Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept in education—it’s becoming part of everyday practice, as highlighted by Christopher Munoz in Syracuse University School of Education. In a significant move to support this shift, President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at expanding educational opportunities centered around AI. The order includes the establishment of a national task force to help promote AI-related tools and curricula in schools.
For Dr. Jing Lei, professor at Syracuse University’s School of Education, this policy push aligns with global trends and educational research. Her work focuses on the integration of technology in K–12 education, including the emerging role of artificial intelligence. “Many other countries have started integrating AI into their K–12 education systems several years ago,” said Dr. Lei. “For example, South Korea unveiled a plan to integrate AI deeply into their public education system in 2023. Japan’s AI Strategy 2019 called for AI integration into the whole education system.”
According to Dr. Lei, the time is right for the U.S. to move in the same direction—and not just by focusing on popular large language models like ChatGPT.
For Dr. Jing Lei, professor at Syracuse University’s School of Education, this policy push aligns with global trends and educational research. Her work focuses on the integration of technology in K–12 education, including the emerging role of artificial intelligence. “Many other countries have started integrating AI into their K–12 education systems several years ago,” said Dr. Lei. “For example, South Korea unveiled a plan to integrate AI deeply into their public education system in 2023. Japan’s AI Strategy 2019 called for AI integration into the whole education system.”
According to Dr. Lei, the time is right for the U.S. to move in the same direction—and not just by focusing on popular large language models like ChatGPT.
Setting Standards and Ethical Guidelines
While there are currently no universal standards for integrating AI into classrooms, several global organizations are offering guidance. “Organizations have published guidelines on how to incorporate AI in education, and researchers have made various suggestions on effective strategies in using AI to improve teaching and learning,” she said.
UNESCO, for example, has played a leadership role in this area. In 2023, it released the Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research, emphasizing a human-centered approach. The document provided a comprehensive framework for responsibly integrating generative AI tools in educational settings. This was followed in August 2024 by UNESCO’s AI Competency Frameworks for Students and Teachers, which outlined essential knowledge and skills needed for working with AI technologies.
UNESCO, for example, has played a leadership role in this area. In 2023, it released the Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research, emphasizing a human-centered approach. The document provided a comprehensive framework for responsibly integrating generative AI tools in educational settings. This was followed in August 2024 by UNESCO’s AI Competency Frameworks for Students and Teachers, which outlined essential knowledge and skills needed for working with AI technologies.
More Than Just a Tool
For Dr. Lei, AI is more than a digital assistant—it’s reshaping the entire educational experience. “AI is not just a tool for education. It is also the curriculum, an assistant to teachers and students, and a learning environment,” she explained. “And all is evolving fast as AI technology continues to develop.”
That rapid evolution demands a careful, informed approach from educators and school leaders. Dr. Lei stresses the importance of developing clear policies to address ethical concerns, regulate data privacy, and ensure equitable access to AI tools.
“In addition to the popular LLMs such as ChatGPT, there are many diverse and education-focused AI tools and AI-integrated platforms,” she said. “These AI resources can help teachers with their teaching and school administrators with their daily tasks and education management.”
That rapid evolution demands a careful, informed approach from educators and school leaders. Dr. Lei stresses the importance of developing clear policies to address ethical concerns, regulate data privacy, and ensure equitable access to AI tools.
“In addition to the popular LLMs such as ChatGPT, there are many diverse and education-focused AI tools and AI-integrated platforms,” she said. “These AI resources can help teachers with their teaching and school administrators with their daily tasks and education management.”
Empowering Educators, Supporting Students
One of the most promising aspects of AI in education is its ability to personalize learning. When used thoughtfully, AI can take over repetitive tasks—like grading or tracking progress—freeing up teachers to focus on more meaningful work with their students. “AI can take on the more routine and time-consuming tasks to free teachers up to focus on more human-centered and creativity-focused aspects of education,” said Dr. Lei.
She points to AI’s ability to deliver instant feedback, adapt practice exercises to individual needs, and allow students to progress at their own pace. Meanwhile, teachers can use AI-generated reports to pinpoint areas where students may need more help or motivation. “By working complementarily with AI, the teachers’ role focuses on helping students make meaning of their learning, supporting students’ overall development, and sustaining students’ interest and motivation to learn,” Dr. Lei emphasized.
As AI continues to transform classrooms, voices like Dr. Lei’s are vital in ensuring the shift from policy to practice is thoughtful, inclusive, and student-centered.
She points to AI’s ability to deliver instant feedback, adapt practice exercises to individual needs, and allow students to progress at their own pace. Meanwhile, teachers can use AI-generated reports to pinpoint areas where students may need more help or motivation. “By working complementarily with AI, the teachers’ role focuses on helping students make meaning of their learning, supporting students’ overall development, and sustaining students’ interest and motivation to learn,” Dr. Lei emphasized.
As AI continues to transform classrooms, voices like Dr. Lei’s are vital in ensuring the shift from policy to practice is thoughtful, inclusive, and student-centered.