Teachers Share Insights on AI Tools in Education

Teachers Share Insights on AI Tools in Education

‘We nicknamed it Eddy’: What do schools and teachers think of AI in classrooms?

Since ChatGPT emerged in late 2022, educators worldwide have been exploring the implications of generative artificial intelligence for classrooms and learning. This technology has sparked both concern and optimism, with much of the discussion centered on higher education. However, the impact on primary and secondary schools has received less attention until recently.

Our research team has been evaluating trials of AI in South Australian schools. Here’s what we’ve discovered about the integration of AI tools in K-12 education.

The Australian Landscape

Initially, most Australian states banned ChatGPT and similar generative AI tools in government schools, while many private institutions embraced the technology. Taking a different approach, the South Australian government initiated a trial of AI in schools in 2023, introducing its own tool called EdChat.

Other jurisdictions have since reconsidered their stance. For example, New South Wales began trialing its own AI tool at the beginning of 2024. In November 2023, the federal government published a framework for generative AI in schools, acknowledging its potential to support teachers and students while reducing administrative workload.

A recent federal parliamentary inquiry recommended making generative AI in schools a “national priority”, concluding that the benefits outweigh the significant risks and challenges.

The South Australian Experience

EdChat, developed in collaboration with Microsoft, is owned by the SA Department for Education. It can be used both in classrooms and at home, with enhanced safety features to protect student privacy and prevent access to inappropriate content.

The trial began with eight SA government high schools for an eight-week period, later expanding to include eight additional schools. Our evaluation of the trial involved survey data from approximately 90 teachers and 700 students. While our full findings are currently under review for publication, we can share insights from the teachers’ perspectives.

Benefits and Challenges

Teachers reported feeling more secure using EdChat compared to other tools like ChatGPT, primarily due to assurances that student data isn’t used to train generative AI models. However, they still expressed interest in understanding more about data storage and access to EdChat records.

Educators highlighted several advantages of the tool:

1. Time-saving: EdChat helped in developing lesson plans and learning materials, allowing teachers to spend more time with students in the classroom.
2. Personalization: The tool enabled teachers to provide customized learning activities and offer personalized feedback when they weren’t immediately available.
3. Cultural integration: One teacher shared, “We nicknamed it Eddy as a class and Eddy is now embedded as part of our class culture.”

Despite these benefits, teachers also noted challenges:

1. Misinformation: Issues with AI hallucinations and incorrect information underscored the need for students to develop critical thinking skills.
2. Content filtering: While designed to keep students safe, filters sometimes interfered with learning, especially for sensitive topics in history, reproductive health, or politics.
3. Plagiarism concerns: Teachers found it more difficult to determine whether students’ work was original or AI-generated.

Looking Ahead

As the South Australian government considers expanding EdChat’s use in schools, our research suggests several areas requiring attention:

1. Critical AI education: Students need specific instruction on how to use AI critically and effectively.
2. Broader research: More studies are needed to understand how AI is being used in different schools across Australia and globally.
3. Equitable access: Ensuring all students can access AI tools, not just those who can afford the technology.
4. Addressing bias: Working to prevent AI from perpetuating biases against minority groups.
5. Teacher support: Providing more professional development and resources for educators to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices.
6. Community awareness: Fostering understanding of AI’s impact on the teaching profession and student learning among the wider community.

As AI tools evolve, teaching strategies must adapt. Continuous assessment and collaboration among educators, policymakers, and technology developers will be crucial in harnessing AI’s potential while addressing its challenges responsibly. Establishing guidelines and best practices that promote a balanced approach to AI in classrooms will be essential for enriching the learning experience for all students.

The integration of AI in education presents both opportunities and challenges. By carefully navigating this new landscape, we can work towards an educational environment that leverages technology to enhance learning while maintaining the critical human elements of teaching and critical thinking. For a deeper exploration of the risks and promises associated with AI in education, consider reviewing this article. Additionally, insights on how schools and teachers view AI in classrooms can be found in this discussion, while the opportunities and challenges of AI in higher education are detailed in this blog post. Finally, for a look at how educators are adapting to these changes, you can read about the experiences shared in this article.

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