How ChatGPT Is Shaking Up the Teaching World

In a significant shift in the teaching world, artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are revolutionizing the way educators approach lesson planning, grading, and student engagement. For math teacher Ana Sepúlveda, who teaches 6th grade honors at a dual language school in Dallas, ChatGPT has been a game changer. She used the chatbot to create a five-page lesson plan that made geometry fun and relatable for her students, who are avid soccer fans. The plan included a theme, "Geometry is everywhere in soccer — on the field, in the ball, and even in the design of stadiums!" and suggested classroom conversation starters and projects that encouraged students to design their own soccer fields or stadiums using rulers and protractors. The use of AI tools in education is becoming increasingly widespread, with a recent poll by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation finding that 6 in 10 U.S. teachers working in K-12 public schools used AI tools for their work over the past school year. The survey of over 2,000 teachers nationwide found that respondents who use AI tools weekly estimate they save around six hours a week, which could help alleviate teacher burnout. High school educators and early-career teachers are among the heaviest users of AI tools, and many report that the technology has improved the quality of their work, particularly when it comes to modifying student materials and giving student feedback. As schools navigate the benefits and challenges of AI tools, states are issuing guidelines for their use in classrooms. About two dozen states have state-level AI guidance for schools, although the extent to which it is applied by schools and teachers is uneven. Educators and experts emphasize the importance of using AI tools judiciously, ensuring that they do not replace the judgment of teachers or compromise the quality of education. Maya Israel, an associate professor of educational technology and computer science education at the University of Florida, notes that AI tools are best used for "low-level" grading, such as multiple choice tests, but are less effective when nuance is required. Teachers should be aware of the limitations of AI tools and use them in a way that complements their professional judgment. Teachers who have incorporated AI tools into their practice report a significant improvement in their work-life balance and a reduction in administrative tasks. Mary McCarthy, a high school social studies teacher in the Houston area, says that AI tools have transformed how she teaches and given her a better work-life balance. She credits training she received from her school district on AI tools for helping her model proper use for her students. McCarthy believes that it is her responsibility as a teacher to help students navigate the use of AI tools and to ensure that they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By using AI tools sparingly and thoughtfully, teachers can harness their potential to enhance education while minimizing their risks. Despite the benefits of AI tools, concerns about student overuse and misuse persist. About half of teachers worry that student use of AI will decrease teens' ability to think critically and independently or to have persistence when problem solving. To address these concerns, teachers are being trained to spot when students are overusing AI tools, and schools are introducing guidelines and safeguards to prevent academic dishonesty. By promoting responsible use of AI tools and teaching students how to navigate their limitations, educators can ensure that these technologies augment, rather than undermine, the learning process. In conclusion, the integration of AI tools in education is a significant cultural trend that is transforming the teaching profession and the way students learn. While there are challenges and concerns associated with the use of AI tools, their potential to enhance education, improve teacher workload, and promote student engagement is undeniable. As educators, policymakers, and technology developers continue to navigate the implications of AI in education, it is essential to prioritize responsible use, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to ensuring that these tools serve the needs of all students, rather than replacing the judgment and expertise of teachers.