At a recent Education Week forum, educators emphasized the need for cautious, flexible integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. Key points from panelists:
- Justin Reich of MIT advised schools to “be their own local scientists,” given the lack of conclusive research. “It’s going to be a while before the research community can conclude what kinds of AI uses are harmful to student thinking and development and what kinds are helpful.”
- School and district leaders should have a “stance of humility when we don’t know what to do,” Reich said. “It’s OK to be transparent with our communities, our colleagues, our students, that we don’t know what to do and we’re trying things.”
- Aaron Cinquemani noted that cellphones and social media slowly crept into schools, but it still took a long time to learn about their harms. That’s why with AI, schools should “go slow and steady and be cautious.”
- He said welcome criticism and adapt policies as understanding grows. The concerns that skeptics and critics bring in “should be helping us inform how we implement.”
Tina Nuñez, the edtech resource teacher for Albuquerque public schools in New Mexico, said her schools’ policy is “a little bit broad on purpose,” because the technology is changing so fast. The district plans to revamp its teacher and student AI policies as it learns more about how they are using the tools. The Albuquerque district started with getting teachers comfortable with the technology, Nuñez said. Teachers learned what AI is, how it works, and what its pros and cons are. Now, the district is trying to build that knowledge in students as well, Nuñez said.
Skeptics and critics of generative AI are raising concerns about the downsides of relying on the technology, such as a decline in critical thinking skills, students cheating or offloading work, and negative mental health outcomes.
Still, many AI advocates are encouraging schools to experiment with the fast-evolving technology and teach educators and students how to use it responsibly.
Education Week
