Thoughts on AI-use in Schools

Almost all students at one point encountered the immense capability of AI and its uses in educational settings. However, as this exposure grew, students started using these tools to alter the core meaning behind homework assignments through cheating through it all. In response to this, many schools emplaced policies that restricted the use of AI - tools in educational settings through harsh punishments. But we have to ask the practicality of this decision made by them.

In all candor, this blog is entirely speculative and relies on reasoning that anticipates future events, which may prove to be entirely inaccurate in the coming years.

Why AI should not be allowed in school?

There are various reasons that we can expect to support the notion of restrictive AI-use in schools.

1. Insufficient growth of writing ability

2. Lesser instances that involve critical thinking

3. Lower Mathematical ability

4. Overall low performance on the parameters we use to measure intelligence in students

How should AI be taught in schools?

The topic of how AI should be taught in schools in controversial, but we it is evident that we have to reach a certain conclusion in the near future.

As the use of AI grows to be more prominent in the various fields of life, it will become necessary for individuals to possess certain degree of AI-Literacy. I predict that this kind of literacy will go above than being a beneficiary, but a necessity to thrive in our society. This why, it is necessary for schools to implement AI-literacy into the curriculum.

For example

if we do not do that: Imagine a situation where someone is not taught to use a computer? What kind of impact will it have to their skill-growth? I claim that this impact would be akin to the one that will happen if we do not teach about AI.

Now that we understand the need of AI-literacy, we must be ask whether AI will be used in schools. Back to my example; students cannot learn to use a computer if they never use it, right? This means that in-order to teach AI in schools, we would need to allow them use AI in educational settings. This idea goes against the status quo, that mainly revolves around the hysteria that AI will somehow negatively alter human cognitive growth in students. This situation is similar to the one when calculators were introduced.

Biesta's theory of Education

We must weigh the benefits and the cons of introducing AI in educational settings, and make a rational decision, instead of relying on biases that emerged from societal fears.

In order to understand the pros and cons, we must first define what we are trying to achieve through education. Biesta introduced us with the the goal of education, which are three key goals.

1.Understanding: gaining knowledge and skills

2. Socialization: Which is where individuals, through education, become part of a social, cultural and political society.

3. Subjectification or Individualization: Where individuals gain the ability to become independent and autonomous, by making their own decision and thrive in society.

How does the introduction of AI, satisfy these goals?

Individuals gain understanding of AI, which is a skill that they will use in real life settings in variety of ways. If it be a job that requires you to use AI, or simply to make the process of finding information for yourself.

However, the second goal of education is not satisfied because the skill of AI promotes inclusivity and independence, and less reliance on the social aspect. Students will not gain the skill to interact with other students if they use AI for all the help the need. Nevertheless, there are ways that we can form that somehow promote collaboration between students, where AI acts as an intermediary between individuals.

For the third goal, it is hard to clearly draw a line between "good" and "bad", as there are both good and bad things that that can occur on individual freedom due to the introduction of AI in schools. On one hand, it could ease the process of navigating the world, and thus making individuals more independent and autonomous. But on the other hand, in the process of making them independent, it could make them too dependent on AI.

Conclusion

In summary, determining the unequivocal impact of introducing this technology into schools is challenging. However, the true benefits will only be realized if we take the initiative to give it a chance. Every innovation carries inherent risks, but historically, embracing risks for the greater good has led to profound advancements. By proceeding cautiously, addressing issues, and focusing on the positive aspects of AI in education, I am confident that it will ultimately prove to be a worthwhile investment.

References

Biesta, G. J. J. (2011). Good Education in an age of measurement: Ethics, politics, democracy. Paradigm Publishers

Thank your for reading!