If you haven't been in a coma or living in the wild the past few years, you’ve surely heard of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Based on large language models, they have been performing complex human tasks such as writing articles, answering emails, creating images and even breaking Alan Turing's test.
AI is transforming education, offering teachers different ways to enhance their professional performance, coming as a tireless 24/7 assistant at our disposal. Whether it is to generate worksheets and tests, suggest new ways to engage students or personalize teaching, these helpers are making a difference in educators’ lives. In fact, AI tools have been improving not only teachers’ performance, but also their well-being, as technology can minimize teaching workload.
As for learners, they can also benefit from AI, as it can help students develop essential 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and digital literacy, by providing them with opportunities to engage with technology in meaningful ways. Not to mention that AI provide them with instant customized feedback, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and learn from their mistakes more effectively.
Nevertheless, one should be attentive to the legal and ethical aspects that must be observed when using AI tools. Below, I discuss some of the best practices educators should follow:
1. Use AI to Enhance, Not Replace, Teaching
AI tools can assist with grading, lesson planning and tutoring, but they should never replace the human connection between teachers and students. When planning, use AI to maximize your teaching possibilities. In class, foster its use to free up time for more meaningful interactions.
2. Verify AI-Generated Content
AI can make mistakes or provide outdated information. Those.are the so-called hallucinations. Always fact-check AI-generated materials before using them in class to ensure accuracy and credibility. For research, the traditional methods still work well. Use AI to summarize an article or to analyze and compare information from different sources instead.
3. Promote Critical Thinking
When fostering AI use from students, encourage them to analyze and question AI-generated responses. This helps them develop digital literacy skills and prevents over-reliance on automated tools.
4. Ensure Ethical Use
Everyone must promote responsible AI use, including respecting copyright, avoiding plagiarism and understanding biases in AI-generated content. It's crucial to attribute AI assistance transparently and educate students on the ethical implications of using these tools.
5. Protect Student Data
Be mindful of privacy concerns when using AI-powered tools. Choose platforms that comply with data protection laws and avoid sharing sensitive student information. Always prioritize student confidentiality and obtain necessary consent before utilizing AI applications that involve personal data.
By integrating AI thoughtfully and ethically, educators can create more engaging, inclusive, and effective learning experiences while upholding the core values of education and fostering responsible digital citizenship.
Author:
Thais Alencar - Educator, teacher trainer, educational material writer and editor
from Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Mini Bio: Graduated in Languages and holds a postgraduate degree in English Teaching from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Specialist in Bi/Multilingual Education from Instituto Singularidades. Currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Language and Technology at UFMG. Holds Cambridge certifications, including CPE, TKT, and CELTA. Has over two decades of experience as an educator and teacher trainer in Brazilian language institutes and K-12 schools. Currently works in innovation and educational material development, serving as an editor.
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
It has been a pleasure to read this article since the very first time. Thais is an amazing educator with positive insights. It is a powerful tool to share our knowledge with other teachers. Well done, Thais!!!