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 Q&A Momentum Builds to Expand Coding Education to Learning About AI 'Under the Hood'CodeAI CEO talks about artificial intelligence and the future of computer science education.
Artificial Intelligence At U.S. Senate Hearing, a Call for AI That Protects 'Human Judgment' in SchoolsState and company officials want meaningful guardrails around AI use in schools.
Artificial Intelligence White House Honors AI Challenge Winners as Tech Backlash GrowsStudents and teachers submitted projects that use AI to solve problems in their schools and communities.
Artificial Intelligence Why This Large District Used AI to Simplify Its Org ChartThe school system's organizational chart evolved organically for decades. Can AI bring cohesion?
Artificial Intelligence Kids Are Turning to AI Before Adults for Homework HelpStudents increasingly turn to AI first for school help, raising trust and safety concerns.Artificial Intelligence Whitepaper AI in K-12: From Permission to PurposeSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.AI is already showing up across district workflows — often faster than guidance, alignment, or visibility. Explore new insights from 1,05...
Artificial Intelligence English Class Faces an AI Shakeup. A New Guide Helps Teachers RespondA national group recognizes AI is a "living reality" for English teachers and offers them guidance.
Artificial Intelligence A Homegrown AI Coach Critiques Teachers on Their Lessons. How It's WorkingA 9,000-student district used AI to create a professional development coach for teachers.
Artificial Intelligence Video Will AI Help or Overwhelm Students? Teachers Weigh InEven as teachers across the country experiment with AI, many are skeptical of its role in classrooms, and whether it will undermine student learning.
Artificial Intelligence Letter to the Editor Yes, Schools Should Allow Students to Use AIA high school student defends AI use in this letter to the editor.
Artificial Intelligence Teachers Say Lack of AI Guidance Is a Major ProblemMost teachers say they have not received formal guidance on how to use AI tools in their work.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion 4 Questions We Must Answer Before Bringing AI Into the ClassroomStudent learning should be the primary criterion for if and when AI belongs in K-12 schools.
Artificial Intelligence Teachers' Union's AI Plan Seeks 'Big Tech Tax,' Elementary Screen BansThe American Federation of Teachers launches push to limit AI-based tools for students.
Artificial Intelligence Video How AI Complicates Student Well-Being. What Schools Should KnowMany kids cannot tell the difference between an AI-driven chatbot and genuine human understanding.
Artificial Intelligence New $11M Effort Aims to Train Teachers in AI. How Does It Work?The Computer Science Teachers Association launches the "AI PD Weeks" initiative.
