"Teachers Are Reinventing Their Approaches: Exploring Educational Shifts Due to AI Integration"

In the modern educational landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a novelty but a tool increasingly being employed by teachers. From drafting lesson plans to identifying student struggles, AI is making its mark in classrooms across the globe.

A group of teachers from "Krass Schule – Die jungen Lehrer" in Germany, including Sandra Czok, Sandy Fähse, Mylene Dück, Julia Molitor, and Maite Berlec, are among those embracing this technological shift. However, the comfort level with AI varies widely among educators. Tanisca Wilson, a member of the National Council of Teachers of English, views AI as a friend, not an enemy.

The debate over AI's role in education is far from over. A survey conducted in May and June 2023 revealed that 43% of teachers, principals, and district leaders suggested students should solve problems in class using traditional methods like pencil and paper, while 34% advocated for teaching students to incorporate AI into math assignments.

One teacher who has integrated AI into her classroom is Ana Sepulveda, a 6th grade math and dual-language teacher. She allows her students to use generative AI platforms for specific assignments but requires them to document their process in a journal, which counts as a project grade.

However, the use of AI by students is raising ethical and instructional questions. Some teachers cite generative AI platforms as a common tool for student cheating. To combat this, some are employing AI-detection tools, but the effectiveness of these tools has been questioned.

Critics also warn about potential cognitive effects for students who rely too heavily on AI, emphasising the importance of engaging students to reduce the need for AI. Bianca Batti, an English teacher at High Tech High, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of engaging students to reduce the need for AI.

The use of AI in education is not uniform across all states and school districts, creating a patchwork approach. Some have adopted AI policies, while others have not. Lisa Apau, a high school science teacher in Massachusetts' Worcester public schools, encourages the use of AI platforms for situations when students don't understand course material.

To ensure responsible use of AI, educators like Colleen Molina, the principal at High Tech High, stress the importance of educating students on how to use AI responsibly. Dallman, a chemistry teacher and International Baccalaureate coordinator at Davis High School in Yakima, Wash., includes AI in her school's academic honesty policy, allowing its use if cited as a source.

In light of these developments, Wilson suggests educators should shift their mindset from seeing AI as a tool that suppresses critical thinking to viewing students as contributors who can shape how AI is used. By doing so, they can encourage creative problem-solving and foster a generation of tech-savvy learners.

Meanwhile, at High Tech Los Angeles, a charter school in California, teachers use a project-based learning model to limit reliance on AI and assess students' learning skills. Ellese Jaddou, a chemistry teacher at High Tech High, has seen students use generative AI platforms as a supplement to Google, sometimes copying homework answers directly from ChatGPT.

The journey of AI in education is still in its early stages, and the debate over its role and impact continues. As more teachers adopt this technology, the focus remains on ensuring it is used responsibly and creatively to enhance learning, not replace it.

"Teachers Are Reinventing Their Approaches: Exploring Educational Shifts Due to AI Integration"