Introduction to AI in the Classroom
The companies behind Artificial Intelligence (AI) are trying to convince us that their technology can be a positive force in education. However, many people are skeptical, believing that AI could harm students’ critical thinking skills and attention span. A recent article in New York magazine highlighted how easy it is for college students to use AI tools like ChatGPT to cheat and coast through their courses.
The Promise of AI in Education
Despite these concerns, AI companies claim that their technology can provide more individualized learning, faster and more creative lesson planning, and quicker grading. They are offering free courses and training sessions for teachers to learn how to use their AI tools. For example, Anthropic is pitching its AI models to universities, and OpenAI offers free courses for teachers. Microsoft has also shown teachers how to use its AI tools for lesson planning and emails.
What the Evidence Says
So, what does the evidence actually say about whether AI is helping or hurting students? A recent survey of 1,500 teens conducted by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education found that kids are using AI to brainstorm and answer questions they’re afraid to ask in the classroom. Studies have also suggested that AI tutors can lead students to become more engaged in math classes and physics courses.
The Dark Side of AI in Education
However, there’s more to the story. The same Harvard survey revealed that kids are also frequently using AI for cheating and shortcuts. An oft-cited paper from Microsoft found that relying on AI can reduce critical thinking. Additionally, "hallucinations" of incorrect information are an inevitable part of how large language models work.
The Lack of Clear Evidence
There’s a lack of clear evidence that AI can be a net benefit for students. It’s hard to trust that the AI companies funding this initiative will give honest advice on when not to use AI in the classroom. Despite the fanfare around the launch of the National Academy for AI Instruction, OpenAI and Anthropic couldn’t share any specifics about their plans.
Teachers’ Perspectives
Teachers themselves are already grappling with how to approach AI. One such teacher, Christopher Harris, has created a curriculum aimed at AI literacy, covering topics like privacy, misinformation, and deepfakes. He believes that it’s essential to educate students about the potential risks and benefits of AI.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while AI companies promise that their technology can revolutionize education, the evidence is not yet clear. There are potential benefits to using AI in the classroom, but there are also significant risks. As AI becomes more prevalent in education, it’s essential to approach its use with caution and to prioritize critical thinking and media literacy.
FAQs
- Q: What are the potential benefits of using AI in education?
A: AI can provide more individualized learning, faster and more creative lesson planning, and quicker grading. - Q: What are the potential risks of using AI in education?
A: AI can reduce critical thinking, enable cheating and shortcuts, and provide incorrect information. - Q: How can teachers approach AI in the classroom?
A: Teachers can educate students about AI literacy, covering topics like privacy, misinformation, and deepfakes, and prioritize critical thinking and media literacy. - Q: What is the National Academy for AI Instruction?
A: The National Academy for AI Instruction is an initiative aimed at providing training and resources for teachers to use AI in the classroom.
