AI in the Classroom

Biases

Although the use of AI can enhance the learning experience, it is important to note a few biases prior to using this resource. AI has the potential for data bias, and perpetuate stereotypes. Data bias is the exclusionary information that is used to train AI, potentially resulting in discriminatory information. To rectify this, it is important to teach our students critical thinking skills, and equip them with the knowledge to interpret information. Additionally, students should learn how to gather information from multiple sources, and cross check information. It is the individual’s responsibility to support policies that promote non-discrimination with AI. The use of AI can also be biased in accessibility and language particularly for individuals with disabilities. The user must provide the AI with accurate feedback while using. The teacher should also fully understand their students’ disabilities to provide them with the most suitable tool for their needs.

TCE Threshold Concepts

Education is not neutral/teaching is political: AI affects the lives of my future students and larger social issues. The use of AI is an overwhelming concept, but I believe it is important for students to learn how to use this effectively in order for them to use it to their advantage. This affects the lives of students because it is something new they will have to learn. 

Teaching is/as intellectual engagement: In addition to my colleagues and the community, I believe I can also learn from my students. They naturally adapt to technology and share insights on how to use it effectively. Prior to this assignment, I was against using AI in the classroom. I didn’t realize its potential for students. I’m still working on unlearning my bias through further learning. However, I remain concerned about AI biases and inequitable access to it. Since I am new to AI and its uses, there are so many things I can learn from other teachers and community members about how to implement this effectively. I have read a few articles, but I would appreciate the opportunity to learn from an expert either in AI, or another teacher who is integrating this into their lessons. 

AI tool: AutoDraw

Impression: This tool added to my student’s enthusiasm for learning about chronological events in a story. They were engaged in the lesson and were able to successfully place the events in beginning, middle and end. This AI tool was a developmentally appropriate way to introduce AI to younger students. Although it required extra time to learn how to use it, I do believe that it added to their understanding. 

Success: The students were also more engaged in the story, and closely examined the pages so they could draw them in detail for the game. AutoDraw was more engaging because they liked how their drawings instantly took shape. When drawing on paper, clarity issues can lead to disagreements, but this tool eliminates that. Each student was laughing and having fun while learning about the events, and they are excited to use this tool again. They were using additional skills such as innovation and perseverance, which are also skills we are working on. For example, there was a brown potato stand in the book. Student A tried to draw this many times, but the AI could not correctly recognize what he was trying to draw. He then decided to stack two tables to make the stand, as you can see in the picture. 

Challenges: Drawing each event was very time consuming. Although having a wide array of colors and drawing suggestions were great, the abundance of choices could be overwhelming. They still enjoyed the resource and wanted to prolong their turn using it. It was also challenging for them to use the click and draw method on the computer, so we switched to a touch screen iPad which made the experience better.

Differently: Next time, I would draw an example of a scene first to clearly show my expectations. I would also use this as a small group station with iPads and with fewer scenes to draw. I would also add a timer for the drawer for pacing. 

Pros and Cons of using AI in the Classroom

Pros: 

Personalized learning: AI is able to personalize learning for students in order to support them for their individualized needs. Easy to use programs like iReady and dreambox learn about the students’ current literacy and math skills and are able to differentiate lessons for them. This also provides teachers with feedback on their students’ levels, so the teachers are getting more data they can use and share with parents without the stress of standardized testing. 

Teacher support: AI can help teachers with mundane tasks like grading, creating rubrics, and can help them start lesson plans. This can help them focus on other tasks such as finding more resources, meeting with parents, creating lesson plans, and creating even more personalized lessons for their students. AI can help teachers by starting them on an effective lesson plan or giving them options for groups. At one of my schools, we used a tool called a2i. Each month, the students took a test and this told us which literacy skills they were excelling and struggling with. It also gave us suggestions for differentiated groups. I could use this to help me inform my small group instruction, but I was able to make my own final decision. 

Cons: 

Bias: AI can perpetuate bias. Students can see this information, and use it to continue relaying bias. 

Dependency: Students can develop a dependency on AI which can hinder their critical thinking skills and limit opportunities for creativity. 

Polarizing: Teachers are still deciding on how they personally feel about AI. This can be an overwhelming topic on how to incorporate this tool into the classroom. Since this is new, there aren’t many opportunities for teachers to receive specific training. 

As I was reflecting on the pros and cons, I realized accessibility can be in each category. Being unable to access this tool can hinder other students’ use of the benefits of this tool. This causes unequal support for their work. However, some students do not receive academic support at home, and AI can be used to help them which can help make their education equal.