Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay, and its impact on teaching and learning will only grow as this emerging technology continues to develop. While there are reasonable concerns about AI, many teachers are beginning to embrace this technology and its potential to positively transform the field of education. This blog highlights several benefits and best practices for teachers and students when incorporating AI in the classroom.
Benefits of AI in the Classroom
The successful incorporation of AI in the classroom can enhance the educational experience by making it more engaging, personalized, efficient and enjoyable.
Personalized Learning
AI can facilitate individualized learning experiences by analyzing student data and adjusting content to meet diverse needs. This approach enables students to engage in activities aligned with their learning styles and progress at their own pace. is among the most used AI-powered platforms, and some teachers who embrace AI have found that it can be particularly helpful for students who struggle the most.
Automated Grading and Feedback
AI can assist teachers by automating grading multiple-choice assignments and tests, freeing up time for more interaction and engagement with students. One increasingly popular automated grading tool is , which has been shown to streamline the grading process by providing automated, consistent and meaningful feedback. Additionally, it offers detailed analytics on student performance, including per-question and per-rubric statistics. This data helps teachers identify common areas of difficulty and adjust their approaches accordingly.
Intelligent and Convenient Tutoring
AI tutoring systems have been shown to provide tremendous value to students and teachers by providing supplemental instruction, answering routine questions and managing course logistics. is an AI-powered tutor that provides personalized assistance to students in preparing them for tests and further developing their critical thinking skills. Teachers are also increasingly using it and other intelligent tutoring systems to help with grading, providing feedback and planning lessons. One benefit of AI tutoring systems is that they are available to support students outside of classroom hours, including evenings and weekends.
Enhanced Engagement
AI-powered tools like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality can create immersive learning experiences, making subjects like science and history more interactive and engaging. One of my favorite AI-powered engagement tools is , which allows teachers to create interactive lessons and VR experiences.
For example, imagine a history lesson on ancient civilizations. Using Nearpod, a teacher can make a lesson that includes virtual field trips to ancient sites like the Colosseum in Rome or the pyramids in Egypt. Teachers can use polls throughout the lesson to assess student opinions on the topic and guide class discussions based on the results. Additionally, students can work in groups to create presentations on different aspects of ancient civilizations and answer quiz questions to test their knowledge.
Best Practices for Teachers Using AI
Integrating AI in the classroom can greatly enhance the teaching experience, and best practices should be implemented to ensure its ethical and effective use.
Set Expectations
Before introducing any AI tools, teachers should establish and communicate clear policies on AI use in their classrooms. They should specify which uses are acceptable and which are not. They can then help students further understand these rules through modeling example AI usage.
Data-Driven Insights
By monitoring student learning in real time, AI can help teachers identify struggling students who need additional support. Teachers can then intervene early and provide targeted assistance. They can also more readily identify high-achieving students and proactively reinforce positive behavior. is an example of an online platform that enables teachers to provide instant student feedback based on student engagement and performance data.
Administrative Efficiency and Support
One of the biggest benefits of AI is that it can alleviate some of the time-consuming burdens teachers face. Specifically, it can streamline administrative tasks like tracking attendance, scheduling and communicating with students’ families. This means teachers can focus more on teaching and the aspects of education that bring them joy and satisfaction.
Sometimes, AI tools integrate with learning management systems, which is a key (and often undervalued) feature. It enables teachers to sync assignments and grades, saving time and reducing administrative workload.
Accessibility
When incorporating AI in the classroom, it is critical to ensure the technology is accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. By focusing on accessibility, teachers can utilize AI to create a more supportive, equitable and effective learning environment. For example, increasingly popular tools like and offer real-time captioning and transcription services that can convert spoken language into text, making discussions and lectures available to students with hearing impairments. Similarly, other tools, such as , convert written text into spoken words, aiding students with visual impairments or reading disabilities.
Best Practices for Students Using AI
Like many institutions, ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ (ACE) recognizes and embraces AI’s potential to enhance learning experiences. Embedded in our , we have developed specific guidelines to support students and their strategic and thoughtful use of AI. Ultimately, students should be held responsible for using these tools with careful judgment. We recommend several critical practices.
- Understand how AI works, including its capabilities and limitations.
- Ensure that AI use aligns with ethical standards.
- Verify the accuracy, relevance and reliability of AI-generated information.
- Be transparent about using AI and disclose it appropriately by clearly documenting how and why it was used.
Final Thoughts on Embracing AI
AI has the potential to be a wonderful tool for teachers and students to make learning more enjoyable and effective. Integrating it into the classroom requires thoughtful planning and an openness to experimentation.
While this blog has focused primarily on benefits and best practices, it is important to recognize AI’s challenges and limitations. Potential roadblocks for AI include academic misconduct, inaccurate information, high implementation costs, and security and privacy concerns. Fortunately, there are several ways both teachers and students can ensure responsible use.
On a personal note, in addition to my role as Assistant Provost of Doctoral Research and Student Success at ACE, I serve on an external dedicated to improving education through the responsible use of AI. As part of this council, I am focused on addressing these challenges while developing best practices for its effective and ethical integration in education. By following these tips, teachers and students can move forward with greater confidence that they are using AI effectively and responsibly.
If you want to learn best practices and strategies for incorporating AI into your classroom, instruction and curriculum, ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ’s up-to-date online programs have got you covered. Explore our M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction or our M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology.
