Practical Strategies for Embracing AI in the Classroom
Generative Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping many industries and education is no exception. From automating administrative tasks to personalized learning experiences, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for educators. Despite this shift, there is apprehension regarding the use of AI in the classroom. As educators, we owe it to our students to equip them with the knowledge and skills to use AI effectively and critically in the future while recognizing its limitations. This blog will explore practical strategies for teaching with AI.
Be Transparent About AI Tools
Communicate with students about how AI will be used in the classroom/course and inform them in advance. This is especially important if they need to provide personal data to create an account to access the tool. Give a quick overview of how the tool works and how it will benefit student learning. Be prepared with an alternative for those who feel uncomfortable sharing their data.
Whether for personalized learning, feedback or grading, explain to students how you as the teacher will use AI in the classroom. This creates trust and demonstrates to students how AI can be used to automate routine tasks, allowing you to focus on personalization and tasks AI cannot complete accurately or safely.
Use AI With Your Students
Find opportunities to engage with AI tools alongside your students when possible. Demonstrate ways AI can enhance learning such as generating test questions on a given topic or creating flashcards emphasizing how to use it as a tool rather than a way to bypass learning. If students are having difficulty grasping a concept, invite them to design a question to ask AI to get an answer that will improve their understanding. We recommend trying out Kahnmigo AI, Khan Academy's student-friendly AI tool.
Encourage Critical Thinking
AI has simplified many tasks for us but it is far from perfect and is not 100% accurate. We need to teach students to think critically about the content generated by ChatGPT and other AI products and help them recognize limitations. AI can produce convincing yet incorrect content and can provide responses that reflect the harmful biases present in its training. Encourage students to ask chatbots questions on topics they are familiar with, and then critically evaluate the responses. Teach them to cross-reference information and determine which viewpoints are present or excluded. Foster a classroom environment where students feel empowered to discuss and challenge biases they observe.
Engage Students
One of the main concerns about using AI in the classroom is that students will use it to cheat and avoid thinking for themselves. Now that AI can spit out an essay in seconds, we need to redesign the assignments we are giving our students. By focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and personal reflection, students cannot easily turn to a chatbot for an answer. Focus on the process over the final product. Requiring students to submit drafts, mind maps, and evidence of how they arrived at their conclusions can help them document their thought process. Make assignments context-specific, reducing the likelihood that pre-existing answers can be found or produced online. Incorporate creative and open-ended projects that require students to choose their own focus and allow for multiple correct approaches with an emphasis on process and using tools effectively for learning as a resource.
Conclusion
The world of generative AI has changed the landscape of education, and educators must equip students with the skills to use this tool effectively and critically. By taking the time to explore its capabilities and limitations, we can find new ways to engage our students in 21st-century learning.
