Guest blog post | The AI Revolution: A teacher’s guide to tough questions from parents
We are excited to partner with Deledao, an AI company working to keep students’ eyes on task while using devices in the classroom, to bring you this guest blog post from their team.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword in education for quite some time now. It is believed that AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach. However, many questions and concerns still surround its use in education.
Here at Deledao, we are at the forefront of AI implementation as a tool that positively impacts student outcomes in the classroom. We know that teachers are already facing questions from families about the impacts of AI in the classroom.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common questions and concerns surrounding AI and provide tips on navigating them.
What is AI?
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and act like humans. AI systems are designed to learn from their experiences, identify patterns, and make decisions based on the data they collect.
Tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and natural language processing, are now being performed at high speed by these AI technologies.
As you might expect, this could revolutionize many facets of society, including education.
How is AI used in education?
One of the most common applications of AI in education is personalized learning. AI can analyze students’ learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses and provide personalized recommendations and feedback.
AI is also being used to automate administrative tasks like grading, scheduling, and attendance tracking. This frees up your time as a teacher and allows you to focus on more critical tasks, such as lesson planning and student engagement. There are also other applications, like AI-powered content filtering, virtual tutoring, chatbots for student support, and more.
The Benefits of AI in Education
Here are four potential benefits of using AI in education:
- Tailored experience: With the possibility of customizing recommendations and feedback based on the individual student, AI could help develop a more effective learning experience.
- Increased efficiency: AI can automate time-consuming administrative tasks, freeing your time as a teacher and allowing you to focus on more important tasks.
- Improved student outcomes: Personalized tutoring, real-time content filtering, and other AI tools can help students improve their performance and academic achievements.
- Greater accessibility: AI can help make education more accessible to students with disabilities or who cannot attend school in person.
Common Questions and Concerns from Families
As a teacher, you may face questions and concerns from families about using AI in the classroom. Let us help you explore and learn how to tackle them.
Will AI replace teachers?
Job replacement is one of the most common concerns surrounding the use of AI. However, AI is not a substitute for the human interaction and personalized attention you provide to your students. It’s more like a tool that can assist you in your work and make it more efficient. AI cannot replace the critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence that make you who you are as a teacher.
Is AI safe for children to use?
Another concern is safety. We believe it’s the responsibility of admins and instructional people to ensure that the AI systems used in the classroom are safe, secure, and age-appropriate. Teachers should also educate students on the safe and responsible use of technology (i.e., digital citizenship). As an educator, you should also be aware of other potential risks, such as data breaches and cyberbullying, and take steps to mitigate them.
For tools that work directly with student data, compliance with federal and state regulations like FERPA and COPPA is a must.
Will AI be used to track and monitor students?
There are concerns that AI may be used to track and monitor students, leading to a loss of privacy and autonomy. Educators should be transparent about the data that is being collected and how it is being used. For example, they can discuss with their tech directors which data is being collected and inform the students’ families about it.
Can AI be used to identify and intervene with struggling students?
Yes, AI already has the potential to identify struggling students early on and provide teachers with the insights they need to help. However, there are concerns about the potential for bias and the accuracy of these interventions.
Educators should monitor the AI’s information and provide personalized support and feedback to students to ensure that they are receiving the help they need.
Tips for Navigating Questions and Concerns from Families
As a teacher, it is important to be prepared to answer questions and concerns from families about the use of AI in the classroom. Here are a few tips for navigating these conversations:
Be honest and transparent
Try to be as upfront as possible about how AI is used in the classroom. Answer questions honestly and be willing to admit when you do not have an answer.
Address concerns about privacy and security
Be prepared to address concerns about the privacy and security of student data. Explain how student data is being collected and used, and reassure families that steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of this data.
Provide examples of how AI is being used in the classroom
Provide concrete examples of how AI is being used in the classroom and how it is benefiting students. This can help to alleviate concerns and demonstrate the potential benefits of this new technology.
Emphasize the importance of human interaction in education
Remind families that AI should not be seen as a replacement for teachers, but rather as a tool to assist them in their work. Emphasize the importance of human interaction and personalized attention in education.
Final thoughts
As we’ve seen, the use of technology in education is already changing the way we teach. And while there are legitimate concerns from families regarding the use of AI, educators can address them by being transparent, providing concrete examples, and emphasizing the importance of human interaction.
As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into education, it will be up to educators to stay informed and educated about its capabilities and limitations. The goal? Create a more equitable and effective education system for all students. If you are interested in developing some guidelines for your students’ digital habits, download our free Digital Citizenship Contract here.
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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in understanding student experiences and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators, and families to navigate social experiences — online and offline — in healthy ways. Our unique, student-respected approach incorporates topics like social media, technology use, and current events that have a significant impact on student well-being. Lessons teach life skills for the modern day to inspire high-character decisions that support the health, happiness, and future success of students, while capturing data that provides insights to school leaders to inform school policy and communications, and enable high-impact teaching and a healthy learning environment. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities.