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 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.
Special Report
Math & AI: Can They Work Together?
Many math teachers are testing out AI tools in their classrooms, but skepticism remains about the technology's instructional value.
Special Report
How AI Is Reshaping Teachers’ Jobs
Artificial intelligence is changing the way teachers work, learn, and teach.
- Artificial Intelligence K-12 Essentials Forum How Schools Are Navigating AI AdvancesJoin this free virtual event to learn how schools are striking a balance between using AI and avoiding its potentially harmful effects.Artificial Intelligence Reports Six Big Questions About AI and K-12 Education, In ChartsThis report examines AI’s impact in K-12 education. Survey results that provide insight into educators’ perspectives are presented in charts.Artificial Intelligence Webinar AI, Inquiry, and Imagination: Designing Student-Centered Learning QuestsSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.Ready to harness AI for student-centered learning? Gain strategies to build curiosity, ethics, and imagination in your classroom.
Artificial Intelligence From HR to Teachers to Bus Drivers: This District’s AI Policy Applies to EveryoneThe use of AI is working its way into nearly all school district jobs.
Artificial Intelligence Congress Wants to Protect Kids Using AI. Are Their Ideas the Right Ones?Two bills in Congress aim to build guardrails for kids' use of artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence Video AI in Action: How Educators Should Approach the TechnologyEfforts to bring AI into classrooms have broad implications for schools and for instructional strategy.
Artificial Intelligence Video These Students are Learning the Math That Makes AI TickRather than study how to use AI, students in this machine learning class work with the math that makes the AI work.
Artificial Intelligence 5 Best Practices for Crafting a School or District AI PolicyNearly half of educators say their school or district does not have an AI policy.
Artificial Intelligence Teachers Worry AI Will Impede Students' Critical Thinking Skills. Many Teens Aren't So SureA majority of educators fear students may become dependent on generative AI tools for basic tasks.
Artificial Intelligence 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' Is Now Here: How a Teacher Used AI to Teach 'Macbeth'An English teacher paired lessons on Shakespeare's classic play with instruction about AI.
Artificial Intelligence 'AI Helped Us Understand Itself': What Happened When AI Wrote a Course About AICareful AI prompting helped a computer science leader design a course about the technology.
Artificial Intelligence How Chatbots Can Help Train TeachersTech that simulates conversations can support teachers with classroom management and lesson planning.
Artificial Intelligence How School Districts Are Crafting AI Policy on the FlyIt's a struggle to create guidelines that keep up with rapid advances in the technology.
Artificial Intelligence From Our Research Center 'Look How Fast This Is Exploding': Inside One District's Approach to AI TrainingA Virginia school system is trying to help teachers understand the power and limitations of AI tools.
Artificial Intelligence 'It's Not Magic': How These Schools Are Teaching AI LiteracyStudents are building knowledge about the technology that could help them in future jobs.
