Here we are, 2023! Time keeps marching and so does technology. We have had so many advances in the 30 years I’ve been in Education Technology. Workshops have gone from how to connect your computer to the Internet with a modem to how to send an email to using a mouse to now, how to use mobile
tech, AR/VR (Augmented/Virtual Reality), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) and everything in between! I couldn’t even begin to list all the technologies that have advanced since the 90’s and before. And it comes at such a dizzying pace, it’s
hard to keep up! And at each step, educators are challenged with dealing with these new technologies and how to maintain a level of learning in the classroom
as opposed to using technology to bypass learning. We have had calculators, the Internet, and so many other things that students use to “cheat” the system.
The implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom are both exciting and potentially daunting. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach and learn, but its success depends on how it is used. In order to maximize the
potential of AI in the classroom, it is important to understand its implications and advantages, as well as the potential risks associated with its use, as with any technologies we have used in the past.
AI has the potential to provide teachers with more in-depth, personalized instruction. AI-enabled technology can analyze student data and give teachers insights into student performance and areas of difficulty. AI can also recommend instructional strategies that are
tailored to individual students, making it easier for teachers to give targeted instruction. At the same time, AI can also help reduce the amount of time teachers spend grading and assessing, allowing them to focus on teaching.
The use of AI in the classroom also has the potential to create a more engaging learning environment. AIenabled applications can provide students with personalized learning experiences that are tailored to their individual needs. AI-enabled applications can also provide students with personalized feedback and support, making learning more interactive and engaging.
Despite its potential advantages, AI also has potential and perceived downsides associated with it as well. There are apps that can do your math for you. There are now AI systems that can write papers. We have
dealt with these issues in the past and the key is not blocking them but using them for what they are: tools. Just like tennis racquets are no longer wooden and we no longer use leather helmets in football, we can
see the utility and think creatively on how best to use these technologies as students will use them in the real world. AI isn’t going away and we need to rethink how best to stay ahead of the curve.
If you are interested in learning more about AI in the classroom, I encourage you to visit ESU CC’s PD for Me on the topic. http://bit.ly/PDforMeAI