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Students and AI: How Schools Can Ensure Positive Outcomes
Schools need to adopt systematic approaches, prioritize data security, and emphasize the irreplaceable value of human connection in education.
Date of writing
January 9, 2025
Time of reading
2 minutes
Two years after the release of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key player in education. Tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are frequently used by millions of Americans, and schools are navigating how to integrate AI effectively, according to WFYI News. Purdue University’s inaugural AI in P-12 Education conference, hosted by the College of Education in November 2024, highlighted the potential and challenges of AI in schools. Professor William Watson, the conference organizer, spoke about AI’s transformative power and the hurdles that remain.
AI can revolutionize learning by shifting the focus from standardized education to personalized instruction. According to Watson, “AI grants us the ability to treat each learner in a way so their learning will be optimal.” Personalized learning through AI-driven platforms assesses individual strengths and weaknesses, offering tailored support. Intelligent tutoring systems and AI literacy programs further prepare students for a future intertwined with AI.
“Right now, our system puts so much of the responsibility on teachers to do everything... AI can really support us with that and really move it towards more of a learner-centered approach,” Watson explained. This transformation would allow teachers to focus on fostering deeper connections with students, enhancing their educational experience.
However, the rapid adoption of AI also presents challenges. Concerns about plagiarism and cheating dominate discussions, but Watson emphasized the need for “AI literacy” over punitive measures. He stated, “The genie is out of the bottle. We cannot get rid of this technology, which is easily available to everyone.” Teaching students ethical AI usage and adapting assessments to emphasize human creativity and critical thinking are crucial steps forward.
Data privacy is another significant hurdle. Schools must scrutinize the terms of AI platforms to protect sensitive student data. Watson highlighted the importance of ensuring transparency in how data is used and stored: “When it comes to things like education, that is sensitive data, and it needs to be paid attention to.”
As AI advances, fears about job displacement loom, including in education. However, Watson remains optimistic, seeing AI as a tool to alleviate the administrative burden on teachers. He noted, “Most people have a teacher that they remember as being so impactful to them in their lives... That need will never go away. We can't dehumanize the process of learning.” AI has the potential to free teachers from administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on the human elements of teaching that foster curiosity and confidence in students.
While AI offers promising opportunities for personalized education, its integration must be thoughtful. Schools need to adopt systematic approaches, prioritize data security, and emphasize the irreplaceable value of human connection in education. By doing so, they can harness AI to create a more effective and engaging learning environment.
AI can revolutionize learning by shifting the focus from standardized education to personalized instruction. According to Watson, “AI grants us the ability to treat each learner in a way so their learning will be optimal.” Personalized learning through AI-driven platforms assesses individual strengths and weaknesses, offering tailored support. Intelligent tutoring systems and AI literacy programs further prepare students for a future intertwined with AI.
“Right now, our system puts so much of the responsibility on teachers to do everything... AI can really support us with that and really move it towards more of a learner-centered approach,” Watson explained. This transformation would allow teachers to focus on fostering deeper connections with students, enhancing their educational experience.
However, the rapid adoption of AI also presents challenges. Concerns about plagiarism and cheating dominate discussions, but Watson emphasized the need for “AI literacy” over punitive measures. He stated, “The genie is out of the bottle. We cannot get rid of this technology, which is easily available to everyone.” Teaching students ethical AI usage and adapting assessments to emphasize human creativity and critical thinking are crucial steps forward.
Data privacy is another significant hurdle. Schools must scrutinize the terms of AI platforms to protect sensitive student data. Watson highlighted the importance of ensuring transparency in how data is used and stored: “When it comes to things like education, that is sensitive data, and it needs to be paid attention to.”
As AI advances, fears about job displacement loom, including in education. However, Watson remains optimistic, seeing AI as a tool to alleviate the administrative burden on teachers. He noted, “Most people have a teacher that they remember as being so impactful to them in their lives... That need will never go away. We can't dehumanize the process of learning.” AI has the potential to free teachers from administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on the human elements of teaching that foster curiosity and confidence in students.
While AI offers promising opportunities for personalized education, its integration must be thoughtful. Schools need to adopt systematic approaches, prioritize data security, and emphasize the irreplaceable value of human connection in education. By doing so, they can harness AI to create a more effective and engaging learning environment.