I've been teaching an online class this summer-- the first time since my university fully embraced and adopted AI tools. The course I am teaching is for current K-12 teachers and is about technology integration into their classrooms. A part of this course is exploring AI tools. It is important that teachers and students develop AI literacy and competency. Over the years, I've noticed a wide range of perspectives, fears, and curiosity with AI, but also a lot of frustration. I feel it too! It is hard to know what is safe, what is ethical, and where to draw the line of AI use. I've adopted a Tiered System (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3), similar to the one Digital Promise recommends, where there are assignments that do not allow any AI use (to promote free thinking, discussion, and creativity), AI use to help refine thinking (allowing grammar checks, language refinement, and clarity), and AI use that is allowed in the brainstorming and initial drafting. I try to model citing when I use AI and when I don't, because I think that transparency is a critical part of this moment we are in.
I am curious what are the successes and pain points you all are experiencing? I'd love to hear about what is working for you and what you are curious about!
If you would like to learn more, check out this webinar which AAAS will be hosting on July 23rd from 3pm-4pm, titled "AI in the Classroom: Opportunities, Risks, and State Policies."
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Cassie Quigley, PhD
Science Education
University of Pittsburgh
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