The problem with the development of AI systems is that they’re birthed in a ‘perfect’ world. They’re tested in controlled environments, trained on neatly arranged data.
This stands in stark contrast to the reality of a classroom – a setting that’s inherently chaotic and unpredictable.
Classrooms, with their unscripted nature and dynamic interactions, challenge the very fabric of AI’s structured learning.
The Contrast Between AI’s Training and Classroom Reality:
In a controlled setting, AI learns from data that has been painstakingly organized by a human, making sense of things through a logical framework.This process, however, doesn’t mirror the complexities and unpredictability of a real classroom. Classrooms are vibrant, spontaneous, and diverse – far from the orderly datasets used in AI training. This disparity poses a significant challenge when we try to apply AI in education.
Typically, chatbots require structured language. However, reality is chaotic and classrooms can be a riot. And so, what meticulously engineered prompts try to capture and encapsulate through instructions do not reflect the totality and actuality the reality of the classroom in its unpredictable nature and its diverse settings.
Because AI was trained on challenges that were isolated specifically for clarity and training, it will not know what to do when things are more complex. While it may suggest, interpret, and analyze based on the given data, it cannot replicate the intuitive, experience-based decision-making that teachers engage in on a daily, hourly, and even second-by-second basis.
Adapting AI to Classroom Dynamics:
To make AI effective in education, we need to tailor it to handle the complexities of classroom life. Classrooms are not just about structured lessons; they are about:
- Spontaneous interactions: The unpredictable nature of student interactions and behaviors.
- Diverse learning needs: Each student brings unique needs and learning styles that AI must adapt to.
- Flexible teaching: Teachers constantly adjust their methods, something AI must be capable of mirroring.
AI systems, trained for specific, clear-cut scenarios, often falter in the face of such complexities. They may be able to suggest, interpret, and analyze, but they lack the intuitive, experienced decision-making that teachers bring to every moment.
What AI Large Language Models (LLMs) can do is to help teachers structure their own thinking by considering alternative viewpoints they haven’t thought about themselves. What LLMs should not do is to make the decisions for these teachers, considering that they do not do well without enough context, nor do they have human intuition and judgment.
If we were to depend on AI for decision-making in classrooms, it most likely will affect students in a way where their needs are not fully considered or understood in decisions made by a machine. Such lack of accountability and empathy is a strength of AI that can be utilized for other things such as low-stakes tasks that can be automated.
China’s efforts on AI in education in the recent years included “AI cameras and brain-wave trackers” where students wear headbands that can sense their attention. If students are not on task, the headbands will buzz until the student pays attention.
While the intention is to help students focus, does it really take the child’s holistic growth into consideration? If the child were diagnosed with ADHD, then that headband would be buzzing constantly. Would that be of help to the child, or would it make their classroom experience traumatic?
There is a lot that is not accounted for by AI. That is why teachers should never be replaced by such machines.
To make space for the unpredictability in the classroom for these AI systems, educators and AI developers should really think about how to better prepare AI systems for the complexities of real-world educational settings.
They need to go deep into the research of what works for children, but at the same time be reminded of the ethics involved with their good intentions.
Balancing Technology with the Human Touch:
While AI can support education, it should not be seen as a replacement for the nuanced judgment and adaptability of teachers. Teachers respond in real-time, making decisions that no AI can currently replicate. This reality calls for a balanced approach, where AI is an aid, not a substitute.
While these AI tools are promising and exciting, there has to be a way to balance innovation with practicality. The daily challenges a classroom brings are not all solvable by AI.
Educators must be aware of how they can leverage AI without relying to much on it. Just because of its potential, it doesn’t mean that everything has to be AI-powered.
Teachers should find a balance between offline and online activities. There are lots of EdTech programs and apps out there that are not AI powered that are just as helpful as AI.
It all boils down to intentionality: what works best with what, and why are you going to use that.
Now What? Practical Steps for Teachers:
Successfully integrating AI into the chaotic world of education requires more than just technological innovation. It demands an understanding of the unpredictable nature of classrooms and a balance between AI capabilities and the irreplaceable human element.
- Educate Yourself and Your Students about AI:
- Learn the basics of how AI works and its implications in education.
- Share this knowledge with students, making them aware of AI’s capabilities and limitations.
- Start Small with AI Integration:
- Implement AI tools in low-risk areas, like automated grading of multiple-choice questions or organizing digital resources.
- Gradually introduce more complex AI tools as you and your students become more comfortable.
- Use AI to Enhance Personalized Learning:
- Employ AI tools that offer personalized learning experiences for students.
- Monitor these tools to ensure they cater to the diverse needs of your students.
- Provide Feedback on AI Tools:
- Share your experiences with AI tool developers or through educator communities.
- Your feedback can help improve the relevance and effectiveness of AI tools in education.
- Regularly Assess AI Impact:
- Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of AI tools in your classroom.
- Be prepared to adjust your approach based on what works best for your students.
- Promote Ethical Use of AI:
- Discuss the ethical implications of AI with your students.
- Ensure that AI tools are used responsibly and respect student privacy.
- Collaborate with Colleagues:
- Share insights and strategies with other teachers on integrating AI in the classroom.
- Collaborate to find innovative ways to use AI effectively and ethically.
Adapting AI to the unique and varied environment of the classroom requires thoughtful, deliberate actions by educators. By taking these steps, teachers can ensure that AI is used as a tool to enhance learning, while also preparing students for a future where AI is an integral part of life.
