Using AI in the Classroom

The learning environment in primary and secondary education is continually evolving with AI technology. Students are now able to access generative AI tools that did not exist for prior students. Not only to do we AI tools like Chat GPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Gemini gaining popularity, but we see applications to hide AI use being used such as QuillBot and Stealth Writer. There are lots of important conversations happenings about how AI increases plagiarism and decreases learning. However as students continue to access and explore generative AI, it is more important than ever before to integrate AI into the classroom in ethical and meaningful ways to enhance student learning.

Experimenting with AI

This week, I chose to experiment with multiple generative AI applications. I usually use Chat GPT for summarizing information, brainstorming, and asking simple questions. To experiment, I decided I wanted to ask Chat GPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Gemini questions and see the discrepancies in their responses. 

My first question: What country should I travel to, taking into consideration cost, safety, and having an interest in hiking?

• Chat GPT: Peru, Nepal, Portugal, Georgia, Vietnam
• Microsoft Copilot: New Zealand, Nepal, Canada, Iceland, Peru
• Gemini: New Zealand, Canada, Nepal, Slovenia, Spain

I think that Chat GPT did the best at integrating my considerations into the response.

My second question: What should I cook for supper?

• Chat GPT: Asked about my needs including time restraints, cravings, and dietary preferences before giving me an answer. When told I want something simple, it provided a recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken and veggies.
• Microsoft Copilot: Suggested making a stir-fry using common ingredients found in homes.
• Gemini: Asked about my needs including time restraints, cravings, and dietary preferences and provided me with some recipes with the questions including pasta, tacos, and stir-fries.

I think that Chat GPT did the best job of tailoring its’ response to my needs.

Using AI to Enhance Teaching

The most effective way to use generative AI in the classroom is for brainstorming and creativity. I think that this is best applied to English Language Arts and Arts Education, however it could be applied to various subject areas. In the classroom setting, this could look like using generative AI to:

• provide random story elements as writing prompts for students
• generate random plot twists in a story
• write an improv prompt
• aid in the brainstorming process for writing
• animate students’ drawings 

Generative AI can also be used to encourage critical thinking and a conversation about digital ethics. In the classroom, this could look like using generative AI to:

• edit and critique a story written by AI
• organize information
• critique scientific hypothesis created by AI
• analyze AI generated images

Supporting Students

When introduced to a classroom environment in an effective way, generative AI has many positive impacts for students including:

• fostering a growth mindset
• creating an assessable entry point to projects
• scaffolding assignments
• encouraging critical thinking
• sparking creativity

Ethical Considerations 

As educators, it is important to recognize the risks associated with generative AI and ways to try and reduce these risks. There are tools to try and catch inappropriate use of generative AI including GPTZero. However, it is extremely important to be aware of the inaccuracies and inequities in AI detection software. The best way to reduce the inappropriate use of AI in education is to incorporate it into the classroom in meaningful ways, educate students on the problems with AI, and set out clear expectations of AI use within the classroom.