Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: Sparking Higher Ordered Thinking!

The modern classroom is rapidly changing, and it’s not just the use of tablets and online assignments that are making a difference. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the educational landscape is opening doors to a wealth of possibilities that were once the stuff of science fiction.

While attending the ACAMIS Technology Conference, a plethora of cutting-edge technological applications in education were showcased. However, one session, in particular, stood out. Holly Clark, an ed-tech expert, shared a powerful example of AI’s capabilities and how it can be harnessed for more profound educational experiences.

In the heart of a 2nd-grade classroom, a simple writing exercise was transformed into a dynamic learning experience. Students were asked to provide various story elements: a main character, supporting character, setting, and so on. Instead of writing a story by herself, the teacher input these details into an AI-powered writing tool.

Within seconds, AI had crafted a story using the students’ inputs. What was expected was the amazement from the students about the speed and efficiency of AI. However, the real magic happened next.

Instead of merely consuming the content, these 7-year-olds began critically analyzing the story, unprompted. Questions were raised: “What makes this story good?”, “How could it be better?”, “Do we agree with the AI’s interpretation of our characters?”.

This wasn’t just a simple reading exercise. It became a higher-order thinking discussion about narrative, storytelling, and quality. This spontaneous, analytical conversation revealed the untapped potential of AI in the classroom. While I dedicated 9 years to molding young minds in Kindergarten, the example shared blew my mind! In those foundational years, much of our energy is poured into imparting the mechanics of writing. We do touch upon the essence of a compelling story, typically in brief sessions, but it’s a rarity to witness this kind of organic, student-driven inquiry into the heart of storytelling.

Such experiences remind us that AI is not just about automation or efficiency; it’s about enriching the learning environment. When used innovatively:

1. AI Fosters Critical Thinking: As demonstrated by the 2nd graders, students can be prompted to think critically and engage in discussions about the content produced by AI.
2. Personalization Becomes Achievable: AI can adapt content to suit the learning pace and style of individual students, ensuring that everyone gets the most out of their education.
3. Feedback is Instantaneous: Whether it’s grammar corrections, math problems, or science experiments, AI can offer immediate feedback, allowing students to correct mistakes and learn on the spot.

To summarize, while the integration of AI in classrooms is still in its infancy, its potential is enormous. As educators, we must embrace these advancements, not with apprehension but with a vision to foster deeper, meaningful, and critical learning experiences.

The ACAMIS experience was an eye-opener, demonstrating that the fusion of AI and education could be a game-changer. The students of today, equipped with such tools, will undoubtedly be the informed, analytical thinkers of tomorrow.

Thank you for reading,

Dr. Shannon H. Doak