Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making waves in education, transforming how we teach and learn. While teachers have initially focused on using AI for lesson prep and planning, extending its use to students is becoming increasingly important, particularly when it comes to AI tools like chatbots. AI literacy and chatbot exploration are crucial for developing future-ready learners, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to navigate an AI-driven world. To guide this journey, consider these essential best practices for using AI with your students:
1. Clear Objectives
Before diving in with AI-integrated lessons, ask yourself: What do you want your students to learn? Clearly define your educational objectives, then choose the level of AI integration that complements these goals. Whether it’s using AI for personalized learning paths or data analysis, ensure the technology serves your educational purpose, not the other way around.
2. Skill Balance
Remember when calculators became a staple in math classes, but we still needed to know how to do long division? It’s a similar story now. While AI can be a fantastic tool, it should never overshadow the development of essential skills. Encourage students to use AI as a supplement—not a substitute—for critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
3. Ethics and Integrity
When AI can generate essays at the click of a button, teaching ethics is more crucial than ever. Uphold academic integrity by helping students distinguish between AI assistance and plagiarism. Engage them in discussions about ethical AI use, fostering a sense of responsibility and honesty in their academic pursuits. Create a set of AI usage guidelines together!
4. Monitoring and Feedback
Continuous monitoring and feedback are your best allies on this AI journey. Keep a watchful eye on how students integrate AI into their work and provide constructive feedback. This helps them improve while teaching them to use AI effectively and responsibly. After all, isn’t feedback what transforms good work into great work?
5. Stay Ahead of the Curve
To truly empower your students, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest advancements in AI and educational technology. Embrace ongoing learning opportunities, like our online AI courses for educators, and resources from the K12 Hub to deepen your understanding of AI’s potential in education. By staying current, you can ensure your teaching practices remain innovative, relevant, and engaging.
Integrating AI in the classroom isn’t just about keeping up with technology—it’s about enhancing the learning experience while preserving the core values of teaching. By setting clear objectives, maintaining a balance of skills, upholding ethics, and providing ongoing feedback, we can create a harmonious blend of AI and education that prepares our students for the future.
So, are you ready to take the plunge into AI-enhanced education?
Marcee Harris is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and Sociology, as well as an M.A. Ed. in Education. Marcee specializes in curriculum development, maintaining and updating our course catalog, and partners with her Teaching Channel teammates to ensure customer success. Marcee is our resident expert for everything related to EdTech and the Science of Reading.
Fun Fact: Marcee used to be a professional cheerleader!
