How to Harness the Power of AI in Education: 7 Practical Tips and Insights from a US Department of Education Recent Report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every aspect of our lives whether we like it or not, and education is no exception. Whether it’s personalizing learning, automating tasks, or enhancing collaboration, AI has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning.

But how can we make sure that AI is used in a way that benefits students, educators, and society? How can we prepare for the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to education? These are just a few of the many questions I have been receiving lately.

To begin the journey of thinking through all the implications and promise of AI, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology published a comprehensive report titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations”.

The report explores the current and future state of AI in education, and provides a roadmap for its ethical and effective implementation.

In this blog post, I’ll share some key points from the report, along with questions and thought prompts that can help us as educators engage with the impact of AI on our work. I’ll also share some examples of how AI is already being used in education, and how we can learn from them.

Let’s dive in.

1. Emphasize Humans-in-the-Loop

One of the main messages of the report is that AI should not replace human teachers, but rather augment and support them. AI systems should be designed with human oversight and control and should be transparent and accountable.

Thought prompt: How might maintaining a human element in AI systems enhance the educational experience for students?

For example, one way to keep humans in the loop is to use AI as a feedback tool, rather than a grading tool. AI can provide instant and personalized feedback to students, while human teachers can provide more nuanced and contextual feedback. This way, students can benefit from both the speed and accuracy of AI, and the empathy and expertise of human teachers.

2. Align AI Models to a Shared Vision for Education

Another key message of the report is that AI technology should align with the overall vision and goals of the educational system. AI should not be used for its own sake, but rather for advancing educational outcomes and values.

Reflection: How can we ensure that AI technologies align with our current educational values and goals?

For example, one way to align AI models to a shared vision for education is to involve all stakeholders in the development and implementation of AI systems. This includes students, educators, parents, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners. By involving diverse perspectives and voices, we can ensure that AI systems are relevant, inclusive, and equitable.

3. Design AI Using Modern Learning Principles

The report also suggests grounding AI systems in contemporary theories and principles of learning. AI should not be based on outdated or ineffective pedagogies, but rather on evidence-based practices that promote student engagement and achievement.

Question: What are some modern learning principles that we believe should guide the development of AI systems in education?

For example, one modern learning principle that can inform the design of AI systems is social constructivism. This theory suggests that learning is an active and collaborative process, where learners construct meaning through interaction with others. Based on this principle, AI systems can be designed to facilitate social learning, such as peer feedback, group work, or online communities.

4. Prioritize Strengthening Trust

Trust is essential for the acceptance and successful implementation of AI in education. The report emphasizes the need to build and maintain trust among all stakeholders, as we implement AI systems in our classrooms.

Discussion: How can we build trust in AI among all stakeholders, such as students, educators, parents, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners?

Some ways to build trust in AI are:

• Provide context and transparency around AI predictions. Explain how the AI system works, what data it uses, and what assumptions it makes.
• Explain that AI informs human logic, not replaces it. Emphasize that AI systems are tools to support human decision-making, not to dictate it.
• Create continuous feedback for engagement and improvement. Encourage users to provide feedback on the AI system’s performance, and use it to refine and optimize the system.
• Develop education-specific guidelines and guardrails. Establish clear and ethical standards for the use of AI in education, and monitor and audit the system for compliance.

5. Inform and Involve Educators

Educators are key stakeholders in the adoption and integration of AI in education. The report highlights the need to inform and involve educators in the development and implementation of AI systems.

Thought prompt: As educators, how can we take a proactive role in learning about and contributing to the development of AI in education?

For example, one way to inform and involve educators is to provide them with professional development opportunities on AI. Educators can learn about the basics of AI, its applications and implications in education, and how to use it effectively in their practice. Educators can also participate in co-designing and co-evaluating AI systems with researchers and developers, and share their feedback and insights.

6. Focus R&D on Addressing Context and Enhancing Trust and Safety

Research and development (R&D) is essential for advancing the state of the art of AI in education. The report recommends that R&D should focus on understanding the context of AI use in education, and on enhancing the trust and safety of these systems.

Reflection: What are some specific areas or issues within our educational context that we would like AI research and development to address?

For example, some areas or issues that could benefit from R&D are:

• How to personalize learning with AI while respecting learner diversity and privacy
• How to assess learning outcomes with AI while ensuring validity and reliability
• How to foster collaboration and communication with AI while promoting social skills
• How to mitigate bias and discrimination with AI while ensuring fairness and equity

7. Develop Education-specific Guidelines and Guardrails

The report also recommends the creation of guidelines and guardrails to guide the use of AI in education. These are rules and principles that can help ensure that AI systems are aligned with educational values and goals, respect human rights and dignity, and protect learners from harm.

Question: What are some guidelines or guardrails that we think are necessary for the safe and effective use of AI in our classrooms?

For example, some possible guidelines or guardrails are:

• AI systems should be transparent about their purpose, functionality, data sources, limitations, and outcomes
• AI systems should be accountable for their actions, decisions, and impacts, and provide mechanisms for redress
• AI systems should be inclusive of all learners, regardless of their background, abilities, preferences, or needs
• AI systems should be respectful of learner autonomy, agency, consent, and choice

Conclusion

The intersection of AI and education holds great promise, but also presents complex challenges. As educators, it’s our responsibility to engage with these challenges and help shape the future of AI in education. The complete report offers a wealth of information and insights, and I encourage you to delve into it to explore these ideas further.

What are your thoughts on the role of AI in education? Please share your ideas and reflections in the comments section below.

Or feel free to join our next AI session aimed to help administrators navigate these waters.

June Lunch–and–Learn

Exploring Artificial Intelligence: A Q&A Session for School and District Administrators

The AEA has heard from multiple administrators about a need to learn more about generative AI (e.g., Chat GPT, Google Bard, etc.). Questions have ranged from how to gain a broad understanding, to how to incorporate the new technology in policies and handbooks, to how to prepare educators for using AI in teaching and learning, to how to manage data privacy.

This one-hour session on June 21st is for administrators and others they identify to engage in a high-level overview through a question and answer format. We are preparing content based on the questions in this form, and are offering two sessions (same content in each) to provide some flexibility for when you attend. NOTE: We will not be recording this session as we want to make sure attendees are comfortable asking any questions they have about AI.

Please complete this form to indicate your interest and to prioritize your most burning questions. You will receive a calendar invite based on how you complete the form. You will be able to share this invite with other administrators (and others you identify) in your district.