Years ago, a fierce debate began over whether students should be allowed to use calculators in school. Despite numerous studies to the contrary, similar arguments have surfaced around cell phone use in school.
In both cases, the opposition lies in a belief, held by some, that they interfere with learning and make it easier for students to cheat. The same is being said about the newest perceived threat–artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence is a technology that enables machines to seemingly perform tasks that require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, learning and decision-making. It is no wonder why educators, or anyone else, would have concerns about the implications of AI use in school.
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However, AI is just a tool. Like every technological advancement since slate and chalk, its purpose is to make work easier and more efficient. It cannot replace critical thinking, nor can it be independently creative. Instead, AI relies on complex formulas, algorithms and previously discovered information developed by humans.
That said, AI is poised to disrupt traditional learning paradigms. AI technologies can mimic authentic research, complete assignments and synthesize information in a cohesive and technically accurate manner. As such, it will be more critical than ever for educators to emphasize the learning process over the final product.
Ideally, educators will recognize and adapt to this shift. After all, teaching is a science, and student learning extends far beyond the assignments they complete. To help educators navigate this change, consider the following suggestions:
- Prioritize feedback: Focus on opportunities to praise students’ efforts, strategies and perseverance rather than solely concentrating on final outcomes or grades.
- Encourage reflection: Create opportunities for students to reflect on their learning experiences. Reflection helps students understand their learning process, strengths and areas for improvement.
- Promote inquiry-based learning: Empower students to become independent thinkers, problem solvers and lifelong learners, equipping them with skills that go beyond memorization and standardized testing.
- Measure the learning process: When designing assessments, include components that evaluate the approach students took to solve a problem, their reasoning and their effort.
My hope is that we head off what could become years of debate over AI by learning from the past and embracing its potential benefits. After all, acceptance of previous technologies grew as the adults in schools began seeing their benefits and modeling their appropriate use.
