Teachers have effectively incorporated AI into various educational tasks like grading, lesson planning, and attendance monitoring. Despite this progress, there is still some hesitation surrounding AI integration in education. Several schools and districts have established formal AI guidelines and policies to assist educators in using this technology appropriately. However, complete AI adoption may not always be achieved even with these guidelines in place.
Representational image
Teachers have successfully integrated AI into many aspects of education, including grading, planning lessons, and even tracking attendance. However, there is still some apprehension. Many schools and districts have put in place formal AI guidelines and policies to help steer educators in the right direction, but it doesn’t always result in full AI adoption.
Pete Just, Executive Director of the Indiana CTO Council, discusses the intricacies of approaching AI in education, AI adoption strategies, and how to assuage the fear that comes with AI use in the classroom. Just recently presented on this topic at the spring CoSN conference.
When tech innovation is added to education, the adoption process can be swift or measured. AI, as amazing as it can be, seems to be taking a more measured trajectory in schools. Just mentions, "I thought we would follow a much more aggressive adoption curve because of the transformative nature of what generative AI brings to the table." He emphasizes the need to mitigate concerns surrounding AI adoption.
Many are waiting for the “right” way to use AI in the classroom to present itself. Shifting the mindset is crucial so that students can gain practical experience using AI as it will be a significant part of their future careers.
If a student uses AI for an assignment, is it considered cheating or plagiarism? Does it hinder critical thinking skills? Just states, "If you are not helping your students understand generative AI, how to utilize it effectively, and think critically about it, you are doing them a disservice." He emphasizes the importance of teaching students to use AI ethically and effectively.
Those who use AI effectively in the classroom see it as amplifying rather than cheating. AI can help bring students together academically by enhancing participation, idea crafting, and understanding gaps.
Administrators play a crucial role in promoting AI use in schools. Just highlights the importance of having conversations with stakeholders to gauge the community's feelings about AI adoption. Open communication can help guide decisions and support teachers in utilizing AI effectively.
AI has the potential to revolutionize education, but it requires the support of decision-makers to navigate its implementation successfully.
By entering your email you agree to our terms & conditions and privacy policy. You will be getting daily AI news in your inbox at 7 am your time to keep you ahead of the curve. Don't worry you can always unsubscribe.