As artificial intelligence (AI) rises in popularity, the debate on when and where it is appropriate to use grows. The big question is: Should AI be used in schools?
Currently, the answer to this question is controversial. Some people believe it has no place in education, while others see it as a useful tool.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 23 aimed at incorporating AI into primary and secondary schools. They hope that this will lead to the future workforce being able to use this rapidly growing technology effectively.
AI can be an extremely useful tool for students. It applies to every subject and can be used to save time or check answers.
“I use AI all the time. Whether it is to check my answers or get ideas for projects. AI is a part of my daily work,” Dallastown sophomore Emma Kuhn said.
Some popular AI engines among students are Photomath, Gauth AI, ChatGPT, and Snapchat AI. These are very simple to use; all you need to do is take a photo of your worksheet, and it will help you with anything.
Some worry that students will utilize AI unethically and prompt it to do their assignments for them. According to the Time For Class Annual 2023 Report by Tyton Partners, educators’ top concern is to prevent students from cheating.
The cons of AI in school are that students develop a dependence on technology and struggle to do things on their own. Also, the specific engine the student uses may be unreliable and give incorrect information.
Students aren’t the only people using AI in school, it can be a great resource for teachers as well. It can read over assignments and give feedback to students, which saves time and energy.
“Teachers are overworked and they are given far too many tasks to accomplish with far too little time and far too little resources,” English teacher Bethany Yuninger said.
Yuninger sees many applications for AI in classrooms including using it to check writing with Grammarly or taking the place of a tutor when a person isn’t available to help.
“I think that there are ethical applications of AI for students as long as students are trained to use them and are committed to using them ethically,” Yuninger said.
Dallastown teachers attended a presentation on an April 4 inservice day covering various topics. There were two main focus areas for the day:
- How can teachers utilize AI tools to enhance instruction, planning, and engagement?
- How can teachers set parameters for student use of AI on assignments?
The day’s events were organized by Dr. Fletcher, the Director of Secondary Education and featured presentations and workshops lead by Dr. Samuel Mormando, the Director of Technology, Innovation, and Online Learning for the Garnet Valley School District and his team.
This phase of AI instruction was focused on the faculty, but Fletcher does see student education coming in the next few years.
“I do think it is going to become a part of our daily or weekly life, and you and I will rely on it in one way or another. It is important that we teach students how to use it,” Fletcher said, adding that “As educators, it’s our job to make sure that before they cross the stage and get a diploma, students have some training on AI as they head into the ‘real world.”
Fletcher is also a father, trying to navigate the use of AI with his kids as well.
When asked if he felt is was more positive or negative as a whole, Fletcher said, “I believe there are more benefits than drawbacks if used appropriately. As soon as you shift into using it inappropriately, then the drawbacks become more apparent.”
Like any other form of technology, AI will continue to change and evolve forever. No one knows how we will view AI in the future, but it’s definitely not going away anytime soon.
