Leveraging artificial intelligence in education technology to support learning and teaching is not a novel concept. However, it is the latest evolution, encompassing features like chatbot tutoring, lesson planning, and feedback provision.
According to Michael Elsen-Rooney, a reporter at Chalkbeat New York, educators are increasingly contemplating the integration of AI into their classrooms. He notes that with this technology being widely available for over a year, the focus has shifted to responsible incorporation into teaching practices.
Beyond educators, students are also embracing AI. High school seniors Paige Rowell from Westlake High School in South Fulton, Georgia, and Aaron Ton from Mariner High School in Everett, Washington, utilize artificial intelligence to comprehend assignments and organize their thoughts. Ton acknowledges that AI implementation has intensified competition among students, expressing concerns about its uncontrollable nature.
3 questions about AI in schools
What are the sentiments of teachers regarding the increasing presence of AI in educational settings?
Michael Elsen-Rooney’s Perspective: “I believe there’s a prevailing sense of apprehension and uncertainty. When this technology initially surfaced, many teachers harbored numerous concerns about its potential transformation of the classroom. Instead of considering how to incorporate it, many were primarily focused on guarding against its possible adverse effects.
“Genuine concerns persist, particularly regarding students potentially overusing or misusing AI in tasks such as essay writing. Teachers are still navigating and grappling with these issues.
“While there are tools designed to identify whether something has been written by AI, each tool has its own limitations. Teachers are still in the process of understanding and addressing these complexities.”
In what ways do students utilize AI?
Paige Rowell: “I’ve employed AI as a valuable tool. There are instances when I receive a less engaging topic, and I utilize AI to kickstart my ideas in the right direction. Subsequently, I take control and complete the thought process independently.”
Aaron Ton: “I heavily rely on AI to enhance my writing by guiding me on which ideas to express on the screen or paper. I frequently use Grammarly, particularly the Grammarly Go feature. While it doesn’t write for me, it analyzes my writing, suggesting areas that could be strengthened or topics to delve deeper into. This free tool significantly aids me in refining my writing skills.”
What measures can be taken for students and teachers to align their perspectives on the use of AI?
Elsen-Rooney: “It’s quite reasonable to assume that students will encounter AI. Many students we’ve interviewed have indicated that either they personally use it or are aware of classmates who do. It’s widely prevalent.”
“However, this doesn’t imply that students are utilizing it for cheating or essay writing. Many students prefer their teachers not to make assumptions in that regard. Initiating discussions without jumping to conclusions is a constructive starting point for teachers.”
