How teachers view artificial intelligence with impact the classroom - WKEF

How teachers view artificial intelligence will impact the classroom

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of everyday life, and this school year it will also play a larger role in Ohio classrooms.

Beginning this school year, all Ohio public school districts are required to adopt policies outlining how artificial intelligence can be used in education. The goal is to give educators guidance as AI tools become increasingly common for both teachers and students.

University of Dayton professor Lindsay Gold believes the technology can be a valuable resource when used responsibly.

Gold compares today's concerns about AI to the skepticism calculators once faced in classrooms.

"Teachers were like, 'Oh, all the calculators are doing all the work, they're taking over education.' You've probably heard the saying, 'You're not going to carry around a calculator in your pocket for the rest of your life.' Well, what are we doing right now with phones? We're carrying calculators all the time," Gold said.

Gold says she regularly uses AI to help with lesson planning, brainstorm ideas, anticipate student questions and reflect on her teaching. She believes the technology can make educators more effective, provided they take the time to understand how to use it.

"Instead of being fearful and shy away, I encourage any teacher to embrace it, to keep trying, asking questions, to seek professional development or help from others," Gold said.

Not everyone sees AI in the classroom the same way.

Dr. Kevin Jones, dean of the school of education at Cedarville University, agrees that AI can save time for both educators and students. However, he warns that relying too heavily on the technology could come at the expense of critical thinking.

"Many people [are] thinking the faster I get it, the better I am. But there is beauty in the struggle, and the beauty in the thinking we do. I think we need to recenter teaching and learning around teaching students to think and process better," Jones said.

Jones also shares that both parents and teachers need to step it up when it comes to education. With AI making learning easier than ever, Jones says kids can lose their spark to think critically and be problem solvers. For Jones, the time is now to "get our hand in the dirt" to "plant seeds and to grow" kids to think beyond the technology.

Despite their different perspectives on artificial intelligence, both educators agree on one thing: technology should support learning, not replace it.

Gold says while AI may change how education looks, it should never change its purpose.

"I feel like AI is changing education, it really is, but our purpose hasn't changed. We are still in the job of helping students. So while that might look different, we still want to produce students that are curious, thoughtful problem solvers."

As Ohio schools implement their new AI policies, educators across the state will continue balancing the opportunities the technology provides with the importance of preserving critical thinking and meaningful learning in the classroom.