It’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence is everywhere. Amazon shopping. Google Ads. The Classroom. Wait! What? Sure thing, AI has entered education and some are not too happy about that. Kids are “cheating” and having AI write their papers for them.

Maybe it’s not that the kids are cheating, but that educators need to consider a different way to assess what a student knows and is able to do. Back in my day, essays were a thing. Plagiarism existed then, but it just wasn’t as easy to manage. That was a very long time ago, and we’ve evolved. Or at least we should have.

I’ve used ChatGPT to give me assistance in formulating emails, laying out coursework, and designing professional-sounding documents. It doesn’t mean that I use the whole thing verbatim (although it IS tempting!) I know a professor who has had AI write entire labs on a science topic. Then he went back and edited it with both correct information as well as adding parts that needed to be there. A real timesaver for a busy educator.

AI is not perfect and not always correct. Designing assignments that help students get at the content in an authentic way can help. Let them try using AI to write something and then have them go back and fact-check things. Have them write a lesson with it to teach to the class. As long as they can explain the whole thing and can easily field questions. There are so many options for using it that don’t constitute cheating.

One of the most significant advantages of AI in education is its ability to provide personalized learning experiences. Traditional classrooms often struggle to meet the diverse learning needs of individual students. AI algorithms analyze the learning patterns and preferences of each student, tailoring educational materials and pacing to match their unique requirements. This ensures that students can learn at their own pace, leading to better understanding and retention of knowledge.

AI-powered Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) act as virtual tutors, offering personalized guidance and support to students. These systems can identify areas where a student is struggling and provide additional resources, practice problems, and explanations to help them grasp difficult concepts. ITS not only enhance students’ understanding but also boost their confidence and motivation to learn.

Educators often find themselves burdened with administrative tasks, such as grading assignments and managing schedules. AI-driven tools can automate these tasks, allowing teachers to focus more on teaching and mentoring students. Automation not only saves time but also ensures greater accuracy and consistency in tasks like grading, enabling teachers to provide more timely and constructive feedback to their students.

AI technology has opened new avenues for inclusive education, especially for students with special needs. AI-powered applications can customize learning materials, offer interactive exercises, and provide real-time feedback, catering to the specific requirements of students with disabilities. This inclusion empowers every student to participate actively in the learning process, fostering a more supportive and accessible educational environment.

AI systems can process vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends in students’ learning behaviors. By analyzing this data, educators gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of their teaching methods and the student’s understanding of the subject matter. These data-driven insights enable teachers to make informed decisions, implement targeted interventions, and continuously improve their teaching techniques.

The integration of AI in education is not about replacing teachers but empowering them to provide a more enriching and personalized learning experience for students. By leveraging AI technologies, educators can create a learning environment that caters to the individual needs of each student, fostering a passion for learning and ensuring that no one is left behind.

As AI continues to advance, it is essential for educators, policymakers, and technology developers to collaborate effectively. By embracing the potential of AI in education, we can revolutionize the way knowledge is imparted, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for learners around the world.

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (September 25 Version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com