Navigating the New Normal of AI in Our Schools
Richard Culatta, CEO of the nonprofit International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) warns that if the education community sits on the sidelines as the technology is advancing and ethical concerns are navigated, it will be “the century’s biggest wasted opportunity.”
I agree wholeheartedly with the statement above. In fact, back in May 2023, I wrote “My Real Fear for AI in Education” is that while this cutting-edge technology may revolutionize the world, our education systems may not be able to keep up or, even worse, may not want to keep up.
In many schools, AI has begun to show promise in various areas, such as providing personalized feedback, assisting in lesson planning, and enhancing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). However, the adoption of AI comes with its share of challenges, mirroring those faced during the integration of social media, the internet, and even cell phones. As a result, some schools have been slow to embrace this groundbreaking technology.
Since its inception in the 1950s, AI has evolved significantly. The release of ChatGPT by OpenAI in late 2022 marked a significant leap, with its ability to comprehend and generate human-like text. ChatGPT's improvements in understanding and generating language have been remarkable, as evidenced by its performance on standardized tests like the SAT, GRE, and LSAT.
Despite the potential benefits, we must proceed with caution. AI is not a magic wand designed to solve all of our education ills. Early adoption without a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations can lead to missteps. Schools should be wary of the allure of new technologies and focus on understanding AI's potential to address specific educational needs.
The emergence of education-focused chatbots like Khanmigo from Khan Academy and Stretch AI from ISTE and ASCD is a testament to the growing interest in leveraging AI for educational purposes. These tools aim to support teachers and students in a more targeted and reliable manner.
Teachers who have experimented with AI tools like ChatGPT have reported significant time savings and enhanced lesson planning. For instance, a teacher was able to reduce the time taken to prepare for a Shakespeare play from 20-30 hours to just over an hour with the help of ChatGPT. I know there are many similar examples in just about every school.
However, these tools are not without their challenges. AI's reliance on vast amounts of data raises concerns about accuracy, bias, and privacy. Educators must learn to navigate these challenges while maximizing the benefits of AI.
Test-Driving AI in Education
Schools can provide their teachers with opportunities to explore AI tools in a structured, yet open-ended environment. This approach helps in alleviating apprehensions and fosters a better understanding of AI’s potential in education. Here are five recommendations for schools to try this semester:
Professional Development Workshops. Organize workshops focused on AI tools where educators can learn about AI applications in a controlled environment. These workshops should include hands-on sessions with AI tools, allowing teachers to experiment with features and explore potential use cases in their teaching. Our full and half day workshops seek to demystify AI in education, focusing on three core components—Ethics, Policy, and Instruction. These pillars do not stand alone; rather, they are interconnected aspects of a comprehensive approach to integrating AI in education.
AI Exploration Days. Designate specific days for educators to explore and play with AI tools. During these days, teachers can be encouraged to try out different AI applications, share their findings with colleagues, and brainstorm how these tools can be integrated into their curriculum.
Collaborative Learning Groups. Create small groups or learning communities among educators to explore AI together. These groups can meet regularly to discuss their experiences, share best practices, and support each other in integrating AI into their teaching methods. Our Introduction to AI in Education asynchronous course ($12.99) is perfect for PLC work centered around AI. This course is constantly being updated to account for all the new tools, uses, and features of AI.
Pilot Programs. Implement pilot programs in select classes where AI tools are used for specific tasks or projects. This approach allows for a more focused exploration of AI's capabilities and its impact on student learning outcomes. School leaders can ask for volunteers or lean on their most techie teachers who are usually the pace setters in the building.
Guest Speaker Sessions. Invite experts in AI and education technology to speak with educators. These sessions can provide valuable insights into the current state of AI in education, its future potential, and practical tips for classroom implementation. Contact us today if interested in having an Edvative team member meet with your administration, faculty, or School Board.
AI in education presents a landscape teeming with transformative possibilities alongside significant challenges. As educators and school leaders, we must approach AI with a balanced perspective, appreciating its potential to revolutionize teaching and learning while remaining vigilant about its limitations and ethical implications. Our journey through this new normal should be focused on enhancing educational experiences, ensuring equity, and preparing students for a future where AI is increasingly integral.
In this vein of continuous learning and adaptation, we invite you to join the Edvative Learning Professional Learning Community (PLC). This platform offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the topic of AI in education. By joining, you'll engage with a network of like-minded educators and leaders, sharing insights, experiences, and strategies for integrating AI into teaching and learning effectively. The Edvative Learning PLC is not just a forum for discussion; it's a space to collaborate, innovate, and grow professionally as we navigate these uncharted waters together.