AI has been growing in popularity over the years and from where things stand today, it seems like it’s not going anywhere. While AI has it’s roots outside of the world of education, it’s beginning to become incorporated into many different curriculums. Whether you believe AI should stay out of the classroom or are all for the presence and benefits it brings to the table, in this article we’ll break down why AI is here to stay and what you can expect in the near future.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (also known as AI) is a broad range of systems that aim to mimic or assist users with tasks. IBM.com defines AI as the following:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy.

AI can be difficult to define exactly as there are so many different ‘types of AI’. For simplicities sake, we’ll stick with the definition that best defines AI in schools. One of the most common types of AI is: ChatGPT. At it’s core, ChatGPT allows users to chat with a custom AI or ‘GPT’ about a wide range of topics. For example, a user can type: What is 2 x 2? and the AI will calculate and respond with the answer. The potential of AI is limitless as users can seemingly ask it just about anything and get a well thought out explanation by the AI. In a lot of ways, it’s like having your own personal teacher that can be accessed anytime you wish.

The Role of AI in Schools:

Now that we’ve defined AI, it’s important to discuss it’s more specific role in the school setting. We’ll break down both the positives and negatives of AI in schools while keeping in mind it’s potential in the future.

1. Lesson Planning Assistant

One of the difficult parts of teaching is planning lessons. Whether you’re a small classroom, private school teacher, or a large classroom, public school teacher, lesson planning can take up a lot of your time. AI can expedite this process by allowing teachers to generate lesson plans for students, homework, tests, and more! This is especially useful to help combat cheating. A teacher can generate 50 versions of the same test (and answer keys) effortlessly to ensure that students cannot cheat off one another.

2. Virtual Learning Assistants

Many students have difficulties managing their workload. A virtual learning assistant can be a great way for a student to plan their day, in order to make sure they complete all assignments that are required. These assistants can be setup to help remind students of studying, can assist in making flashcards, etc. Ultimately it’s up to the student to decide how incorporated their virtual learning assistant is. Schools can also use virtual learning assistants to help counselors work more efficiently. If a student wants to graduate early, a school’s virtual learning assistant can help point them in the right direction.

3. Helps with Accessibility

AI can be used in other ways as well. For students who are ESL, a language-based AI can help translate lessons in real-time for them. Additionally, AI can also fit the role of other accommodations such as: reading tests out loud, help identify student learning gaps, and more! Ultimately a more accessible classroom leads to a better learning experience!

The Risks of AI

While AI is here to stay, it’s  important to highlight many of the risks of AI. While AI will continue to transform the real world, educators have to decide where they ‘draw the line in the sand’. Some schools may fully embrace AI while others may choose to eliminate it, let’s discuss why schools may go to such an extreme.

1. Easier to Cheat

AI without a shadow of a doubt, makes cheating easier. Schools have found ways to detect AI assisted work, but students can find a way to cheat using it regardless. A student can have an AI generate their entire 5 page paper if they wanted to. Many schools choose to completely ban AI for this reason. While this is certainly one approach, other schools instead choose to restrict AI. In this example, many schools opt for students to have the ability to use AI, but must cite it as a source whenever used.

2. Misinformation

While AI can be a wealth of information, it has been known to produce inaccuracies from time-to-time. This means that your generated answer may not be factually correct. For this reason, it’s important for both students and teachers to double check all generated work prior to using it in the classroom. Like with anything from the internet, it’s always important to verify the accuracy of information!

AI in Schools Are the Future?

While we discussed some of the downsides of AI, it seems like AI in schools are here to stay. It’s super important to stay vigilant online and always check twice before using something AI generated. Schools need to begin teaching AI literacy so the next generation of learners are better equipped to handle the AI world. I want to thank you for reading and if you enjoyed this content feel free to leave a comment. Don’t forget to check out our online school program if you’re interested in one-on-one, online learning!