When ChatGPT started making it mainstream, I showed my two kids who are in middle school a news clip of how some teachers were using it in their classrooms and how some were banning it. They asked some questions, and we discussed how they might use it. Then we tested out how it could help with word choice or how to teach them some things more concisely than Google or writing funny stories- they are in middle school :). We talked about what would be considered cheating and what might be an appropriate way to use the tool. Although the line is vague and constantly evolving on what AI can and can’t be used for in school and in academia, we agreed that simply plugging in a prompt and copying and pasting it is unethical. 

As I evolve my own thinking and skills to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s clear to me that we need a more nuanced conversation in education about how we might use AI instead and the challenges that will come with it instead of simply going all in or avoiding it altogether.   

I want to share a few examples of how AI is currently being used as a provocation to think about the evolving role of the educator and how we might use (or not use) AI in our learning environments. 

1. In some middle and high school classrooms, students must write essays by hand and in person to ensure that there is no AI-supported writing. 

2. In another classroom, a 7th grader outlines a narrative with characters, setting, rising action, climax, and resolution and uses ChatGPT to create the story’s first draft. He revises and adds personal details and anecdotes, gets feedback from classmates, and revises and finalizes the story according to feedback with about 60% new or revised content from the first AI draft. 

3. An elementary school teacher uses an AI tool, Amira, to give students feedback on their reading. As they read a passage, they get feedback on their fluency and accuracy and are given specific next steps. Each student has an individual tutor supported by AI to guide their personalized needs, while the teacher can work with a small group of students to provide coaching and support and encourage the next steps. 

4. Another high school teacher creates criteria for success with learners, and as part of the learning experience he designed, 10th graders grapple with complex texts and identify key themes and the connections to their lives. In small group rotations, the teacher encourages them to use an education chatbot like Khanmigo to provide nuanced feedback on their initial ideas as their formative assessment. He then meets with students to discuss their ideas and guides their next steps in the final product, where students with demonstrate their learning and show the connections between their lives and the text. 

Embracing the Power of AI

With AI-powered tools and technologies, educators can personalize instruction, adapt content to individual needs, and provide targeted student support. Intelligent tutoring systems can offer real-time feedback, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest tailored learning resources. Virtual reality and augmented reality can immerse students in interactive and engaging learning environments. As educators, we can harness these technological advancements to create dynamic and effective learning experiences. 

While some may view AI as a threat to traditional teaching methods, we have to acknowledge that it presents exciting opportunities for enhancing teaching and learning experiences, and educators play a crucial role in designing and facilitating meaningful learning journeys. The power of an educator is not simply in the information they share but in the opportunities they create for students to learn how to learn, solve problems, and apply what they are learning in meaningful ways.

I wrote about the evolving role of the educator in 2017 and am updating it as I consider the power and impact of AI. Here are my thoughts on an educator’s evolving role in the AI age. 

Co-Design Powerful Learning Experiences

Despite the integration of AI, the role of educators remains irreplaceable. Technology should not be seen as a substitute for teachers but as a valuable tool in their toolkits. Educators become co-designers of learning experiences, working alongside their students to create relevant and authentic educational journeys. Educators can leverage AI to facilitate inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. By incorporating AI into lesson plans, teachers can empower students to explore their interests, connect with real-world contexts, and develop essential skills for the future.

Curate of AI-Driven Content 

With the vast amount of educational content available through AI-powered platforms and resources, educators can take on the role of curators. They select, evaluate, and adapt AI-generated content to meet the specific learning needs of their students. Educators also ensure that the content aligns with educational standards, promotes critical thinking, and fosters deep understanding. By curating AI-driven content, educators can personalize and differentiate instruction based on learners’ strengths and interests.

Partner in Learning 

AI opens up new opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. As students engage in projects that require interaction with external organizations or experts, educators become facilitators of these connections. By fostering collaborative experiences, teachers enable students to learn from diverse perspectives, develop teamwork skills, and embrace lifelong learning. In this collaborative ecosystem, educators also embrace their role as learners. They acknowledge that nobody can know everything in a world of ever-expanding knowledge. By continuously learning alongside their students, educators model the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset.

Cultivate Learning Communities 

Education is not just about individual learning; it is about building communities. Educators play a crucial role in developing relationships with their students and fostering a supportive learning environment. By leveraging AI, teachers can utilize adaptive learning platforms that provide personalized feedback and recommendations. However, it is the human connection that truly nurtures the emotional well-being of students. Through face-to-face interactions, mentorship, and guidance, educators create spaces where all learners feel valued, respected, and motivated to learn. The role of educators as community developers becomes even more critical in the digital age.

Prepare Students for an AI-Driven Future

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various industries, it is essential to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. Educators are pivotal in ensuring students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and ethical decision-making abilities. By incorporating AI into the curriculum, educators can help students understand the implications of AI on society, ethics, and privacy. They can guide students to become responsible users and creators of AI, preparing them to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.

AI is not about replacing teachers but empowering them with innovative tools to enhance teaching and learning. AI offers endless possibilities to personalize education, foster collaboration, and create meaningful learning experiences, but it also creates challenges that we have to learn to navigate. As educators, we are responsible for embracing AI as a powerful ally in our mission to nurture and inspire students to leverage tools responsibly and ethically. 

Supporting Educators in Their Evolving Role

As we embrace the potential of AI in education, it is crucial to support educators in developing the competencies required for their evolving role. Professional development programs should equip teachers with the skills, knowledge, and dispositions necessary to effectively leverage AI tools and resources. Collaboration and sharing of best practices within professional learning communities can foster a culture of innovation and continuous growth. 

The age of AI offers a world of possibilities for educators and students alike. By embracing AI as a powerful tool, educators can enhance the learning experience, foster deeper engagement, and empower students to become lifelong learners. While technology brings immense potential, educators’ guidance, creativity, and compassion truly unlock its transformative power.