What Educators Should Know About Generative AI

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By Rachel Scott, Ed.D.

By now, you have no doubt heard a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) and why it’s the best—or the worst—thing to happen to K-12 education in a long time. I can’t tell you what to believe, but I can help explain a little about how generative AI might be used in schools today.

First, what is “generative AI”? It refers to a subset of AI technologies that can create new content, such as text, images, or even music, based on patterns and data they have been trained on. Unlike other AI systems that rely on predefined rules or data sets, generative AI models can generate novel and realistic outputs that mimic human creativity.

Generative AI has significant implications for education, offering exciting possibilities for both teachers and students. Of course, as with any new, transformative technology, generative AI brings with it a range of potential pitfalls that educators must navigate thoughtfully. Below, I discuss some of the potential benefits of generative AI and important considerations for educators interested in using this technology in their classrooms.

Uses of Generative AI in Education:

1. Personalized Learning and Content Creation: Generative AI enables educators to create customized learning materials that cater to individual student needs, preferences, and learning styles. This personalized approach can enhance student engagement and promote deeper learning. This technology fosters creativity and innovation in teaching practices, allowing educators to design more engaging and effective learning experiences for their students.
2. Automated Administrative Tasks: Generative AI can be used to draft emails, design newsletters, and craft lesson plans. Leveraging AI to automate routine tasks can free teachers to focus more on instruction and individualized support.
3. Augmented Classroom Experiences: Technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality, driven by AI, offer immersive learning experiences that transcend traditional classroom boundaries, enabling students to explore complex concepts in a simulated environment and making learning more interactive and engaging.
4. Enhanced Accessibility: Generative AI can be used to create accessible educational materials for students with diverse needs, including those with disabilities or language barriers. By generating alternative formats of content, such as audio descriptions or translated text, educators can ensure that all students have equal access to learning resources.
5. Real-Time Feedback: Generative AI algorithms can provide immediate feedback to students on their learning progress, allowing them to track their performance and identify areas for improvement, promoting active learning and self-reflection among students.

Considerations for Using Generative AI in Education:

1. Ethical Questions: Educators must consider the ethical implications of using generative AI in education, including issues related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, and student consent. It’s essential to ensure that AI systems adhere to ethical guidelines and respect students’ rights and autonomy.
2. Pedagogical Integration and Technical Skills: Integrating generative AI into pedagogical practices requires careful consideration to ensure that it aligns with learning objectives and promotes critical thinking skills. Educators must evaluate how AI-generated content can enhance, rather than replace, traditional teaching methods to create meaningful learning experiences for students. Educators may need additional training and support to effectively leverage these tools in their teaching practice.
3. Equity and Inclusion: Educators must ensure that generative AI tools promote equity and inclusion by addressing disparities in access to technology and digital literacy skills. It’s essential to consider the needs of all students, including those from diverse backgrounds or with special educational needs.
4. Privacy and Data Security: AI in education often involves collecting vast amounts of student data. Safeguarding this data from breaches and ensuring privacy protection is paramount. Concerns about data security and potential misuse of sensitive information must be addressed diligently.

Generative AI holds significant promise for transforming education by enabling personalized learning experiences, fostering creativity, and enhancing accessibility. To effectively harness the potential of generative AI in education, however, educators must navigate a range of considerations, including ethical, pedagogical, technical, and equity-related concerns. By addressing these considerations thoughtfully, educators can leverage generative AI to create more engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environments for their students.

Rachel Scott, Ed.D., is an evaluation associate at the Center for Research Evaluation at the University of Mississippi.

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