Artificial Intelligence
Find out how artificial intelligence could change education, inside the classroom and out
AI Literacy, Explained
Now that AI is expected to influence fields from medicine to policing, what do students need to understand about the technology?
How can AI be used effectively in classrooms?
More than a third of teachers are already using AI to plan lessons, according to 2024 data from the EdWeek Research Center. Teachers are also using AI to create presentation materials for teaching, writing rubrics and student assignments, and checking for student plagiarism. Experts stress, however, that teachers should always review anything AI creates and be aware that AI can be inaccurate and biased. Read more.
What jobs are in jeopardy of being replaced by AI?
In recent years, companies and schools have pushed students to learn to code in order to get high-paying computer science-related jobs. Now, though, layoffs and tech CEO comments are raising fears in students that AI will greatly diminish the number of entry-level tech jobs. Teachers and business leaders say that soft skills are key for students to be able to thrive in a workforce where AI plays a bigger role.
What teacher tasks can AI replace?
9 in 10 educators said that artificial intelligence has changed the job of teaching at least a little, according to a December 2024 EdWeek Research Center survey.
Many companies are now offering AI tools to assist teachers in tasks like lesson planning, differentiating schoolwork to match students’ skill levels or interests, and grading. The tools can also help save teachers time when writing messages to families. Experts stress that the tools should not be a replacement, but only an aide for teachers. For the most effective results, teachers need to be very clear in their prompts and check the results carefully for accuracy and bias. Read more.
Of course, AI can’t take over many key things teachers do, from building genuine relationships with students to teaching critical thinking.
Many companies are now offering AI tools to assist teachers in tasks like lesson planning, differentiating schoolwork to match students’ skill levels or interests, and grading. The tools can also help save teachers time when writing messages to families. Experts stress that the tools should not be a replacement, but only an aide for teachers. For the most effective results, teachers need to be very clear in their prompts and check the results carefully for accuracy and bias. Read more.
Of course, AI can’t take over many key things teachers do, from building genuine relationships with students to teaching critical thinking.
How should schools handle cheating in the age of AI?
Artificial intelligence is part of many aspects of K-12 education already, and likely to grow in the next few years. Many digital learning software programs used in classrooms incorporate AI tutors and tools for differentiating materials so they can be used with students of varying proficiency levels.
Of course, students also use AI. But while many teachers are concerned about students using chatbots to cheat on their assignments, some research suggests that students aren’t cheating more than before AI was widely available. AI-detection tools should not have the final say on whether a student plagiarized and should be punished, experts say, because they can have false positives and may be more likely to falsely identify the work of English learners as produced by AI. Instead, teachers should talk with students and, if a student admits to using AI, use it as an opportunity to talk about appropriate uses of AI.
Of course, students also use AI. But while many teachers are concerned about students using chatbots to cheat on their assignments, some research suggests that students aren’t cheating more than before AI was widely available. AI-detection tools should not have the final say on whether a student plagiarized and should be punished, experts say, because they can have false positives and may be more likely to falsely identify the work of English learners as produced by AI. Instead, teachers should talk with students and, if a student admits to using AI, use it as an opportunity to talk about appropriate uses of AI.
Special Report
AI Is Supercharging Cyberattacks. What Schools Need to Know and Do
Schools are working to protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated, AI-driven cyberattacks.
Special Report
Career and Technical Education Meets AI. What Happens Next?
School districts are modernizing their Career and Technical Education programs to help students develop AI skills.
Special Report
AI Is Picking Up Speed. Are Schools Keeping Pace?
See how schools are trying to keep pace with advances in artificial intelligence and use it in meaningful ways.
- Artificial Intelligence Webinar Beyond Teacher Tools: Exploring AI for Student SuccessSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.Teacher AI tools only show assigned work. See how TrekAi's student-facing approach reveals authentic learning needs and drives real success.
Artificial Intelligence What's Holding Educators Back From Adopting AI?Three-plus years after the public release of ChatGPT, teachers' experiences with AI vary enormously.
Artificial Intelligence Letter to the Editor Train Teachers on AI? It’s Not That SimpleA letter to the editor shares what he thinks is the best way to prepare teachers.
Artificial Intelligence Teachers Want 'Guardrails and Guidance' on AI Use, Experts Tell CongressTechnology is evolving faster than policy can keep up, experts tell Congress.
Artificial Intelligence Video Is AI Good or Bad for Schools?A growing number of educators are experimenting with generative AI. The challenge now is to share those lessons learned and best practices.
Artificial Intelligence AI Is Poised to Reshape Social-Emotional Learning. But for Better or Worse?Educators and researchers are only beginning to understand the implications of the technology.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion AI Is Different From Other Ed Tech. Here's HowDebates over artificial intelligence are really about asking some big philosophical questions.
Artificial Intelligence Do Teachers Have the Skills to Use AI? New Test Aims to Find OutETS, known for licensing tests, wants to gauge teacher readiness for new technology.
Artificial Intelligence Microsoft Joins Other Companies in Trying to Fill AI Training Gap in SchoolsProviding teachers with professional development on AI has been a big challenge for schools.Artificial Intelligence Live Online Discussion A Seat at the Table: AI Could Be Your Thought PartnerHow can educators prepare young people for an AI-powered workplace? Join our discussion on using AI as a cognitive companion.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion I’m Not Worried AI Helps My Students Cheat. I’m Worried How It Makes Them FeelAI is undermining students’ trust in a shared reality. Here’s how schools can step up.
Artificial Intelligence Q&A The Risks and Rewards of AI in School: What to KnowBrookings Institution's report details the best ways to minimize risk and utilize benefits of AI for students.Artificial Intelligence Webinar Decision Time: The Future of Teaching and Learning in the AI EraSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.The AI revolution is already here. Will it strengthen instruction or set it back? Join us to explore the future of teaching and learning.
Artificial Intelligence Letter to the Editor I’m Pro-Technology, But AI’s Role in Education Worries MeA parent shares his concerns with artificial intelligence in K-12.
Artificial Intelligence 'Grok' Chatbot Is Bad for Kids, Review FindsThe chatbot on X suggests risky behavior, and is unsafe for teens, Common Sense Media says.
