Artificial intelligence represents a profound shift to the traditional educational landscape, with a promise to transform teaching methods, research practices and administrative tasks in classrooms at all levels across the globe. From personalized learning experiences to data-driven decision-making, AI is set to disrupt the educational ecosystem perhaps more than any other technology available today. Educators navigating this uncharted territory must leverage AI to harness its potential effectively, while preparing the next wave of graduates with the technical skills needed to enter the workforce.
It is critical that educational institutions at all levels begin to embrace AI as an augmentation tool, cultivate data literacy skills and foster ethical AI practices in the classroom.
Embrace AI as an Augmentation Tool
Automated systems have moved far beyond teachers feeding Scantron sheets into a computer to grade tests and offer a percentage of correct answers. New AI tools can read essay questions, suggest improvements and identify trends in the classroom. Rather than fearing displacement, educators should view AI as a powerful tool to enhance teaching and learning experiences, automate routine tasks, provide personalized feedback, and facilitate customized learning plans.
AI won't replace teachers, but it will require educators to adapt to the technology. Houman Harouni, lecturer on education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, said in a July 2023 article, "You have to stop thinking that you can teach exactly the way you used to teach when the basic medium has changed." If students can turn to ChatGPT or other AI language models for quick and easy answers, Harouni believes that lessons need to be more robust to engage students. “We have to create assignments that push [students] to the point where they have to question what is the framework that is being used here and what would it mean for me to radically change this framework.”
Read this article in full in our Integr8 2024 playbook, "The Rise of AI: Shaping Industries Through Intelligent Innovation," here.
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