By Bill Reed
In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, one thing is clear: AI is here to stay. Yet, many educators remain hesitant—or outright resistant—to incorporating AI into their work. This reluctance, while understandable, is shortsighted and risks depriving students of a vital skill set they will need to thrive in the future.
“AI won’t take your job; it’s somebody using
AI that will take your job.”
Economist Richard Baldwin
Let’s explore why educators must embrace AI, how it can be used ethically and effectively, and what steps we should take to prepare ourselves and our students for an AI-driven world.
Why AI in Education Isn’t Optional
A common misconception about AI is that it will replace jobs—including those of teachers. This is simply not true. AI is a tool, not a replacement. As economist Richard Baldwin stated at the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Growth Summit, “AI won’t take your job; it’s somebody using AI that will take your job.”
This insight underscores the importance of educators not only understanding AI but also equipping their students with the skills to use it effectively. The future workforce will demand individuals who can collaborate with AI systems, think critically, and leverage these tools in ethical and productive ways.
A Historical Perspective on Adapting to Change
Education has always adapted to technological shifts:
In the past, students, like me (yes I
am that old), were required to take typing classes to prepare for the workforce.
These evolved into keyboarding classes as computers replaced typewriters.
Later, schools introduced classes on Word Processing, Spreadsheets, and Presentation software to keep pace with workplace demands.
Today, many states, including Indiana (as per required by IC 20-30-5-23.) mandate a Computer Science curriculum from grades K–12.
It’s not far-fetched to predict that within the next five years, AI literacy and Coding will be a requirement for high school graduation. As society evolves, so must education.
What Educators Should Be Doing Right Now
If you’re an educator wondering where to start, here’s your roadmap:
1. Familiarize Yourself with AI Tools
AI can make your work more efficient and productive. For example:
Communication: Using AI for improving their written communications with colleagues, parents, and students.
Planning: Streamline your lesson planning and differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs.
Research: Stay updated on the latest educational trends and insights.
Problem-Solving: AI can act as a thought partner, offering fresh perspectives on challenges you face.
2. Emphasize Ethical and Appropriate AI Use
One of the biggest concerns about AI in education is misuse or over-reliance. Address this head-on:
Define clear policies for AI usage. These should focus on how AI should be used rather than how it should not be used. Policies framed positively are easier to follow and enforce. Policies written in a negative format can never account for everything and challenge people, under the policy, to find ways to get around the policy. Policies written in a positive format stating the behaviors and actions that should be happening encourage people, under the policy, to follow the policy in the manner it was intended.
Educate students on ethical AI use. Teach them the importance of writing effective prompts, citing AI-generated content appropriately, and understanding its limitations, bias, and incorrect information.
3. Integrate AI into the Curriculum
AI is not just a tool for educators—it’s a learning aid for students:
Use AI as a prewriting tool to help students brainstorm ideas and organize their thoughts.
Encourage students to leverage AI for problem-solving, such as exploring additional examples or gaining clarity on complex topics.
Demonstrate how AI can provide real-world applications for academic concepts, making learning more engaging and relevant.
Dispelling the “Cheating” Myth
A significant concern among educators is that AI fosters laziness or undermines critical thinking. However, when used correctly, AI enhances creativity and learning. For instance:
Just as spellcheck has become an accepted part of writing, AI tools can support brainstorming, editing, and refining work.
Students learn to critically evaluate AI-generated content, improving their analytical and decision-making skills.
The key lies in guidance. Show students when and how to use AI responsibly, and they’ll emerge as better problem-solvers and thinkers.
Preparing Students for the Future
The ultimate goal of education is to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. In an AI-driven world, failing to equip them with the skills to use AI is akin to denying them access to books or computers.
As educators, we must:
Model the use of AI in our professional lives.
Create opportunities for students to practice AI skills in a safe and ethical environment.
Stay ahead of the curve by continuously learning and adapting to new AI tools and trends.
Final Thoughts: Use It or Lose It!
AI is not a threat—it’s an opportunity. By
integrating AI into our work and teaching, we empower ourselves and our students to thrive in a technology-driven future. The choice is clear: use it or risk falling behind.
So, educators, what steps are you taking to embrace AI in your classroom? How are you preparing your students for the future? Let’s share ideas and build a brighter, AI-powered future for education!
