When we discuss the usage of tools in the learning process, we can surmise that there are various ways that students learn fundamentals in terms of subject matter.
One method is through the use of old-fashioned, long arithmetic, while another method would be a standard calculator—or perhaps a scientific calculator if you want to be more advanced in computational ability. In the present day, we are seeing a significant rise in the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
When calculators were first introduced in schools, many feared they would set students back, but now calculators are an essential tool in the learning process. “Critics feared that students would no longer be able to do basic math without the assistance of a calculator. Some teachers chose to ban calculators from their classrooms altogether,” said writer Sarah A. Banks. This same conversation is being debated about artificial intelligence in classrooms. It is often linked to the argument of cheating or plagiarism, despite the fact that AI can also be used to teach students. I believe that instead of banning AI in classrooms, we should learn to grow with it and teach students how to use it as a learning tool, not a cheat code.
While conversing with a family friend about this topic, who is a history teacher, they brought up how they use AI in their classroom to help students learn and understand concepts better. Teaching kids how to use AI to clarify if their work is correct, or to help them better understand a topic for an essay or project, can help them learn to the best of their ability. In an article by the Office of Communications, College of Education, it is said that “AI can make abstract concepts more understandable.” For example, if a sentence isn’t making sense to a student, AI could help them break it down or organize their ideas more clearly so they can write their essay successfully.
There are many types of AI out there, not only ChatGPT. One AI website called “Magical School AI” allows students to do research on historical figures. The AI acts like the person they are studying, and then students can interview them. This makes the learning process more interesting, encouraging kids to expand their knowledge and better understand confusing concepts. In a review about the website, a customer said, “Magic School AI is an innovative teaching tool that leverages artificial intelligence to provide educational experiences,” through the guidance of media specialist Nihal S.
AI is useful in teaching students about important topics such as history. By allowing lessons to be more interactive, AI ultimately helps students grasp the material more effectively. It is also beneficial to teachers, not only students, because the subject matter is learned through AI, with the child feeling better able to relate to the character teaching the lesson. This allows the student to interact with their teacher and show how they are grasping the material while reinforcing the teacher’s lesson.
As I stated before, AI isn’t only for the aid of students but also for teachers. Many teachers I’ve talked to about this topic have shared with me how they use AI in their lessons to provide more in-depth content while also saving time. Teachers use AI frequently to make worksheets, quizzes, or even lesson plans. “AI will shape classrooms in ways we can’t ignore. The opportunity? Freeing teachers from busy workloads so they can focus on relationships, creativity, and student growth,” said teacher Tricia T. AI can help teachers make better lessons, which in turn helps students grow academically. It can also create more free time for the teacher. With this time, they can now build more individualized lessons for each student, again allowing students to learn to their highest potential.
As we know, AI isn’t all positive, and there are some concerns attached to it. Some argue that AI is going to make students lazy and more prone to cheating. Teacher Emily H. stated, “Students are already using it, some to help them study and others to outright cheat. I’ve used it to help with planning and organizing ideas and even for inspiration sometimes. It’s here now and we can’t pretend that it isn’t, but we can show students how to use it in a productive way.” There’s no point in banning AI in an ever-growing technological world, so instead let’s use it for the betterment of all. We should learn how to use it correctly and then teach students that method, so they won’t even think about using it to cheat.
AI should be seen as another “calculator moment.” Instead of banning AI in classrooms, we should learn to grow with it and teach students how to use it as a learning tool, not a cheat code. AI can be used to help students understand topics better, learn new material, and even benefit teachers. Instead of trying to run away from this problem, let’s use it for the better by teaching students a new way to learn—one that allows both students and teachers to benefit remarkably from this process of intelligent learning.
Sources:
- https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/magicschoolai
- https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED525547.pdf
- https://education.illinois.edu/about/news-events/news/article/2024/10/24/ai-in-schools–pros-and-cons
- https://www.magicschool.ai/
- https://www.edweek.org/technology/heres-how-teachers-really-feel-about-the-rise-of-ai-in-k-12-education/2025/0
