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 Opinion How Teachers Are Experimenting With AIFrom supporting students to saving time on tasks, educators share their thoughts on the tool.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion Howard Gardner: How AI Will Force Us to 'Rethink' EducationThe question isn’t whether to use AI but how, explains the father of multiple intelligences.
Artificial Intelligence Data Literacy Skills Seen as Key for Success in the Age of AIEducators and parents see benefits if students learn more data literacy skills, survey shows.
Artificial Intelligence Students Created a National AI Policy Framework. Here’s What It IncludesNearly 100 students from across the country collaborated to set guardrails around AI use in schools.
Artificial Intelligence Deepfakes Are Supercharging Cyberbullying. How Should Schools Respond?The focus should be on prevention, not punishment, experts say.
Artificial Intelligence School Districts Push Back Against State-Required AI Reading AssessmentsTwo school districts in New Mexico say the assessments could jeopardize students' data privacy.
Artificial Intelligence Sponsor The Real Lesson From Students: Trust Is the New PremiumSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.Students and educators use AI but trust human-authored sources, verifying information to build deeper understanding and confidence.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion Don't Sign an AI Contract for Your District Without Asking These QuestionsAny ed-tech vendor pitching to schools should have clear answers—in writing.
Artificial Intelligence School Pauses Plan to Deploy AI Robot Teacher After BacklashA district hit pause amid worries over data privacy and the developer's ties to a sex robot company.
Artificial Intelligence Data Most Kids Use AI Chatbots, Some Seeking Advice on Sensitive TopicsA new survey of young people highlights how they use AI chatbots and their experience with deepfakes.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion Principals, Don't Let AI Undermine Strong Parent RelationshipsYes, AI can be a useful tool for school communications, but nothing replaces a real conversation.
Artificial Intelligence Anthropic Launches Claude for Teachers. Why Some Critics Are ConcernedThe new AI tool for teachers joins others already in the market.
Artificial Intelligence Scathing Analysis Concludes Google Search's AI Tools Are Bad for KidsGoogle’s "AI overview" and "AI mode" were each rated "Unacceptable" by a media watchdog.
Artificial Intelligence How to Stay Ahead of the AI Curve: Lessons From Two Very Different DistrictsDistrict leaders share lessons learned, challenges faced, and practical insights from AI rollouts.
Artificial Intelligence Lessons on AI for Elementary Students: 'Teach Them Good Habits Now'Teachers want to help their youngest students become familiar with AI's potential—and its limits.
