The digital landscape of education is rapidly evolving and artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as AI, is one of the advances at the forefront of this change.
This back-to-school season is the perfect time to explore ways that AI tools can be leveraged to improve student achievement in STREAM subjects—science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math—without sacrificing the development of skills pertaining to critical thinking and responsible information evaluation.
Imagine students having a tireless study buddy by their side. AI-powered platforms like Khan Academy and Mathway can explain complex concepts, provide interactive tutorials and offer personalized learning paths. These tools can be invaluable for mastering specific topics and getting immediate feedback on practice problems. Plus, they’re only a Google search away.
Beware: We should ensure students understand that AI is a guide, not a replacement for understanding. After using an AI explanation, we should encourage them to take a step back and reflect. Questions like, “Can you explain the concept in your own words?” or “How can I apply this concept to solve a different problem?” can develop a deeper level of understanding, which could aid in long-term success.
Research is a cornerstone of STREAM subjects, but navigating the vast amount of accessible online information can be challenging. Tools like Wolfram Alpha and Socratic by Google can be research companions for students. These AI assistants can analyze data sets, find credible sources and even generate summaries of complex scientific papers.
In this way, students can become skilled detectives as they track down the accurate and reliable information they need. When using AI-sourced results, students ask whether the listed sources are reputable or whether the information is up-to-date. They should find corroborating evidence that supports the leads in their “investigations” that AI produces.
Encouraging students to look for academic publications, government websites or established educational organizations is key. Scientific knowledge evolves quickly, so we must make sure students are paying attention to publication dates and cross-checking the information with other reliable sources.
Many writers, including high-school students, use AI tools like Grammarly to improve their writing. These tools offer real-time suggestions for enhancing clarity, grammar and style, which can be particularly helpful in subjects like English and History.
That said, we should help students understand that AI writing assistants excel at mechanics, not originality. Educators and tutors should train students on critical-thinking steps like reviewing the AI’s suggestions to make sure the voice and message isn’t compromised. Students should combine AI feedback with teacher or peer feedback to provide a comprehensive perspective.
Your Personalized Learning Assistant
AI simulations can bring science and engineering concepts to life. Imagine students dissecting a frog virtually or building a 3D model of the solar system. Tools like PhET Interactive Simulations and Tinkercad offer these engaging and interactive experiences.
Be sure to remind students that simulations are representations, not realities. Ask these questions: What are the limitations of this simulation, does it capture all aspects of the phenomenon, and how does this simulation compare to real-world data or observations?
AI has the potential to revolutionize how we learn. It can personalize learning experiences, provide instant feedback and open doors to new ways of exploring complex concepts at any age. However, it’s crucial to remember that AI is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking.
By developing critical-thinking muscles, students can become more effective and independent learners who evaluate information, ask questions and apply knowledge.
The next time students reach for an AI tool, remember that the real learning happens when they take the information, analyze it critically and apply it to build and communicate a deep understanding of the concept within the world.
Educators and parents play a vital role in ensuring responsible and effective use of AI in learning. Exploring AI resources together fosters a collaborative learning environment and helps identify potential pitfalls of AI tools. However, it is extremely important to stay informed and updated on the evolving landscape of AI educational tools to ensure students can use them effectively. Creating a culture of lifelong learning can emphasize that learning is a continuous process. AI can be a valuable tool in this journey, but critical thinking and a questioning mind are essential for long-term success.
By working together, educators, parents and students can harness the power of AI to create a more engaging and enriching learning experience that yields improved critical-thinking skills and a sincere understanding of the subjects at hand.
Using AI Responsibly
While AI offers tremendous benefits in education, it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Unequal access to technology can create a digital divide, exacerbating existing educational inequalities. Schools and educators should strive to provide equitable access to AI tools and ensure all students have the opportunity to benefit.
Another issue is that some AI tools collect user data, causing privacy concerns. Educators and parents should be aware of programs’ data-collection practices and choose tools with robust privacy policies.
AI algorithms can reflect and amplify societal biases. It’s important to be critical of the information presented by AI tools and to seek out diverse perspectives.
Some AI programs use others’ published visual art and sounds without permission to create their own images and audio, which is ethically dicey. So be cautious and considerate regarding tools that employ imagery or sound.
AI is still evolving, and its effects on education are only just beginning to be explored. Educators and parents have a unique opportunity to shape the responsible use of AI in the classroom and at home.
By fostering critical-thinking and information-literacy skills and by using AI tools thoughtfully, we can create learning environments that empower students to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Jackson Education Support, an education firm established to develop more independent learners in STREAM subjects, offers accredited high-school classes and tutoring services that may employ some of the AI tools discussed above. The organization serves the Mississippi cities and towns of Jackson, Ridgeland, Madison, Pearl, Brandon, Flowood, Byram, Canton and Terry. Learn more by visiting Jackson Education Support’s Facebook page.
This MFP Voices essay does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.
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