Q: “How do we ensure artificial intelligence doesn’t disrupt real student learning?”
Signed, Frustrated teachers committed to student learning
A: Recently, I sat with some highly respected teachers and listened to them argue about how artificial intelligence is ruining education. They worried that students were using AI to game the system, but I was shocked by how quickly they suggested non-technological solutions, such as banning computer use. Rather than rejecting the use of AI completely, we should learn to harness AI’s capabilities, which includes enhancing student learning and easing teacher workload.
Before we throw the proverbial AI baby out with the bathwater, here are things to consider instead.
Integrate AI Thoughtfully into the Curriculum
Schools can integrate AI in ways that support personalized learning. For instance, adaptive learning platforms can assess student needs and tailor content accordingly. This approach allows students to progress at their own pace. However, educators must remain central to this process, guiding students and facilitating discussions around the content. Additionally, AI can create stems for English learners and other students who need different support.
Focus on Critical Thinking and Creativity
Many fear that an overreliance on AI could spur a decline in critical thinking and creativity. To counter this, educators should emphasize skills that AI cannot easily replicate. Encourage project-based learning, where students tackle real-world problems and engage in collaborative projects. This approach fosters critical thinking and prepares students for a future where creativity and problem-solving are paramount. One person who has been championing this cause is Michael Hernandez with his Uncheatable Assessments. We also must to come to terms with the fact that it may be time to change the traditional methods anyway, as they aren’t always appropriate for our current world.
Maintain Human Interaction
While AI can provide personalized feedback and support, it cannot replace the essential human element of teaching. Teachers play a vital role in mentoring, motivating, and inspiring students. Schools should ensure that AI tools support, rather than supplant, teacher-student interactions. This means creating opportunities for meaningful discussions and collaborative learning experiences where students can share ideas and learn from one another. There is no replacement for these educational interactions. Let me repeat: No technology can replace a good teacher.
Educate Students About AI
As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, students need to know how it works and understand its implications. Incorporating AI literacy into the curriculum can empower students to use these tools responsibly and effectively. This education should include discussions about data privacy, ethical considerations, and the limitations of AI. Students can become informed users rather than passive consumers by fostering a critical understanding of AI, which can support the more creative thinking we want them to do. One great way to do this is to use AI to demonstrate the shortcomings. For example, a writing professor Elaine Roberts uses AI to help students improve their writing by providing AI-generated examples they must revise. They examine the quality of AI’s essay and then update it based on the criteria for the task.
Set Clear Guidelines and Boundaries
To prevent AI from disrupting learning, schools must establish clear guidelines regarding its use. This includes defining appropriate contexts for AI applications and ensuring that these tools are used to support educational goals. For example, while AI can assist with grading, teachers should remain involved in assessing student work to maintain a holistic understanding of their progress. Additionally, schools should prioritize transparency in AI tools, ensuring students and parents understand how data is collected and used. I would caution schools about making blanket bans on using the tool or blocking it using a firewall. Students will find a way to use these tools. Rather than bury our heads, we must teach them how to use it effectively.
Encourage Collaboration Between Educators and Tech Developers
Collaboration between teachers and technology developers is crucial to ensuring that AI tools effectively meet the needs of students and educators. Educators should provide feedback on the tools they use, sharing insights about what works and what doesn’t in real classroom settings. This collaboration can lead to the development of more effective and user-friendly AI applications that truly enhance learning experiences and trend in the direction of future workplaces.
Monitor and Evaluate AI Impact
Finally, it’s essential to continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of AI on student learning. Schools should collect data on how AI tools affect student engagement, achievement, and overall learning outcomes. This evaluation can help identify best practices and areas for improvement, ensuring that AI remains a beneficial component of the educational landscape.
As we navigate the complexities of this new technology, let’s remember that there was a time when we feared the internet and how it was destroying learning. There will continue to be new tech that challenges how we practice our profession, but ignoring or banning them solves nothing. By thoughtfully incorporating AI, emphasizing critical thinking, maintaining human interaction, and fostering collaboration, we can create a learning environment that prepares students for a future where technology and education coexist harmoniously. The goal is not to eliminate traditional teaching methods but to enrich them, ensuring students thrive academically and develop the skills necessary to succeed after they graduate.
Have a question that you’d like Career Confidential to answer? Email ssackstein@educatorsrising.org. All names and schools will remain confidential. No identifying information will be included in the published questions and answers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Starr Sackstein
Starr Sackstein is the Massachusetts state coordinator for PDK’s Educators Rising program, COO of Mastery Portfolio, an education consultant, instructional coach, and author. She was a high school English and journalism teacher and school district curriculum leader. She is the author of more than 15 educational books, including Hacking Assessment (Times 10, 2015), Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom (Routledge, 2024), and Actionable Assessment (Routledge, 2026).
Visit their website at: https://www.mssackstein.com/
