If proper guidelines and accountability frameworks are put into place, artificial intelligence tools can enhance project-based learning experiences for both teachers and students, says Jessica Garner, senior director of innovative learning at International Society for Technology in Education, in a K-12 Dive article.
In project-based learning, students spend extended time working on a project that addresses a real-world problem or answers a complex question. This learning has been shown to enhance engagement and improve outcomes.
When incorporating AI in the classroom, Garner suggests that students should learn to utilize AI as a tool that enhances their learning rather than having it do the work for them. Garner believes project-based learning instruction is prime for AI collaboration due to several reasons:
1) Project-based learning connects class material to real-world problems, allowing students to discern whether their use of AI will enhance or hinder their learning.
2) For educators, AI can serve as a thought partner in project scenarios. The AI tool can generate project assignments and activities for each stage of a project, a benefit when teachers are creating lessons and goals and standards the lesson must meet.
3) For students, AI is a way to receive feedback on project work. Depending on the problem or project, AI can potentially help draft part of it.
4) Students can present their ideas and any challenges they’re facing to an AI tool and receive some initial guidance before meeting with their teacher. AI as a coach can help students on delivering presentations. Students can record themselves and ask AI for feedback on how to improve.
“If you can use AI as the first level of feedback, students can refine and hone in a little bit on what they’re trying to do,” so when the teacher gets involved, they can provide really targeted, specific feedback,” Garner says.
A note of caution to educators: always question and verify the sources the AI tool uses to find information, Garner recommends. Make sure that AI activities truly align with school and district standards and pedagogical themes.
Also, it’s important for schools and districts to have their own acceptable use guidelines for AI. A new policy may not be necessary, but existing policies need to be reviewed to make sure policies cover whatever AI tools teachers want to use.
K-12 Dive
