Introduction
I remember my days as an elementary student, sitting in the classroom and thinking about going home and playing learning games on the computer. It never crossed my mind that this technology would someday become essential to our lives. Also, I did not think that one day we would be using artificial intelligence (AI) in school and our personal lives. I believed that using that type of technology was something you would see in the movies only. As Watters (2023) stated, "Artificial intelligence (AI) provides many new and exciting capabilities.” It was not until much later that I realized the transformative potential of AI, especially in the education field, and how it could change how we teach and learn.
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Teachers and Artificial Intelligence
Traditionally, teachers have been the students' primary source of knowledge and guidance. However, with the integration of technology, particularly AI tools, the role of teachers is evolving. Poth argued (2023)., "Beyond the basic technology skills that educators need for everyday teaching, they also need to be knowledgeable about emerging technologies, particularly AI, and how to bring them into their classrooms” The rise of AI in the classroom has led some to question whether teachers will become obsolete. Technology can assist in tasks like lesson planning, grading, and data analysis, but it cannot replace the traditional ways of teaching students. Teachers bring empathy and creativity to education, qualities that are challenging for technology to create. Rather than seeing AI technology as a replacement, it should be seen as a powerful tool in the hands of educators. Some people argue that, eventually, Artificial Intelligence will replace educators. Instead, these tools should be seen as a resource to create engaging student experiences. The best approach is integrating AI to enhance learning, not to replace teachers.
Integration of AI in Lesson Planning
In his Ted Talk, Sal Khan (2023) explains how AI has the potential to assist teachers with lesson planning and curriculum design. He explained how Khanmigo, the educational chatbot created by Khan Academy, can show teachers how to teach specific concepts and even provide activities for those topics. Based on data analysis, AI can suggest modifications to lesson plans to meet student needs. He also mentioned how AI tutors can provide personalized practice to students based on their progress. Additionally, AI can suggest relevant resources, activities, and assessments, saving teachers time and enhancing the effectiveness of their instructional strategies. However, educators must maintain control over the AI tools, to ensure they align with educational objectives and foster meaningful learning experiences.
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Personalized Learning with AI
One of the biggest promises of AI in education is enabling more personalized learning experiences. Meehirr K. states that Artificial Intelligence plays a significant role in personalizing education for every student (2023). AI tutoring systems can assess students' strengths, weaknesses, and interests to deliver customized content and practice. Meehirr K. argues, "Since there are not enough teachers, using AI to make learning more specialized will help fill in some of the gaps in high-quality education.” Every student has unique learning preferences and paces, which can be challenging for teachers to accommodate in a traditional classroom setting. AI-powered adaptive learning platforms can address this issue by providing individualized learning paths for each student.
Enhancing Student Engagement with AI
Student engagement is critical for effective learning. Interactive learning environments powered by AI can offer immersive experiences that captivate students' attention and foster active participation. As Sal Khan stated (2023), AI virtual tutors and chatbots can engage students through conversational interfaces and relate instructional material to students' interests. From virtual simulations to gamified activities, AI can make learning more enjoyable and motivating for students.
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Ethical Considerations in AI Education
While AI has many potential benefits, there are also ethical risks. As we embrace AI in education, it is vital to address ethical considerations to ensure responsible use of technology. Questions regarding data privacy, algorithm bias, and digital equity must be carefully considered and addressed. Schools must provide teacher training on AI systems to maximize the benefits while minimizing risks. Educators and policymakers should collaborate to establish ethical guidelines and regulations that safeguard students' rights and promote fairness and inclusivity in AI-driven educational practices.
Watters (2023) states that some legal implications can result from the usage of artificial intelligence:
· Violations of intellectual property rights
· Data privacy issues that violate the General Data Protection Regulation
· Data privacy issues that violate the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
· Violations of employment regulations
· Inappropriate usage of copyright data
· Disputes concerning contract law when generative AI is used
· Consumer confidentiality and issues with personally identifiable information
· Inaccurate usage of generative AI output
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence is an exciting topic to learn about. The more I learn about AI, the more I understand that we live in an era where technology is becoming part of our daily activities. I learned how AI holds a significant potential to transform teaching and learning by offering personalized experiences and enhancing student engagement. Teachers must also remember that ethical considerations must be prioritized to ensure that AI integration in education is used responsibly. I need to know AI's potential benefits and challenges in education. I want to learn more about the specific applications of AI in different educational contexts and increase my understanding of the ethical frameworks guiding its implementation. Also, I would like to learn more about tools that can be used for students to master concepts and help them better understand. AI will not replace teachers but rather help them create meaningful student experiences. Teachers need to find the right balance and to make education more available, fun, and impactful.
Additional Resources
https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/23/07/embracing-artificial-intelligence-classroom
References
K, M. (2023, June 5). How AI is personalizing education for every student. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/how-ai-is-personalizing-education-for-every- student
Poth, R. D. (2023, November 9). Effective professional development on AI. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/ai-professional-development-helps-teachers-tech- integration/
TED. (2023, May 1). How AI could save (not destroy) education | Sal Khan | Ted. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJP5GqnTrNo&t=303s
Watters, A. (2023, November 16). 11 common ethical issues in artificial intelligence. Default. https://connect.comptia.org/blog/common-ethical-issues-in-artificial-intelligence
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