When it comes to technological advancements, the pace of change sometimes feels lightning fast. Most of us have a clear memory of what life was like before Google and smartphones. Some people may argue that times were better or easier, but we can all agree that things that once seemed out of reach have now become a normal part of life. For example, just looking at cell phones, technology has taken them from rotary phones to tiny computers and beyond.
Artificial intelligence could bring yet another shift in the way we interact with technology and make us all have feelings about what's to come. Eventually, AI can simulate human intelligence and emulate problem-solving skills, artistic talent, and even emotions. While it is exciting, it also brings a certain level of anxiety and discomfort about the unknown.
When parents and educators talk to me about advances in AI and its impact on education, most are not sure how they feel. Whether it's a tool to improve life-saving medical procedures or expand our knowledge of the universe, many people feel at ease with their role as tools for good. But when we talk about the presence of AI in the classroom, many people are anxious about what it will look like. Although we are only at the beginning of this type of change, I want to share my thoughts on what we know and think about rapidly changing technology, and how we plan to see where it will go.
What we do know is that AI is all around us and will continue to be around. We know that AI is already a factor in many workplaces, and many employers are evaluating what it means for their daily work.
We also know that students, especially middle and high school students, are already interacting with AI on their own.
So what do we think? We don’t have the benefit of hindsight yet, so we have to look to the future. I’m in the camp that thinks AI can be a constructive part of learning. Some of our teachers are already doing this. I think AI can be a tool for both students and teachers if used appropriately. I think the best place to start is to consider how AI can impact education. That means teachers need to be trained and supported in how to use AI, and we need to teach students to use it responsibly, just like any other digital content provided in schools.
So where are we going and how do we plan?
It's not hard to believe that we're headed toward a future where employers expect competitive candidates to have experience in AI. I believe that our preparation for our children must include students' experience of being guided using these tools. Then we will do our best to help them succeed using this tool in the future.
I would encourage educators and parents to learn the basic concepts of how AI works. I am learning it myself! Then spend time teaching your students what you have learned. Find out what AI can and cannot do, and share what you have discovered.
Any change in the learning environment presents us with an opportunity to discuss and understand the impact it has on Idaho’s schools and students, and AI will be no different.