by Dr. Brenda Quintanilla, Regional Manager, Innovative Instructional Technology and Learning Services, Houston Community College
In November 2022, ChatGPT unexpectedly surfaced and became one of the most coveted, yet controversial, technology applications encountered in a decade. Initially it was met with mixed acceptance: those who embraced it, those who rebuffed it, and those who ignored it. The implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), for both teachers and students, is now one of the most pressing conversations in education.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of ChatGPT’s launch, educators and students alike have openly pondered how to find harmony between AI technology and pedagogy. Both searching for ways to effectively promote creative AI interactions and, at the same time, abide by policies to solidify academic honesty.
According to ChatGPT (OpenAI, August 15, 2023) finding harmony between technology and pedagogy with AI requires a thoughtful and holistic approach which prioritizes the educational goals and needs of students. It involves leveraging AI as a valuable tool to enhance the teaching and learning process while maintaining the integrity of educational principles and values.
To engage harmony, we must reflect on the ethical and responsible adoption of AI in our classrooms and institutions. Harmony will be achieved when we have clear guidelines and policies for both ourselves and our students. We must safeguard data privacy and acknowledge that AI can demonstrate not only bias but also supply incorrect outputs (Furze, 2023). After we recognize the implications and importance of AI ethics, we can begin to engage with it productively, as we have with other Ed Tech applications.
Educators who have employed Ed Tech applications to engage students understand the value of technology in education. If it makes sense and has value, employ it. If it does not, then do not. Let’s consider AI as a potential tool in our educator’s toolbox. Begin by investigating AI tools to determine if they support teaching and learning. Consider resource lists such as the 30 AI tools curated by Ditch That Texbook. Or, check this dynamic Waklet for other generative AI application resources.
Key scenarios where AI is particularly beneficial to support students include: personalized learning, early intervention, accessibility, immediate feedback, and adaptive curriculum (Gibson 2023).
Key scenarios where AI is particularly beneficial to support faculty include: grading assistance, content recommendations, content creation, data analysis, multimedia creation, and time management (CTL, n.d.).
The harmony between AI technology and pedagogy will be felt when it is strategically integrated to improve educational outcomes. How might we begin to find harmony between technology and pedagogy when using AI? Consider these 14 suggestions provided by OpenAI’s ChatGPT (OpenAI, September 1, 2023)
- Align AI with Pedagogical Goals:
- Start with clear learning objectives and pedagogical goals.
- Identify areas where AI can enhance or support these goals.
- Use AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement:
- Emphasize that AI is a tool to augment teaching, not a substitute for educators.
- Encourage active teacher-student interaction alongside AI tools.
- Customize Learning Experiences:
- Leverage AI to personalize learning experiences for individual students.
- Use data from AI to adapt content, assignments, and feedback.
- Promote Critical Thinking:
- Teach students how to critically assess AI-generated content for accuracy and bias.
- Encourage students to question, analyze, and interpret AI-generated information.
- Foster Collaboration:
- Use AI to facilitate collaboration among students through online forums, discussion boards, or group projects.
- Encourage peer-to-peer learning with AI-supported tools.
- Professional Development:
- Provide training and professional development opportunities for educators to become proficient in using AI tools.
- Stay updated on AI advancements in education.
- Ethical Use of Data:
- Ensure that AI systems handle student data responsibly and in compliance with privacy regulations.
- Discuss data privacy and ethics with students.
- Feedback and Assessment:
- Use AI for formative assessment and instant feedback.
- Balance AI-assisted grading with human evaluation, especially for complex assignments.
- Scaffolding and Support:
- Use AI to identify struggling students early and offer additional support.
- Implement AI-driven interventions to help students improve.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity:
- Ensure that AI-powered resources are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.
- Monitor and address accessibility issues promptly.
- Evaluate and Iterate:
- Continuously assess the effectiveness of AI tools in achieving pedagogical goals.
- Be open to adjustments and improvements based on feedback and outcomes.
- Collaboration with EdTech Developers:
- Collaborate with AI and EdTech developers to customize solutions for specific educational contexts.
- Share insights and feedback to improve AI tools.
- Engage Students in the Process:
- Involve students in discussions about AI in education, its benefits, and potential limitations.
- Encourage them to provide feedback on their experiences with AI tools.
- Balance Tradition and Innovation:
- Respect traditional teaching methods and principles while integrating AI-driven innovations.
- Blend the best of both worlds to create a balanced and effective educational environment.
References:
Furze, L. (2023). Leonfurze.com. Teaching AI Ethics: Power. https://leonfurze.com/2023/06/19/teaching-ai-ethics-power/
Gibson, Rob. (2023). 10 Ways Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Instructional Design. Educause: https://er.educause.edu/articles/2023/8/10-ways-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-instructional-design
Center for Teaching and Learning. (n.d.). University of Pittsburg. ChatGPT Resources for Faculty. https://teaching.pitt.edu/resources/chatgpt-resources-for-faculty/
