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
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.
Special Report
Schools Are Using AI. But Are They on the Right Track?
See Education Week's roadmap for how to navigate the rising role of artificial intelligence in K-12 education.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion Teachers Share More Ways to Engage AI in the ClassroomIntroduce AI as a minor step in assignments because it will be present regardless.
Artificial Intelligence Tracker Which States Require Schools to Have AI Policies?Education Week is tracking which states are mandating that schools adopt AI policies.
Artificial Intelligence Did This Parent Hire a Lawyer? Schools Face a New Challenge With AIComplaints written with AI can have a very legalistic tone, costing schools extra staff time and money to respond.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion AI in the Classroom Is Often Harmful. Why Are Educators Falling Prey to the Hype?“AI is seductive for those who regard education as a series of steps toward a credential,” writes Alfie Kohn.
Artificial Intelligence Are Chatbots Safe for Kids?AI-powered chatbots are coming under more scrutiny for the potential harms they may cause. Here's what educators need to know.
Artificial Intelligence Here's How Teachers Really Feel About the Rise of AI in K-12 EducationArtificial intelligence has been used for administrative tasks and lesson planning in the past. What about this school year?
Artificial Intelligence From Our Research Center Is AI Good for Students? Here’s Why Many Educators Doubt ItAI is undermining students' learning, many educators say. It's also saving educators tons of time.
Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT Will Soon Have Parental Controls. How Schools Can Help Parents Use ThemParental controls can complement AI literacy instruction in schools, so long as parents know how to activate them.
Artificial Intelligence AI Can Generate Code. Is That a Threat to Computer Science Education?Some tech CEOs have claimed that learning to code won't be necessary. Computer science educators disagree.
Artificial Intelligence ‘It Will Stunt My Growth as a Teacher’: 3 Arguments Against AI in the ClassroomThree veteran teachers share their concerns about using AI for instruction.
Artificial Intelligence What the Research Says How AI Simulations Match Up to Real Students—and Why It MattersNew research suggests teachers should be cautious when using AI tools to personalize learning for students.
Artificial Intelligence We’re Entering a New Phase of AI in Schools. How Are States Responding?Artificial intelligence topped the list of state technology officials’ priorities for the first time in an annual survey.
Artificial Intelligence Reported Essay Is There a Healthy Middle Ground on AI in Schools? Try Skeptical OptimismHow students and teachers can learn to put a human touch on everything AI produces.
Artificial Intelligence Melania Trump Issues an AI Challenge for Students. Will It Help Build AI Literacy?The challenge invites K-12 students and educators to solve real-world problems with the help of AI.
Artificial Intelligence Americans Grow More Skeptical of AI in K-12 Schools, Poll FindsSupport for some AI use in schools has declined, according to the latest PDK poll on American attitudes toward public education.
