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 What Teachers Should Know About ChatGPT’s New Study Mode FeatureChatGPT's new study mode feature will not necessarily prevent the use of AI to cheat.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion Can an AI-Powered Tutor Produce Meaningful Results?The key lessons educators should know to help students get the most out of this AI experience.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion 4 Principles for Classroom AI, From an Experienced EducatorIgnoring AI, even if it intimidates you, isn't the path to take for you or your students. Instead, consider this advice.
Artificial Intelligence The Ed. Dept. Wants to Steer Grant Money to AI. What That Means for SchoolsThe Education Department is proposing to make advancing AI in education one of its grantmaking priorities.
Artificial Intelligence How This District Is Using AI in Instruction—and Navigating Public ConcernThe Darlington district in South Carolina shares how it's rolling out generative AI.
Artificial Intelligence One-Third of Teens Are as 'Satisfied' Talking to a Chatbot as a Real PersonTeenagers turn to AI companions for social connection and to talk through problems.
Artificial Intelligence Microsoft, OpenAI Partner With AFT to Train Teachers on AIThe announcement comes as a rising number of school districts are providing AI training to teachers and administrators.
Artificial Intelligence AI Is Changing Classrooms. Should Teachers Help Build It?Experts say teachers should help build, not just use, AI tools, and that PD must go beyond tech skills to include trust and leadership.
Artificial Intelligence Can AI Make History Class More Fun for Students?One elementary coach uses AI tools to help her students chat with historical figures.
Artificial Intelligence Inside Middle Schoolers' Take on AIMiddle schoolers are well aware of AI’s pitfalls, including its tendency to get facts wrong and its potential to stifle their own learning.
Artificial Intelligence Why AI May Not Be Ready to Write Your Lesson PlansAI struggles to craft engaging lessons that make good use of technology and activate students’ critical thinking skills, researchers found.
Artificial Intelligence Will AI Be the Answer to K-12’s Hiring Headaches?Recruiters can use AI for just about any part of the recruiting process. But should they? An expert weighs in.
Artificial Intelligence Q&A For Many Schools, AI Is Now a Daily Reality. What That MeansSchool districts are beginning to think about how to use AI for teaching and learning, ISTE+ASCD CEO Richard Culatta says.
Artificial Intelligence Brain Activity Is Lower for Writers Who Use AI. What That Means for StudentsMany writers who had AI help with an essay couldn't recall what they wrote, a study finds. It could have implications for the classroom.Artificial Intelligence Live Online Discussion A Seat at the Table: Math & Technology: Finding the Recipe for Student SuccessHow should we balance AI & math instruction? Join our discussion on preparing future-ready students.
