Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in various sectors since its introduction to the public domain in November 2022. Education, being no exception, has witnessed the potential of AI to alleviate heavy workloads and enhance student learning. Educators have experimented with generative AI tools for text and images, discovering their significant impact on both workload management and student progress.
The versatility of AI offers opportunities to make education more inclusive, progressive, and personalized. Text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools enable accessibility for all students. Immediate feedback and identification of areas requiring additional support contribute to progressive learning. AI’s adaptability to individual learning styles and pacing facilitates personalized instruction and practice.
AI’s benefits extend beyond the classroom, aiding in lesson preparation, administrative processes, and even staff recruitment and retention. Clear policies governing AI use in schools can assure prospective employees that approved AI applications will help manage workloads efficiently.
However, despite the positive impact of AI in education, UNESCO reports that less than 10% of schools and universities have implemented AI strategies or policies as of June 2023. Establishing AI guidelines is crucial to ensure ethical and responsible use. Educators must be cautious about entering personally identifiable information (PII) into generative AI tools, as AI can still make mistakes and fabricate information.
To create purposeful guidelines, educators should consider the following six points:
1. Vision: Define the purpose of AI in education and apply it selectively, focusing on enriching the learning experience while considering equity and inclusivity.
2. Ethics: Raise awareness among staff about the ethical considerations surrounding AI. Emphasize that AI learns from the data it receives and caution against sharing personal data with AI tools. Consult local official guidance on AI use in education.
3. Inclusion: Leverage AI-based solutions to improve inclusion, such as real-time live captioning and audio description. AI can also adapt learning environments, analyze student data, and enable early intervention.
4. Parents: Address parental concerns about AI use in schools by informing them about constructive AI tool implementation. Encourage dialogue and provide opportunities for questions and clarifications.
5. Training: Prioritize training and ongoing professional development for educators to maximize the benefits of AI. Stay updated on AI capabilities, risks, and relevant legislation or guidance.
6. Impact: Plan objectives carefully and measure the conditions before and after testing AI tools. Consider factors beyond time-saving, such as quality, accuracy, bias, and prompt crafting skills.
While generative AI will likely become a fixture in education, it is essential to remember that AI is a tool to achieve educational goals, not the objective itself. Balancing AI with human validation remains crucial.
