AI in Education: Teaching Strategies to Adapt to the Future

The dawn of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era of the 21st Century, often likened to the Industrial Revolution of the 20th Century, presents unique challenges and opportunities for educators. It’s crucial for educators to learn to use AI in education as we navigate this AI “Intelligence Revolution.” Educators need to prepare themselves and their students for the changes and demands of this rapidly evolving technology.

Understanding the Intelligence Revolution

AI is transforming our world.  It’s leading to shifts in economic structures, job markets, societal norms, and educational needs. This revolution is not just about technological advancements; it’s about preparing for a future where AI is integrated into every aspect of our lives, including in education.

What Societal and Careers Shifts are Taking Place with AI?

The convergence of many advancements in technologies that we have at this period in time across all scientific disciplines can only be compared to what happened in the early 1900’s.  That’s when electricity, communication, motors, vehicles, penicillin, clean water, paved roads, etc. brought about the Industrial Revolution that transformed people’s jobs from farmers to factory workers.  It was disruptive, but also brought about prosperity and many conveniences that we enjoy now in our everyday lives.

We are now experiencing the next evolutionary societal change. As educators, we need to decide how we will help others through this AI transition. Had you told someone in the 1940’s that we would now have tens of millions of knowledge workers who spend their days in front of computers with computer digits as their only physical output, they would have thought you crazy. But we do. Those jobs are currently experiencing a disruption, similar to that of farmers in the 20th Century. In education, we need to excite students about the possibilities of how they can use AI tools and be part of shaping this new society brought about by the information revolution.

Understanding AI: Clearing Up Misconceptions

• What AI Is: It’s important to understand that AI, at its core, is a software tool designed to process information and automate tasks. Chat tools have made it easier to directly communicate with the AI models and get human-like responses. As a science or technology teacher, you can appreciate the logic and algorithms behind AI. But recognize that it is also a powerful educational tool.
• Examples of AI tools: You may have already experienced AI when you used the voice commands on your phone or with Siri or one of the other apps. When you use a word processor or text app that provides auto-correct, spell check, grammar check, and suggestions for completing sentences, that is an AI tool. AI tools are helping to correct photos and videos, interpret data and text in photos, create graphics, and search for data stored in files. Used properly, AI tools help both teachers and students learn faster, reduce mundane tasks, and make informed choices about how they use their time to gain deeper knowledge of their subjects. 
• Classroom Experiences: We can use AI in education to ‘offload’ tasks that may get in the way of teaching and learning, taking up valuable time. AI in the classroom can be about leveraging technology to streamline tasks like grading, tracking student progress, creating lessons following Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and to provide personalized learning paths for students. These methods can enhance the educational experience for all students. This means more time for teachers to engage in hands-on science experiments, active learning, and in-depth discussions, the elements that truly ignite students’ passion for science.  But AI tools can also present challenges in the ways educators currently do their jobs, as we will address below.

AI as a Collaborative Tool in Science and STEM Education

1. Complementing Your Teaching: Imagine AI as a teaching assistant that can handle data-heavy tasks, leaving you more time to focus on the creative and interactive aspects of science teaching. For instance, AI tools can analyze student performance data to help you identify areas where students might need more support or challenges. AI tools can develop presentations, enhancements for lessons, and methods of engagement that teachers have long dreamt about. AI translate tools can help you generate lesson content to assist the English language learners in your classroom, and to communicate with them and their families.
2. Transform Your Classrooms to Student Centered: AI tools can help you transform your teaching from lectures and “sage on the stage” one lesson time for all. Imagine a classroom that provides students with choices, working in small groups, and progressing at their own pace. In these environments students are more engaged and motivated to learn, and teachers have time to provide the one-on-one attention that students crave and need at every grade level.
3. Empowering Your Role: Embrace AI as a resource that can enrich your curriculum. With AI, you can provide more personalized and engaging learning experiences. For example, AI enhanced software tools can help create customized learning activities that cater to the diverse interests and abilities of your students, whether it’s in biology, physics, or chemistry.  Each student can choose what excites them and work on a special project, and instead of it being a burden on you to track their progress, the tools provide the coaching and tracking mechanisms.

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How can educators address AI-Generated Essays?

• Redefine Assignments: Shift the focus of writing assignments from traditional essays to formats that require personal reflection, in-class participation, or oral presentations. This approach encourages genuine understanding and personal expression, which AI tools cannot replicate. Use project based learning techniques to guide students to apply what they have learned. Use hands-on projects, taking notes and observations and their reflections as the primary graded activities.  Essays shift to an oral presentation that includes first principle thinking and facts to back up a students’ personal discoveries.
• Incorporate AI into the Learning Process: Use AI as a teaching tool rather than viewing it solely as a challenge. For instance, have students use AI to draft an essay or to create the outline for the presentation. Then they critically analyze and improve upon the AI-generated content. They could use AI tools to analyze data and generate graphs to include in their report. This not only teaches them the limitations of AI but also enhances their critical thinking and editing skills. This use prepares them to use AI tools to enhance their own learning for a lifetime.  It also prepares them for how employers will want them to use the AI tools to enhance their job performances.

How do schools tackle AI-Assisted Cheating on Tests?

• Rethink Assessment Methods: Move away from sole use of multiple choice tests and towards project-based assessments, lab reports, and interactive quizzes that are conducted in a controlled environment. These methods are more reflective of students’ understanding and less susceptible to AI assistance.
• Promote Academic Integrity: Have open discussions with your students about academic honesty and the importance of learning. Emphasize that the goal of education is not just to pass tests, but to develop a deep understanding of concepts. Make it clear that AI-assisted cheating is a violation of these principles and discuss the repercussions.
• Utilize Secure Online Testing Platforms: When online tests are necessary, use platforms that have built-in safeguards against cheating. These might include timed questions, randomized question pools, or monitoring tools that shows when answers have been pasted in vs typed.
• Educate About Ethical AI Use: Incorporate lessons on the ethical use of technology, including AI. This is particularly relevant in science education, where ethical considerations are paramount.

What are some AI Strategies for Educators?

Educators require reliable up to date sources of information about AI in education. Use blogs, podcasts, videos, published research, and social media from reputable sources and other methods to stay informed about the latest AI tools and their capabilities. This knowledge will help you anticipate potential issues and adapt your teaching strategies accordingly.  Some additional strategies include:

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AI in Education: How can we foster a brighter future?

The Intelligence Revolution catalyzed by AI and the convergence of technological advancements presents not just a challenge. It’s also a profound opportunity to reimagine education and empower students to shape a brighter future. By embracing the strategies outlined in this article, educators can assume a pivotal role in equipping the next generation. Prepare them with the skills, knowledge, and mindset essential for thriving in this new era with AI.

Instead of succumbing to fear-mongering narratives, let us embrace the boundless potential of our students to effect positive change. Let’s embrace AI in education instead of banning it. As educators, we hold the key to cultivating a generation of problem solvers who will contribute meaningfully to society.

As educators in the fields of science, STEM, computer science, and technology, it is imperative that we be innovative in our teaching methodologies. By comprehensively understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations, we can leverage these challenges as opportunities. Embrace this time to foster critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and responsible technology use among our students.

Let us seize these challenges as integral components of our journey. A journey towards preparing students for a future where technology and human ingenuity intersect. Together, let us embark on this transformative journey with optimism, determination, and a steadfast commitment. Let’s nurture a generation of empowered individuals who will shape the world for the better.

(This article was generated as a collaborative effort between the human author, Linda Nichols-Plowman, CEO of EDforTech and the AI assistant Chat GPT 4).

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