AI Just asked me if I wanted it to generate this blog post

And so here it is. I'm just as curious to read it as you are. I gave it the topic of itself. "Tell me about AI, the fear around it, how it could be a tool used for good or evil but we just can't know yet, and how that affects the next generation." I told it the audience might be educators, students, or content creators. I also told it to include the maximum amount of images it could generate (three) just because I want to see what it will do.

I will adlib my own thoughts in another highlighted color and make sure it's italicized.

Here we go.

In today's classrooms, the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) is impossible to ignore. From virtual assistants that help teachers deliver lessons to software that caters to individual learning needs, AI's role in education has become very significant. However, alongside its many advantages, there is a genuine concern about how AI may influence future generations.

This blog post explores the current state of AI in education, the ethical considerations it raises, and how we can harness its potential wisely. Buckle up—navigating the intricacies of AI in education is a journey worth taking! << I hate this so much. It's cheesy and feels like there's a forced energy involved, though I can't say I have never forced a certain energy or wrote, read and edited a piece or a few that do something similar. Probably countless high school students do this, too.

The Rise of AI in Education

EdTech has come a long way (arguably too long a way – it is my personal belief that students could use a lot less technology in their education, but I digress) , but AI is transforming it beyond what we thought possible. Tools like intelligent tutoring systems have shown promising results, with studies revealing that personalized learning can boost student performance by an average of 30% no idea where this stat is from so I can't back it up . For example, programs like DreamBox Learning actually a real program, I looked it up adapt math lessons in real-time based on each student's performance, ensuring they master concepts at their own pace.

However, the rapid rollout of AI could lead to problems if we aren't careful. Many wonder about the ethical implications of relying too heavily on algorithms. For instance, a survey What survey? found that 60% of educators express concern over data privacy, fearing that students' information might not be secure  As a teacher I was less concerned about this and more concerned that kids aren't actually learning or processing or using their own voice if they were using AI. It was less about their online security and more about how their brains and social relationships and accountability measures were developing . The merging of technology with education raises critical questions about whether we are prioritizing innovation over ethics, reminding us that just because we can use AI, it doesn't mean we should always rush to implement it. This feels like a first draft I'd mark up of something we'd write for the high school news magazine. Where are the personal anecdotes? Why the boring sweeping statements? "AI could lead to problems if we aren't careful." Okay? Who is "we"? Who are the real stakeholders? Are there more personal anecdotes to insert, even at the top of the story?

A modern classroom incorporating artificial intelligence. This looks like corporate "1985" vibes.

The Stumbling Fear Around AI

It’s normal to feel uneasy about AI, especially when it comes to education. Many educators worry about job security, as they fear that AI could one day replace them I have now actually laughed out loud. AI thinks that teachers are worried that AI will replace them. Here's the thing, teachers aren't just lecturers and assignment generators. They become counselors and mentors to their students. They create physical safe spaces and retreats. They provide connection and community. For the littles, they literally clean kids up, wipe their faces and make sure they're eating or changing band-aids for boo-boos. I'm not worried about being replaced . In fact, 38% of teachers in a recent survey From whom? reported that they are worried about their role being diminished due to increasing automation Teachers do so much, I would hope they get to do a little bit less with the help of artificial assists. Concerns about data privacy also loom large, as many students and parents worry about how their information is being used It's too late, we are all already sold to Instagram and Google.

This shared anxiety can lead to a reluctance to embrace AI. Instead of seeing it as a tool that can help educators inspire creativity and critical thinking, many choose to hang on to traditional methods, fearing the unknown. So, how can we overcome these fears and prepare students for a future where AI is commonplace?

The Tug of Ethics

The ethical implications of AI in education cannot be overlooked. Who stands to benefit from the integration of AI in classrooms? Are we creating opportunities for underprivileged students, or are we deepening existing education gaps? This is actually a great question to explore. These questions are vital as we introduce technology to young minds.

To foster a more ethical use of AI, we must include educators, students, and community members in the conversation. Openness about how AI systems work is crucial. Moreover, regular evaluations of these tools can help measure their impact on learning outcomes, ensuring that we mitigate biases—both intentional and unintentional. Just curious about who is going to do this? And who is going to train the educators, students, and community members on how to use it? Especially if folks are already a bit afraid of it.

A curriculum that focuses on ethics could be beneficial. Teaching students to analyze and critically assess the information generated by AI can prepare them to become responsible users. For instance, lessons on social media algorithms can inform young learners about data privacy issues, nurturing informed opinions about technology's role in their lives. Agreed!

Students working together with advanced technology in education. There's something off about this little girl, no?

AI: A Tool for Good or Evil?

The debate over AI's role in education often centers on its potential for both good and harm. On the positive side, AI can democratize access to quality education. For instance, platforms like Khan Academy provide free, high-quality resources to students globally, helping those who may not have access to traditional educational materials. Data From whom? Link the study, name drop the researchers shows that students using such platforms see a 10-20% improvement in test scores.

However, if we fail to implement AI carefully, we risk allowing it to dictate the educational experience without considering its implications. The human aspects of teaching—like empathy and connection—cannot be replaced by data alone. For a successful balance, educators and tech developers must collaborate to create AI tools that support teaching without replacing the essential human touch.

Embracing the Future Together

Although we may feel uncertain about the future of AI in education, this unease can lead us toward more meaningful discussions on its role. It is crucial for educators, tech developers, and students to come together and engage in open dialogues about AI's potential benefits and challenges.

Community workshops and outreach programs can help build a deeper understanding of AI's advantages and pitfalls. This collaborative effort can transform how we view AI in education, shifting it from a source of fear to an opportunity for enrichment.

Education must evolve to prepare students for a world where AI is a standard part of life Kind of a scary absolute written by AI - telling me that it must be incorporated as a standard . If we let our fears take control, we miss the chance to empower a generation capable of using AI responsibly. Today’s conversations will shape tomorrow’s informed and capable learners.

A computer screen displaying interactive software for learning. "For learning." Alrighty.

Final Thoughts

Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve education significantly, yet we must be cautious as we navigate the accompanying fears and ethical dilemmas. Engagement, transparency, and ethics should always guide our efforts. The challenge is not merely about integrating AI but preparing ourselves—along with future generations—to use it wisely.

So, when AI comes up in discussions about education, let's move beyond our fears. We can view it as a valuable tool, one that, when used carefully, can enhance learning and deepen our understanding of education. Here’s to a future where we not only seek AI's assistance but also learn together with it. Let’s hope our journey leads to a richer educational experience for everyone!

So much about this AI-generated blog post feels like a first draft of something I would read from my younger students. It gets the job done, sure. It discussed AI, its use, the fear, and AI's potential for either good or harm. It even offered up some partial solutions or ideas of solutions to the issue. It's certainly something I would give points for, but it lacks real-world experiences.

It lacks storytelling in a way that keeps me not only checking off the boxes of the topic at hand but engaged to keep going. It has a decent tone but it gets preaching and forced around the edges. It lacks true substance.

I'm sure if I specified the prompt or manipulated it even more, I could get it to completely change its core and maybe even make it sound like something that comes from my own brain. But for now, it was a quick experiment and a shocking revelation to know that the "AI Tools" offered for blogging on Wix aren't just about helping you with SEO or titling, but for generating an entire piece that isn't truly your own.

Be careful what you read out there.