why use ai in education?

What is Generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI)?

GenAI has rapidly become very common, such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, etc.  It can create content and explain topics, acting as a digital assistant.  GenAI is already described as transformative, effective, easy to use, and personalized, which minimizes the difficulty and complexity of new technologies in education that often fail to deliver on their promise.

Why all the AI Fuss?

New teaching tools based on AI are being offered, but be aware they are still under development.  Some companies are making promises that are too good to be true.  However, the best teaching combines new technology with the experience of a great teacher.  AI is not a magic solution nor a quick fix for complex problems in education.  The best educational technology should help teachers do their jobs better, not replace them.

How does AI learn?

Much like how a person becomes skilled at playing an instrument or excels in a game, it is all about practice. AI learns from information, also known as data, analyzing and studying human and machine-generated data and languages.

How can I use AI responsibly?

While AI is powerful, it’s not infallible. It can make mistakes, sometimes significant ones. Educating others about how AI works and encouraging responsible use while protecting privacy is important. Remember, AI isn’t all-knowing, but responsible handling can benefit us in remarkable ways. Using AI yourself is an important first step. Have AI create or analyze text, generate questions, create new media or even lesson plans. Learn the benefits and challenges firsthand so you can share responsibly with others.