Hawaii Society for Technology in Education

Spooky October Tales: Demystifying the Fears About AI in the Classroom

Author: Dagan Bernstein

Hawai‘i Island K-8 Capstone Coordinator

October 10, 2023


October is upon us, the season of pumpkins, dressing up with friends, and maybe even some spooky things that go bump in the night. Speaking of getting spooked, let's delve into a topic that can stoke fear in the hearts of some educators: Artificial Intelligence.


AI might seem like something from a futuristic thriller, but there's something far less intimidating beneath the surface. In the spirit of HSTE’s vision and mission to leverage technology for an innovative, resilient, and equitable Hawaii, let's unmask some common fears about AI in education.


Fear 1: AI Will Replace Teachers

The Reality: The truth is, that while AI can automate certain tasks, it can't replace the human connection, empathy, and creativity that teachers bring to the table. Instead, AI can serve as a helpful assistant that manages repetitive tasks such as grading and data analysis. This allows teachers more time to focus on what they excel at: engaging, inspiring, and teaching their students.


Fear 2: AI is Too Complicated

The Reality: Many educators think you need a Ph.D. in Computer Science to even begin understanding AI. However, several user-friendly platforms make it quite accessible. Think of AI as another tool in your toolbox, like Chrome extensions or a learning management system. Many of the platforms you use every day like Canva and Grammarly already have AI integrated right in and ready to use. Stick around for the end of this blog post in which I’ll share some suggested platforms.


Fear 3: AI Exacerbates Inequality

The Reality: Aligned with HSTE's mission to create equitable technology access, AI can be a great equalizer. Customized learning experiences can help students at various levels, providing extra support where needed.


It is also important to be aware that access to AI tools requires computers, an internet connection, and other technologies that may not be available to some learners. In this sense, it does have the potential to exacerbate inequalities. This should inspire us as educators to dedicate ourselves to issues around access to WIFI and devices.


Fear 4: AI Could be Biased 

The Reality: AI can inherit societal biases present in the data it's trained on, and awareness of this issue is the first step toward mitigation. Rather than run away from this fear, use this as a learning tool to demonstrate to students how data biases can impact the ways we interact with technology. By incorporating ethical AI practices, we can build systems that strive for fairness and inclusivity. 


Fear 5: AI is Just a Fad

The Reality: AI is not a temporary trend that will disappear; it is a lasting technology that is increasingly becoming integral to educational systems. Early adoption and understanding will better prepare us for future educational challenges.


One of ISTE’s standards for educators is “2.2.c. Model for colleagues the identification, experimentation, evaluation, curation, and adoption of new digital resources and tools for learning.” The “AI wave” is an opportunity to put this standard into practice and be a model for other teachers to learn from.


Conclusion

In summary, while AI might seem like a topic shrouded in mystery, its potential is far less spooky when understood. It offers significant opportunities for transforming education in meaningful ways. By adopting this technology thoughtfully, we can create classrooms that are efficient, inspiring, and equitable—no magic potions needed.


Some platforms for your AI trick-or-treat bag from “30 AI tools for the classroom”