While FUHSD strongly suggested that teachers add an artificial intelligence policy to their syllabi, according to an MVHS survey only 24% of teachers promote and allow the use of AI in an educational setting. The message is clear: AI is not welcome in our classrooms. Yet, whether it be a quick search for book quotes or asking for a solution to a chemistry problem, 83% of MVHS students still use AI despite the policies. As a result, AI is shaping the way students approach education, and it’s time teachers adjust classroom teaching methods to accompany these advancements.
The “Where Education is Headed in an AI World” podcast supports this approach, expressing to teachers that “if [they’re] a leader in today’s education space, [they] have to consider [themselves] a leader in the intelligence age.” The podcast explains that teaching AI in school curriculum isn’t just about instructing students how to use a new resource, but rather instilling skills that educate students to constantly adapt to change. By advocating for this approach and using AI as the first step, we are shaping students to become “lifelong learners” who are constantly able to adjust to our ever-changing world.
Importantly, we still believe that the skills taught at school and the work assigned, should not be completely replaced by AI. Rather, it should be used to assist students in creative thinking and find a balance between AI and traditional education. A brilliant aspect of AI is its versatility — using AI isn’t just talking to a chatbot. Several educational platforms use AI to create an active learning environment. If teachers can implement these tools into their curriculum, it could benefit the education of students and ease the workload of teachers.
For example, SchoolAI is a platform that simulates a classroom environment using AI. While a common concern about AI in classrooms is its potentially uncontrollable usage, SchoolAI directly combats this through its feature “Mission Control,” which provides teachers the ability to observe student actions. The tool also has other features like exit tickets and personalized spaces that give teachers variety in how their classes function — at the simple click of a button. SchoolAI is one of many platforms that provide teachers with convenient shortcuts in a friendly manner.
AI’s versatility is also not just useful for teachers; students can benefit from ethical AI usage to deepen learning and understand more complex topics. An AI tool like NotebookLM can generate questions based on text, slideshows, documents and more. These questions allow students to recall information actively, and NotebookLM’s podcast ability further helps students who have an easier time listening to information. The flexibility of AI is why it can be such a strong resource, and the reason why schools should use its strengths to their advantage.
However, we should question whether students are simply using AI to assist their learning rather than making it the sum total of their work. By continuing to have conventional assessments, such as in-class writings and tests using the old paper and pencil, of course, we can ensure that students continue to develop skills such as critical thinking throughout their schooling and that artificial intelligence is not being misused as a resource. Additionally, while teachers need to adjust their teaching to make room for such innovations, it is important to note that AI is not perfect. Although AI is rapidly advancing and ironing out its bugs, its current state can misinform unsuspecting users, especially with fake sources and quotes.
This is why we must educate our students on AI literacy, and why we must advertise artificial intelligence as a robotic tool rather than a human brain with emotions. If we want to be able to expand the capacity for the use of AI, it needs to come from proper education about how to use the tool. A good example of this is the recent district-wide advisory on AI; however, we can do better by hosting more of these sessions for not only students but also for educators, so they understand the different AI tools available, as well as learn different ways in which AI can be incorporated into the curriculum.
While it is easy to be afraid of AI and the changes it brings, we also have to remember the numerous other inventions that have impacted our ways of life and thinking drastically. For example, similarly to AI, the calculator also sparked controversy when initially introduced as many believed it was replacing students’ ability to perform basic mathematics. But, if we take a look at today, almost all students at MVHS have a grasp of basic math, and the calculator is used simply as a tool to make tasks simpler. Whether it be using NotebookLM and SchoolAI or simply teaching our students how to ethically and responsibly use AI, educators must take a step into the intelligence age and further our adaptability skills.
