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 Opinion ‘Just Say No’ Didn’t Keep Teens Off Drugs. It Won’t Work for AI, EitherDo you hate AI? That’s all the more reason to teach AI literacy.
Artificial Intelligence LAUSD Adopts Moratorium on Student AI Use, Another Move to Limit Classroom TechThe nation's second-largest district is pausing student use of generative artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence New York, Los Angeles Restrict Student AI Use. Will Other Districts Follow?The restrictions come amid rising concerns about overreliance on technology in schools.Artificial Intelligence Spotlight Spotlight on Using AI with Purpose: Building Responsible Practices for SchoolsLearn how to implement AI responsibly with practical guidance for school leaders, teachers, and district decisionmakers.
Artificial Intelligence Schools Caught Flat-Footed After Google Makes Gemini Chatbot Available to All StudentsSchools wrestle with the question of whether to permit or prohibit access to the AI chatbot.
Artificial Intelligence Bill Gates' Stark Warning on AI in Education: It Could Result in 'People Learning Less'The Microsoft co-founder is more worried about the technology than he was just a few years ago.
Artificial Intelligence What the Research Says When Does AI Help Most With Tutoring? What Emerging Research SaysA brief from Stanford's SCALE initiative examines the existing evidence on using AI in tutoring.
Artificial Intelligence Data How Teens Are Using AI: Key Takeaways for EducatorsTwo recent surveys provide insights on teens' views of artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence Schools Spend Billions on AI, But Struggle to Figure Out What’s Worth BuyingSome school district officials feel overwhelmed by the array of choices of AI learning tools.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion How Teachers Are Experimenting With AIFrom supporting students to saving time on tasks, educators share their thoughts on the tool.
Artificial Intelligence Opinion Howard Gardner: How AI Will Force Us to 'Rethink' EducationThe question isn’t whether to use AI but how, explains the father of multiple intelligences.
Artificial Intelligence Data Literacy Skills Seen as Key for Success in the Age of AIEducators and parents see benefits if students learn more data literacy skills, survey shows.
Artificial Intelligence Students Created a National AI Policy Framework. Here’s What It IncludesNearly 100 students from across the country collaborated to set guardrails around AI use in schools.
Artificial Intelligence Deepfakes Are Supercharging Cyberbullying. How Should Schools Respond?The focus should be on prevention, not punishment, experts say.
Artificial Intelligence School Districts Push Back Against State-Required AI Reading AssessmentsTwo school districts in New Mexico say the assessments could jeopardize students' data privacy.
