enhance learning experiences, automate administrative tasks, and provide personalized feedback. During professional development, teachers should have the opportunity to share how they have used AI, why they have used it, and observations from when they used it. School administrators should also provide some guidance about best practices for teacher usage.
2. Stay Informed and Updated
AI is ever-evolving, so we must stay informed about new developments. FeedSpot created a list of 25 magazines focused on AI. Additionally, we should allocate some time for teachers to attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to learn best practices for using it.
3. Integrate AI Thoughtfully into Lesson Plans
Everyone has heard the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder.” Teachers should consider how AI could cut down their often overwhelming load.
One example of a tool I’ve used is Gamma. The teacher can put in a topic, and Gamma makes the slides and even adds graphics. Teachers could put information about a subject and present it the next day. (You still need to review the slides and add appropriate accommodations for their students.) AI can help automate tasks, but we should only use it in education if the created resources align with curriculum objectives and contribute positively to student outcomes.
4. Integrate Adaptive Learning Platforms
AI-driven adaptive learning platforms can adjust the difficulty of content based on individual student performance. They use algorithms to track a student's progress and modify the learning path to suit each student—ensuring that we challenge each student appropriately, preventing boredom or frustration, and promoting a more engaging learning experience. EdApp has identified a top ten list of such platforms.
5. Implement Restorative Practices
AI can help teachers with daily behavior management issues that take time and energy. Edutopa provided some ideas for teachers to consider, such as using AI to generate reflective questions for students to work through after a behavior incident. Behavior management still needs a human element for teachers to remedy a problem, but AI could help streamline the creation of restorative elements.
While AI can enhance educational experiences, it's crucial to maintain a balance between technology and human connection. Students should not feel that AI is running class and their teacher is not using their expertise and experience to teach their students.
By acknowledging the role of AI, staying informed, and integrating technology thoughtfully, educators can ensure that the AI revolution enhances rather than diminishes the educational experience for their students.
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