Key Takeaways
- Educators are cautious about the use of AI in the classroom, citing concerns about accountability and the potential for students to rely too heavily on the technology.
- AI can be a valuable tool for generating ideas and exploring creative possibilities, but it is important for students to understand the limitations of the technology and to be held accountable for their work.
- Effective use of AI in education requires careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits, as well as clear communication with students about expectations and guidelines.
- Educators should prioritize teaching students to think critically and make informed decisions about their use of AI, rather than simply relying on the technology to do the work for them.
Introduction to AI in the Classroom
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom is a topic of ongoing debate among educators. While some see AI as a powerful tool for enhancing student learning, others are more cautious, citing concerns about the potential risks and limitations of the technology. Thomas Courtney, a sixth-grade teacher in San Diego, California, is one such educator. As he notes, "I’m introducing it to students, but I also feel it’s being introduced to me." Courtney’s approach to AI is characterized as "very careful," and he emphasizes the importance of holding students accountable for their use of the technology.
The Risks of Overreliance on AI
One of the primary concerns about the use of AI in the classroom is the potential for students to become too reliant on the technology. Courtney notes that some students are "OK with their work being fast and easy," but he believes that this approach can be detrimental to their learning. As he says, "I don’t think that’s a lesson I want students leaving my classroom with." Instead, Courtney emphasizes the importance of teaching students to think critically and make informed decisions about their use of AI. By requiring students to connect AI-generated work to the classroom through discussion or writing, Courtney hopes to help them understand that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human thought and effort.
The Importance of Human Connection
Courtney also emphasizes the importance of human connection in the learning process. As he notes, "Kids need to be around other humans… Friendships matter. There’s a physical thing that can’t be quantified by seeing your teacher’s lit-up face tell you that they’re proud of you, in person." This emphasis on human connection is a key aspect of Courtney’s approach to teaching, and he believes that it is essential for helping students develop a deeper understanding of the material. As he says, "The ultimate goal of education is that kids learn something they didn’t know before, and a tool doesn’t do that. A tool helps you get there… But it takes the teacher to guide that process, and I just don’t ever see an AI program doing that as effectively as a human in a classroom."
AI in High School
In addition to its use in elementary and middle school classrooms, AI is also being used in high school settings. York, a high school teacher in Maine, has used AI to help her students learn scriptwriting and produce a short video. However, she notes that the technology is not without its limitations. As she says, "All of the bodies were breathing… I needed to use three models to just get a dead body horizontal with an ax to its head." Despite these challenges, York believes that AI can be a valuable tool for enhancing student learning. As she notes, "AI has been a part of some computer programming for a long time… But then all of a sudden, these large language models came out, and I started seeing it in all my software. It is impossible to avoid."
The Future of AI in Education
As AI continues to evolve and improve, it is likely that its use in education will become even more widespread. York notes that "in five years, AI is going to look completely different, and… the babies being born today won’t know anything different." As such, it is essential for educators to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of AI and to develop strategies for effective use of the technology in the classroom. As York advises, "You want your students to be successful… and be prepared to go on their own in the real world. And we can’t not talk about things because we think they’re bad… Eventually, this is something they will have to face." By prioritizing careful consideration and critical thinking, educators can help students navigate the complexities of AI and develop the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly technologically driven world.
https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/how-ai-changing-way-you-teach