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 Lawsuit Blames a School-Issued Chromebook for Student’s Mental Health CrisisThe Chromebook was used to get feedback from an AI chatbot about mental health concerns.
Artificial Intelligence Google's New Rules Hand Schools Hard Choices About AI and SearchThe tech company plans to give schools an "on/off" switch for AI. They will soon have to decide.
Artificial Intelligence Q&A Can AI Take on the Grunt Work So Educators Can Focus on Student Learning?A New York superintendent says the tech will help his district cut through red tape in transportation and other areas.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion You Can Use AI to Create Assessments in a Snap. You Shouldn’tHere are five reasons to be cautious about using AI to build, score, or interpret education tests.
Artificial Intelligence The Research on AI in Education Is a MessLarge-scale research syntheses on AI in education are deeply flawed.
Artificial Intelligence From Our Research Center Nearly 1 in 3 District and School Leaders Skip AI for Operations. Here’s What the Rest DoSchool/district communications tops the list, EdWeek Research Center survey shows.
Artificial Intelligence Letter to the Editor Students Need Data and AI LiteracyStudents need opportunities to develop it, says this letter to the editor.Artificial Intelligence Webinar AI and 'Techlash' Are on a Collision Course. How Should Schools Respond?Learn what strategies and tactics schools can develop to encourage smart and responsible AI use, while also enforcing tech guardrails.Artificial Intelligence Whitepaper Leading AI in Schools: 5 Practical Steps for EducatorsSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.School leaders do not need all the answers to start using AI responsibly. Learn how to build governance, AI literacy, and educator practice.
Artificial Intelligence We Need Research on AI in Schools. The Feds Should Fund It, Report SaysMore research would help schools make better decisions about AI use in classrooms, educators say.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion How to Use AI With English Learners Without Encouraging Cognitive OffloadingStudents need productive struggle to grasp a new language. Here’s where AI can—and can’t—fit in.
Artificial Intelligence Can AI Crack the Code on Some of the Biggest Challenges in Schools?Principals are using AI to help reduce student absenteeism, set teacher goals, and more.
Artificial Intelligence Download 6 Tips for AI Translation in SchoolsAI translation apps can help schools connect with non-English-speaking families, but they are far from perfect.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion Think Your Students Know More About AI Than You Do? Read ThisHere are four things your students don’t understand about AI—and what you can do about it.
Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT's 'Teen Mode' Is Unsafe for Students, Report ConcludesThe chatbot failed to report unsafe interactions to parents in a timely manner, researchers found.
