My thoughts on AI are complicated, specifically when it comes to teaching writing. Although I want to say that AI has no place in my classroom, I do think it is unrealistic to have those expectations. Students will use AI whether it is allowed or not, and some know how to work around it where a teacher may not even notice. At this point, even college students use AI. Having it in the classroom seems like a bad option, but it is there, and I think it is important for students to know how it is used. There will eventually be a day where they may possibly use it in their school work or even career, as it is not going away. The way it will be used is another story. I know for myself that AI comes up in most if not all of my classes at one point or another. This being said, the students should know how to use it correctly in an academic setting. Unfortunately, it is not going away. For educators, I think it is important to not make it an enemy, but rather use it as a tool in the classroom.
The one article from the class that has stuck out in terms of my opinion on AI is "AI and Student Agency". One of the quotes from this text is, "We don’t know more about AI than students do; in many cases, we know less. But we do know about our subjects and other contexts for AI. Coming to the table with different expertise regarding AI, we can learn from each other through honest dialogue and exploration" (Vee). This quote, as well as much of the text, pushes what I believe about AI. Not making it an enemy, for starters, is an important way to use it in the classroom. It is okay for us as educators to admit that we do not know much about AI, and we can actually use that to our advantage. Having insights ourselves and allowing our students to have a voice on the matter can help both sides understand how AI works and why it can positive and negative sides to it. Since we are in college at this time, I do believe that we know a bit more about AI than our professors. That being said, AI will keep evolving and becoming different every single day, so how do we handle that? Well, like stated above, allowing our students to speak on the subject can create a safe space for this topic and possibly even have students use it for the positive side only, rather than the negative.
An example of some "AI Rules" that can be provided for classroom use is:
Although I do agree that AI can and should be discussed in the classroom, it has its limits. There are times where AI should not be used in the classroom, specifically for intense writing projects and essays. There is definitely a time and place when AI can be used, and it is important to find that line with students and in the classroom.
What do you think? Well that's how I see it anyways.
I definitely agree with your points! I especially love how you said that we shouldn't make AI the enemy, but rather use it as a tool in the classroom. I have always hated the fact that artificial intelligence existed, but now since there are a variety of forms of it, and everyone keeps bringing it up or using it in their classrooms, I feel like we're kind of forced to incorporate it somehow in our future classrooms. If we completely ignore it, then I feel as though that almost makes the usage worse and that students would be more likely to use it on almost everything.
ReplyDeleteHey Brianna! I agree that trying to completely ban AI feels unrealistic, especially since students are already encountering it in college and even in professional settings. I like how you emphasize using AI as a tool rather than treating it like an enemy. Teaching students how to use it responsibly can help them develop digital literacy and critical thinking skills while still learning how to express their own ideas clearly. For example, students can use AI for brainstorming ideas, checking grammar, or organizing their writing, but they still need to produce original arguments and maintain their own voice.
ReplyDeleteYour point about educators admitting when they do not know as much as students is very important. It creates an environment for open dialogue and learning together. This approach helps students understand both the benefits and limitations of AI and encourages them to make thoughtful decisions about when and how to use it. I also agree with your idea that AI has its place, but there should still be times, such as major essays or intensive writing projects, where authentic human thinking and voice are essential. These projects give students the chance to practice problem-solving, reflection, and creativity in ways that AI cannot fully replicate.
I also like how you highlight the importance of classroom discussions about AI. Allowing students to share their perspectives not only gives them agency but also helps them develop ethical habits around technology. It prepares them for real-world situations where AI will be part of their work and everyday life. Overall, your post made me think deeply about how educators can balance using AI with fostering student creativity, independence, and ethical decision-making. It reminds me that AI should not replace learning but enhance it when used thoughtfully.
Hi Brianna! I 100% agree with you about being hesitant to let AI into the classroom. You make a good point that it is not going away, so it is unreasonable to completely ban it in classrooms. Using it as a tool is definitely a lesser of two evils in my mind, as I don't think it's right to treat AI in the classroom like a cheating witch hunt. It's so important for us to find a balance between allowing students to reflect on their own usage and limiting how it can be used in a learning environment. The quote you used also stuck out to me and I think it's a point that many educators miss. Especially as time goes on and this technology evolves, there will also come a time where our students will be well-versed in technologies that is completely foreign to us. Giving students agency to decide their own usage is vital, but there must be safeguards and limits to how far that usage can go in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteBrianna, you've inspired some very thoughtful reflections from us all related to genAI's use in the ELA classroom.
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