Streamlining Artificial Intelligence for Educators: The Essential Insights You Should Focus On (At the Present Moment)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making waves in the education sector, inundating classrooms and online learning platforms with its potential to revolutionise teaching and learning. However, with this revolution comes challenges that educators must navigate to ensure a fair and effective learning environment.
One of the key components of AI that is being leveraged in education is prompting. LLMs such as ChatGPT, Microsoft's Copilot, and Google's Gemini offer a variation of capacity to generate information based on the power of prompting. This is similar to a good old-fashioned Google search, but requires more thought and practice for better output. However, it's important to note that AI language models (LLMs) often struggle to separate fact from fiction, as demonstrated by hallucinations, where they may provide fabricated game stats and outcomes.
AI offers a wealth of resources for educators. Large companies like Microsoft, through the Siemens Stiftung and HPI School of Design Thinking, provide free blended learning training. The Stifterverband offers its free KI-Campus platform, offering over 80 courses on artificial intelligence for educators, accessible online with free registration. Tools like StarryAI offer free-tier AI art generators useful in education without requiring registration.
Educators should be aware of the inevitable inequities that persist with AI, especially for marginalized students. AI is biased due to the massive internet ecosystem it derives information from. This bias can perpetuate existing inequalities if not addressed. Additionally, while a simplistic library of resources is available for educators, most want users to pay eventually, which can create barriers for some.
Detecting AI use in student work can be a challenge. AI detectors have had uneven success in detecting plagiarism. Following the completion of a written response, asking students to write three Level Three DOK questions can help detect AI use. Good old-fashioned detection methods, such as seven ways to detect AI use in student writing, are effective. It's also crucial for students to properly cite generative AI for transparency when using it as a source.
The challenge with AI is sorting out the irrelevant, complex, expensive, and impractical aspects. Big data in education a decade ago was used to analyse student performance. Shorter data sets were found to be effective in education. While AI offers a wealth of resources, it's important to use it judiciously and to ensure it enhances, rather than replaces, the teacher's role in the classroom.
Microsoft and Google offer premium features for AI education, with Microsoft's Copilot providing 4.0 access and Google's Gemini offering similar features. However, it's important to remember that these premium features come at a cost.
In the end, the use of AI in education is a tool that, when used responsibly and ethically, can greatly enhance the learning experience. Educators should be aware of the potential biases and inequities, and strive to create a learning environment that is fair and accessible to all students.
){kind=link}