AI's Role in Education: Skepticism Among Educators Explained
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the use of generative AI is becoming a hot topic of discussion. A recent survey conducted by the EdWeek Research Center this summer has shed light on the varying perspectives of teachers, principals, and district administrators regarding this technology.
Highlighting the debate, a high school principal in Tennessee advocates for the use of AI in instruction planning and implementation, viewing it as a potential tool for efficiency. On the other hand, a fine arts teacher in Utah expresses concern that AI might remove opportunities for creativity and encourage users to take shortcuts.
Some educators, such as an elementary teacher in Nevada, believe that the use of AI is negatively impacting students' critical-thinking skills. However, a district-level administrator in Minnesota views AI as a vital tool for instruction and workplace efficiency.
The use of AI in education has sparked a debate about its role in the classroom. Some educators, like a career-technical education teacher in Virginia, suggest each district should have an AI policy for staff and students to ensure its responsible use. A principal in California emphasises the importance of teaching students to use AI responsibly to prepare them for the future.
Not everyone is convinced that the benefits of using AI outweigh the potential harms. About a third of educators believe platforms like ChatGPT would have a "somewhat negative" effect on education, with concerns that AI is undermining students' learning. A science teacher in Connecticut expresses concern that schools are not keeping up with students' use of AI and calls for teachers to be equipped with devices and training.
The company behind AI chatbots like ChatGPT, OpenAI, was founded in 2015 and has since created the GPT series of models, including the recently released ChatGPT in 2022. Some AI-powered tools have been embraced by students, while others, like a fine arts teacher in Texas, feel that AI is diminishing their ability to be creative and stealing the humanity from their art.
The assistant superintendent in New York agrees that AI will be a valuable tool for educators, helping with tasks like creating assessments and schedules. A math/computer science teacher in Maryland and Ohio voices concerns about students using AI to cheat more efficiently than teachers can use it as a meaningful tool. A science teacher in Florida is in favour of using AI for administrative tasks but believes its use by students should be closely guarded and restricted due to cheating concerns.
An elementary school English-language arts teacher in Louisiana supports the use of AI by educators. A principal in Mississippi acknowledges concerns about AI's impact on the environment, job losses, and student learning, but believes it is the duty of educators to find effective ways to use it in classrooms. A district-level administrator in North Carolina argues that students are using AI whether schools like it or not, and advocates for more professional development on the topic.
This story is supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. As the debate around AI in education continues, it is clear that educators remain uncertain about whether the benefits outweigh the potential harms, and that finding a balanced approach will be crucial in integrating this technology into the classroom.
