Embracing AI in Education: Insights and Pathways Forward

Image generated using Chat GPT using the prompt "Create a diverse classroom where students and educators are learning about AI" by Brian Whitson

​Over the past year and a half, significant attention and efforts have been placed on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Having delivered several professional learning opportunities to educators across North Carolina, I've gained several insights into how and why educators are engaging with AI. Here are some of those insights:

1. The Pioneers and Early Adopters
Many educators are uncertain about how to use AI and are eager to become more knowledgeable about its application in their work. Among the groups I’ve trained, there are often early pioneers of AI usage. These early adopters are mainly self-taught and typically find small enclaves of fellow educators to support their learning. These circles, though small, are highly collaborative and willing to share their knowledge when approached by others.

2. The Larger Group with Uncertainties
There is a larger group of educators who are uncertain about using AI due to a lack of experience or fear. Many of these educators are waiting for someone to give them permission or guidance to navigate the vast ocean of AI. I've seen many educators significantly improve their comfort levels and willingness to engage with AI within an hour when provided with a safe environment to learn and explore. AI tools, when used intentionally, can dramatically reduce workloads, such as grading, offering effective feedback, and creating lesson plans.





 
3. Building Confidence and Competence
In my experience, I’ve witnessed educators transition from reluctance to active engagement with AI tools. They begin to see the benefits and advantages, developing confidence and a rationale for teaching students how to use these tools appropriately and ethically. By ensuring all educators have access to quality professional learning on AI, we can better guide students in using AI tools effectively.

4. Focusing on Professional Learning
Moving forward, developing professional learning opportunities for educators must be a central focus. We need to propel our educators beyond introductory use of AI tools, supporting continued growth in effective use. Additionally, educators must be equipped to design opportunities for students to learn to use AI appropriately, ethically, and morally. These practices will ensure our students benefit from AI as a tool for critical thinking and innovation.

5. Engaging Parents and the Community
We also need to provide additional information sessions and support for parents and the community to better understand AI, especially Generative AI tools. The media often highlights worst-case scenarios about AI, creating uncertainty and fear. In my work with educators developing policies, I encourage including outreach components to external stakeholders and the broader community. By educating our community, we can ensure a balanced view of AI and help stakeholders understand its advantages and challenges.

6. Highlighting Employment Trends
One of the most effective ways to demonstrate the advantages of AI is by sharing employment and hiring trends. Many recent surveys indicate that employers seek employees with AI knowledge and skills. Consequently, we must ensure our educators are equipped with the knowledge and experiences to build AI capacity in our students, teaching them to use AI ethically, purposefully, and productively.

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