Check-In

Which Kiwi do you feel like today?

(Based off of the animal from last week’s check in I was inspired to make my own).

AI in Education

(Above created with gentype; a google generation, based on sourcing inquiry from already made resources create text; “alphabet out of __”)

Ensure teaching safe and responsible use of AI

AI is becoming a large component of tech in recent years and is advancing quite fast. It is becoming permeated into much of all we do, including content in education, sparking much discussion. AI has the unique ability to allow application of many modes; experiment with various modes to demonstrate different ways to represent knowledge, though, it should be fun!

There is often a wrong focus; humans should be the ones fulfilling the creative roles and ai take off other load (its not, bad). AI should not take away from roles that could be done (arguably better), and shouldn’t be used as a replacement but as a tool supporting alongside.

Pros & Cons

Could be used for good or bad, used maliciously or as a tool:

Pros:

  • AI might be able to help create and formulate education for those who may not have access to it. – UNESCO.
  • Can be used as a helpful tool including increasing accessibility tool (e.g. live dictation).
  • AI can answer burning questions on any topic.
  • Generates realistic or useful images
  • Make homework easier including creating tools for studying (e.g. create podcasts; NotebookLM).
  • Provides an opportunity to teach and learn about responsible and safe technology use(s).
  • Gather information efficiently and presented it more clearly.

Cons:

  • Perceived as inhuman and lacking authenticity, stealing the joy and perseverance from real learning.
  • Susceptible to misuse, with work being ingenuine, stolen work, and cheating.
  • Often provides inaccurate, false, harmful or misleading information, propaganda and deception.
  • Has a racial bias, having a western-centric perspective, often with misinterpretation of language/culture.
  • Requires large amounts of energy and water (cooling)
  • Is limited in addressing empathy or complex real world problems (e.g. real time issues in classroom).

A Paradigm Shift

The introduction and use of AI has resulted in a huge paradigm shift, similar to when internet first ‘arrived’.

2023; the year that AI became accessible to all not professionals/experts

Originally used to be only accessed by a select few, of whom were professionals and typically included training. In early 2022, image generation became available though was not extraordinarily accurate. Then, later in 2022, ChatGPT was introduced which sparked a shift and now is being found in all of our tools (even used as a selling feature).

Trust

When facing possible accusations of AI use we must trust students as you cannot definitely identify AI. Ways to get around this may be:

  • Use a system like turnitin; which shows where things came from, though is not always accurate and must fall back on trusting students.
  • Ask questions on their work.
  • Word and google docs have file history; can show how the document was created (in large chunks or word by words).
  • Have conversations instead; a chance as teachers to change how we evaluate student performance, focusing on other aspects (focus from product to process – why, changes, what did you learn, notice, etc).

If you are using it, disclose it! How do you weave your ideas and what areas you saw a stretch and how did you overcame it (e.g. using AI to increase clarity).

Examples of AI in our world

Predictive

(Takes information already on the internet)

  • Google maps time estimation.
  • Netflix suggestions.
  • Alexa and Siri.
  • Grammerly.
  • Social media algorithms.
  • Self driving cars.
  • Google search.
  • Banking fraud alert.
  • HR resume systems.

Generative

(Imaging things that do not exist or did not happen)

  • ChatGPT (text)
  • Dall-E, Midjourny + (images)
  • Git Hub copilot (computer code)
  • Sora, Heygen (video)
  • ElevenLabs, Riffusion (audio)

(Graphics generated though chatgpt)

Do not feel bad about using AI, but use it mindfully and self disclose (same as citing your sources). Teacher responsibility then involves insuring and teaching student safety while using online applications and AI, including sharing pros/cons.

“The goals of the creator of these products – efficiency, productively, time saving- collapse the space between asking a question and finding information. That space is a rich learning ground where students learn to evaluate information, where they learn to craft a question, where they can allow the search process itself to change their mind. In other words, learning.”

EDUCAUSE; The Problem With Perfect Answers

A resource to help insure providing responsible technology: Commonsense education: Technology teachers might use, as well as summarizing how it might be used by educators (And Commonsense media).

Demo – What does AI say about….?

Westernized Bias

Often the sources drawn from are in a western perspective, thus the ai is very westernized and do not represent accurately if at all. When searching, stereotypes are present:

  • CEO; white man.
  • Nurse; female.
  • Domestic worker; Asian lady.

Why is my education technology professor asking me to blog?

  1. Developing Digital Literacy: Blogging helps you develop digital communication skills, which are essential in today’s educational landscape. It’s a way to practice writing for an online audience and using digital platforms to share ideas.
  2. Reflection and Critical Thinking: Blogging encourages reflection on the topics you are learning. Writing regularly about course concepts can deepen your understanding and allow you to critically engage with the material in a more personal way.
  3. Engagement with the Learning Community: Blogs can foster a sense of community among students. By sharing your thoughts and reading others’ posts, you might engage in a dialogue that extends the classroom experience and sparks new ideas or perspectives.
  4. Showcasing Learning and Growth: Blogging provides a public way to track your progress and showcase your learning journey. It can also be a helpful portfolio tool to demonstrate your insights and abilities to future employers or colleagues.
  5. Preparation for Real-World Application: Educational technology is all about integrating technology into teaching and learning. Blogging is one way to get used to how technology can be used to engage and inform others, which could be beneficial in your future career in education.
Image Credit; Michelle Loukko

What are key issues in primary education in Canada over the next 10 years?

  1. Indigenous Education and Reconciliation: Emphasis on integrating Indigenous perspectives into curricula and addressing educational gaps in Indigenous communities.
  2. Mental Health and Well-Being: Focus on supporting student and teacher mental health, with more resources and programs to address rising mental health challenges.
  3. Technology and Digital Literacy: Ensuring equitable access to technology and enhancing digital literacy skills, while addressing the challenges of online learning and hybrid models.
  4. Teacher Shortages and Professional Development: Addressing teacher shortages, especially in rural areas, and providing ongoing professional development to keep up with evolving educational needs.
  5. Inclusion and Diversity: Promoting inclusive education for students with diverse needs and creating environments where all students feel valued.
  6. Curriculum Reform and Future Skills: Updating curricula to focus on critical thinking, creativity, STEM, and sustainability to better prepare students for the future.
  7. School Infrastructure: Upgrading aging school facilities and ensuring equitable distribution of resources, especially in underfunded or rural areas.
  8. Assessment and Accountability: Moving toward alternative assessment models and ensuring equity in student evaluations.
  9. Parental and Community Engagement: Strengthening home-school partnerships and integrating community-based learning into education.
  10. Post-Pandemic Recovery: Addressing learning gaps caused by the pandemic and refining hybrid learning models for better outcomes.

Going Forward – Do Not Pretend It Is Not There

  • Demystify it; teach learners of the nature of generative ai.
  • Focus on the process; of learning rather than just the product.
  • Honor learner agency; self determination through multiple sources of motivation.
  • Celebrate humanness; cultivate skills AI cannot do.

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