AI won't replace teachers or simplify our students.
If we get on board now, upskill and consider how schools are structured
At the moment most school systems are built on imparting knowledge through teacher-led lessons, students being tested and at times, students creating projects which use this knowledge in real world situations.
However, if AI is going to be used well in the classroom we need to look at how our education system is set up, and societal expectations of schooling so that when AI is used, we are not just using it to replace what we already do.
AI should be something that helps to engage our students with not only their learning but the world they live in.
AI can - allow students to create more with content given to them by the teacher in a new way such as teacher created podcast, short teacher curated video or a story which has embedded vocabulary the teacher deems important.
AI can - adapt tasks sot that there are more personalised lessons in the one classroom. All students can be learning about addition on single digits but working in different ways and paces as the AI has generated activities, is web-based and in tune with the students abilities or the teacher has more time to sit with small groups.
AI can - Give immediate feedback if the teacher has set up a system or uses a built system that supports the students needs.
AI can’t - take students outside so as educators we need to continue to engross our students in the natural world, build awe and curiosity beyond the screen.
AI can’t - build motivation, self esteem or curiosity. That is the job of the teacher and adults around the child.
AI can’t - encourage creative and critical thinking which is needed in a world filled with fake news & varied viewpoints. We need to create experiences where students use these skills every day.
This leads me into wanting to know more about schools that are starting to use AI well, so I have created a survey which I hope you can answer if you have time. Please share this around if you like.
Readings:
Australian framework: https://www.education.gov.au/schooling/resources/australian-framework-generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-schools
A great article which I have been reading does outline that schools should be cautious of using Generative AI..