How Schools Ve

Everyone knows kids these days use AI to do their homework, write their essays, and boost their academic prowess. But what about the teachers? Are they also in on this? If not, should they be?

Recent studies show that, at least in the US, teachers are interested. Data coming from the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity (SCALE) gives us more clarity on how teachers and school administrators are integrating AI tools into their busy schedules. 

According to the study, more than 40% of the 9,000 U.S. teachers surveyed have become regular users of this technology. These results show a better retention than regular software adoption. 

In this piece, we’ll have a look at how teachers use AI tools, how they choose their platforms, and whether this is the way to go for the future of education.

How Do Teachers Use AI Tools?

When it comes to school and education, we tend to associate AI tools with cheating. And yes, there are valid concerns regarding this aspect. However, we must also consider the positive aspects of these platforms. 

AI platforms have a huge potential in becoming the assistants that most teachers desperately need. With the increasing implementation of AI policies across the education system, we are now at a turning point, where humans and technology can work together effectively.

The SCALE survey found that teachers use AI platforms for three main activities:

• • Administrative tasks: Grading, scheduling, and generating reports.
  • Lesson planning: Create lesson plans, quizzes, and other instructional materials.
• Student chatbots: These are intended for student use (to ask questions or for clarification) and created by teachers. 

Administrative tasks and lesson planning consume a significant amount of time, often leaving human teachers depleted and fatigued. With the help of AI tools, repetitive and boring tasks are done much faster, leaving teachers room to be creative. 

These tools are also great for brainstorming and organizing information for everyone’s needs. For instance, teachers can use an all-in-one teaching platform to create differentiated teaching materials and assessments that fit various learning styles. It’s also an easier way to share resources and provide direct feedback.

How Do Schools Decide Which AI Tools to Use?

Tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or QuillBot are quite popular among students, but this doesn’t mean they’re safe to use or the best option, from an academic point of view. While it’s true that AI can be (and is) used ethically in education 

This is why schools don’t organize an Instagram poll and go with the most popular platform. To vet AI study apps, they must ensure the tools are effective, safe, and aligned with their educational goals. This process involves a range of stakeholders and is guided by key criteria.

The first step is for a school or district to identify a specific problem they want to solve. 

They might ask questions like:

• Are we trying to improve student reading proficiency in grades K-5?
• Do we need to reduce the amount of time teachers spend on administrative tasks like grading?
• How can we provide more personalized, one-on-one support for students in math?

This helps administrators and teachers focus on tools that address a defined need.

Once they know the main goal(s), it’s time to evaluate potential AI tools against a set of critical criteria, such as:

Safety and Privacy

This is often the top priority. Schools must ensure the AI tool complies with federal laws like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act). 

Schools carefully review how the tool handles and protects sensitive student data, making sure it’s not sold or used to train public-facing AI models.

Alignment with Curriculum and Pedagogy

The tool must support the school’s existing curriculum and teaching methods. It should enhance learning, not replace core instructional practices. 

For example, a tool designed for rote memorization might not be the right fit for a school focused on project-based learning.

Equity and Bias

A major concern is the potential for AI to perpetuate or amplify existing biases. This is why schools investigate if a tool’s algorithms are fair and unbiased, particularly in areas like grading and assessment, to ensure equitable outcomes for all students.

Wrap Up

There’s no denying that AI has infiltrated the education system. Students may have been the first to embrace the technology, but teachers, administrators, and even decision-makers are starting to see and understand its true potential. 

As we move forward, we need better regulation for privacy and safety, but we also need better training for teachers and administrators who use these tools.