How AI Can be Used in Education: Guidelines

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into the education system, the conversation shifts from "if" to "how" it should be used. In a recent Learning Can't Wait podcast episode, Hayley Spira-Bauer hosted two leaders in education—Dr. Vicki Phelps, Director of Schools at Quest Academy, and Marisa Janicek, Assistant Superintendent at El Segundo Unified School District. They discussed the evolving role of AI in the classroom, its potential benefits, and the ethical and equity issues that arise as it becomes more prevalent. Their insights provide a roadmap for schools looking to harness the power of AI while ensuring it remains a tool for positive change.

AI as a Tool in Education

A key theme from the discussion was the role of AI as a tool that can support, but not replace, teachers. While AI can handle tasks like lesson planning and data analysis, it does not replace the critical thinking, empathy, and engagement that human educators bring to the classroom. Teachers are not just content deliverers—they interpret and contextualize information, bringing lessons to life through their relationships with students. As AI handles more administrative tasks, teachers can focus on fostering deeper connections and more creative learning experiences.

Empowering Gifted Students with AI

AI has significant potential for personalized learning, particularly for gifted students who often need advanced content and unique instructional approaches. Dr. Phelps emphasized that AI can provide tailored educational resources that align with the way gifted students process and understand information. These students tend to think abstractly and benefit from AI’s ability to deliver complex, problem-solving content in a format that suits their learning style. However, it is important to remember that AI should complement, not replace, the teacher’s role in guiding students through this content. The technology may offer advanced material, but it is the teacher who understands the nuances of each student’s strengths and can adapt accordingly.

Personalizing Learning for All Students with AI

Beyond gifted learners, AI offers possibilities for differentiating instruction for all students. With AI, teachers can analyze student data to develop customized lesson plans that cater to individual learning styles and needs. This personalization is critical in classrooms where teachers face large groups of students and time constraints. However, educators need to be equipped with the right skills to use AI tools effectively. Professional development is essential for ensuring that teachers can make the most of AI, using it to enhance instruction rather than relying on it as a substitute.

Ethical Considerations and Critical Thinking with AI

The conversation also touched on the ethical considerations of incorporating AI into classrooms. Both Phelps and Cummings raised concerns about the potential for AI to generate inaccurate or biased information, underscoring the importance of teaching students to think critically about AI-generated content. Schools must make it a priority to educate students on how to responsibly use AI tools and to critically evaluate the information these tools provide.

The Equity Gap in AI Access

While AI holds great promise for enhancing education, there are concerns that it could exacerbate existing inequities. Not all schools or districts have the same access to technology, meaning that some students may be left behind as AI becomes more widely adopted. Ensuring equitable access to AI tools and resources is critical to preventing a widening digital divide. Schools need to invest in technology infrastructure and professional development to ensure that all students, regardless of background or location, can benefit from AI-enhanced learning.

Preparing Educators for the AI Driven Future

As AI continues to evolve, professional development for teachers is key to its successful integration into the classroom. Educators need not only training on how to use AI tools but also support in understanding AI’s broader implications for learning. Ongoing support and collaboration among teachers will help them effectively incorporate AI into their instruction, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the learning process. By embracing AI as a tool for enhancing education, while also focusing on ethical, equitable practices, educators can ensure that AI supports rather than replaces their vital role in the classroom.

Moving Forward: A Balanced Approach to AI in Education

Incorporating AI into education offers exciting possibilities, but it is crucial to strike the right balance between innovation and maintaining the human element in teaching. AI can support personalized learning, streamline administrative tasks, and offer advanced content for students, but it cannot replace the unique value that teachers bring to the learning experience. As schools continue to explore AI’s potential, maintaining a focus on ethics, equity, and thoughtful implementation will be critical to ensuring that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a source of division.

By investing in teacher training, addressing the equity gap, and fostering critical thinking, educators can harness the power of AI to create a more personalized and efficient learning environment, while still preserving the essential human connections that define effective education.