Is it AI?

The Trials of Technology

In the late 1990’s teachers and parents alike faced a huge decision, whether to allow their students to use new Google technologies in their school work. We can all guess the outcome of that situation as Google is now one of the most used and depended on tools by students and teachers alike, revolutionizing the classroom and the way students are able to access information. Once again, teachers and parents face the same situation.

The hot and new technology surrounded by controversy is AI, one of the most common programs being ChatGPT. This tool can write a student's paper in seconds with a single prompt, giving this tool the potential to decrease the quality of a person’s education. Some see this technology as a potentially harmful crutch that students would abuse; but some see it as a useful tool for teachers and students alike that could, in the future, be as useful as tools like Google in education. Finding the balance between these two possibilities is what Gallatin High principal, Erica Schnee and her AI Taskforce set out to accomplish.

The new AI Taskforce consists of several GHS teachers including Elaine Warn, Shelby Jackson, Noelle Harper, Kerri Cobb, and of course Erica Schnee. Their goals include supporting students in the responsible use of AI, how they can inform students of the benefits and pitfalls of it, and discussing the best practices around using AI tools in the classroom. They recognize the benefits of AI and the part that it may play in the future of education and the workforce and are deeming it necessary for students to be informed on its uses. 

The technology is not only beneficial to students, but teachers as well. It is important for teachers to be comfortable with writing prompts for AI, arming them with the tools to teach students how to ask the right questions for furthering their learning. In the opinion of GHS teacher and AI Taskforce member, Shelby Jackson, “We have an opportunity to learn how to use AI as a tool for learning and functionality,” showcasing the benefits of ChatGPT in education. The taskforce as a whole agrees that, “Students are going to use it no matter what so we can at least teach them how to use it responsibly.” says Erica Schnee. 

While all agree that AI can be a tool if used correctly, Elaine Warn discusses the importance of developing a “thinking task” for lessons and assignments pushing students to use their critical thinking skills. This new technology will change the way that teachers need to structure their lessons and the tasks she is asking students to do. Generic prompts are much too easy to cheat with, therefore, more personalized assignments may be necessary in the future. 

The technology around is evolving so quickly that staff members need to be able to model an authentic learning process for students in standard learning and the uses of AI. Many are  learning about it at the same time and according to Erica Schnee, “Most adults think that the younger generation is so much better at technology, and no offense to students, but most of them are very tech-savvy when it comes to social media and not good at using technology as an education tool to accomplish a goal.” 

Overall, this group of staff and teachers are trying their hardest to inform students and themselves how to effectively and responsibly use new technology, including ChatGPT, and other forms of AI. They want to know what students think about AI and how they are using it, whether they think it is effective to their education or a hindrance to them. Students are using AI as a resource and the AI Taskforce is asking  students to communicate with them about the benefits and pitfalls of AI, as well as reservations students have about using the technology.

The Integration of AI in Education: Insights from the AI Taskforce

In the realm of education, the integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT has garnered increased attention. A select group of educators, collectively known as the AI Taskforce, is actively engaged in assessing the potential impact and application of these technologies in the classroom. This article aims to explore the perspectives of Shelby Jackson, Elaine Warn, Noelle Harper, and Erica Schnee, esteemed members of the AI Taskforce, on the integration of AI in education.

Composed of educators with diverse backgrounds, the AI Task Force includes Shelby Jackson, a philosophy and world geography teacher, Elaine Warn, an English teacher and coordinator of the Raptor Report, Noelle Harper and Kerri Cobb, librarians, and Erica Schnee, the principal of Gallatin High School. The collective goal of the task force is to comprehend the current landscape of AI utilization among students and formulate strategies to promote responsible and effective use.

The AI Taskforce is dedicated to delineating pedagogical strategies and best practices for the integration of AI in the classroom. Their primary objectives include enhancing the efficiency of teaching through AI tools, fostering critical thinking among students regarding AI benefits and risks, and ensuring that both educators and students are well-informed about responsible AI use. All of these members have varying perspectives on the topic which will be covered below.

Shelby Jackson perceives AI as a transformative tool, drawing parallels with the revolutionary impact of platforms like Google. Recognizing the inevitability of students engaging with AI, Jackson advocates for guiding their responsible use. While acknowledging AI's revolutionary potential, he emphasizes the importance of striking a nuanced balance between innovation and potential drawbacks.

Elaine Warn reflects on the evolving nature of educational tasks in light of AI integration. She endeavors to discern tasks that necessitate critical thinking from those suitable for delegation to AI. Warn is attentive to concerns surrounding AI usage and aims to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to navigate its integration effectively.

Noelle Harper expresses enthusiasm about the continual influx of new information facilitated by AI. Acknowledging the dual nature of positives and negatives associated with AI, Harper underscores the imperative of preparing students for a future where AI plays a pivotal role. She advocates for nuanced conversations surrounding AI's multifaceted impact.

Erica Schnee emphasizes the rapid evolution of AI and underscores the role of educators in modeling authentic learning processes for students. She dispels the misconception that younger generations are inherently adept at technology, asserting the need for intentional instruction in using technology as a tool for goal attainment. Schnee highlights the importance of effective communication among staff members to navigate the dynamic AI landscape collectively.

The perspectives of the AI Taskforce members provide valuable insights into the multifaceted considerations surrounding the integration of AI in education. As technological advancements continue to shape the educational landscape, finding a delicate balance between leveraging the benefits of AI and addressing potential challenges becomes paramount. The task force remains at the forefront of this exploration, paving the way for informed and effective integration of AI tools in educational practices.

This AI Taskforce is working its hardest to further educate the Gallatin Schools students on the benefits and pitfalls of Chat GPT. This group of teachers is set out to improve our classrooms for the better and are looking for the opinions of the student body and are asking anyone with ideas or questions on the topic to reach out.