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
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.
Special Report
The Transformative Potential of AI: 6 Big Questions for Schools
When it comes to artificial intelligence, thoughtful leadership at the district, school, and classroom levels is more important than ever.
- Artificial Intelligence Webinar MTSS + AI in Action: Reimagining Student SupportSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.See how one district is using AI to strengthen MTSS, reduce workload, and improve student support.
Artificial Intelligence Students Are Worried That AI Will Hurt Their Critical Thinking SkillsDespite those concerns, students are using the tech more and more for schoolwork.
Artificial Intelligence How AI Could Help or Hurt Student TestingThere's a balance to strike that uses AI to improve assessments and keep humans in charge, experts say.
Artificial Intelligence Q&A How a School Uses AI to Address Student Behavior ProblemsAI has helped streamline the development of behavior intervention plans, a school leader said.
Artificial Intelligence Teachers Move Beyond AI Basics to More Sophisticated Instructional UsesA national AI training academy introduces teachers to complex collaboration with the technology.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion Why Teachers Shouldn’t Offload Their Busywork to AIThe idea that AI can let teachers carve out more time for students is appealing, intuitive—and wrong.Artificial Intelligence Webinar AI in Schools: What 1,000 Districts Reveal About Readiness and RiskSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.Move beyond “ban vs. embrace” with real-world AI data and practical guidance for a balanced, responsible district policy.Artificial Intelligence Webinar Managing AI in Schools: Practical Strategies for DistrictsSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.How should districts govern AI in schools? Learn practical strategies for policies, safety, transparency, and responsible adoption.
Artificial Intelligence How Do Parents Want Schools to Handle AI? Insights From a New SurveyRegardless of political affiliation, 79% of parents want more protection for kids.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 Real-Time Data Shows Exactly How Students Use AI on School TechnologyAbout 20% of student interactions with AI using school technology involved problematic behaviors.
Artificial Intelligence Teens Say They Should Be Able to Use AI to Complete Assignments. Parents DisagreeThat tension is rising as many schools are expanding their use of AI.
Artificial Intelligence Data How Teens and Young People Use AI Tools for Learning and Mental Health SupportTwo reports detail ways young people are engaging with AI and how it impacts their mental health.
Artificial Intelligence Are Teens Just Using AI to Cheat? Well, Not Quite (If You Ask Them)There’s fear among many educators that students are using AI to do most of their critical thinking.
Artificial Intelligence Moms Across the Political Spectrum Urge Caution on AI in SchoolsMothers of kids in school are concerned about the impact of AI on learning and social skills.
