The introduction of artificial intelligence is steadily changing the face of the modern teaching-learning process. According to projections, the global AI market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 35.96% between 2024-32, with more teachers embracing the benefits of AI in classroom teaching. However, as teachers embrace this new technology, there is a need to understand how it can be implemented, what its challenges are, and how it will enhance the teaching process. This article offers a comprehensive guide covering these aspects for teachers.
How to get started with AI tools for teaching
Know your objective
Teachers need to understand the core objective of integrating AI in their classrooms. This means outlining what they wish to achieve with this strategy. For instance, some teachers may integrate AI to improve student engagement, while others may require AI to streamline administrative tasks that take up time. Understanding the chief objectives can help them find the right AI tool to meet these needs.
Choose the right AI tool
Clear objectives can help teachers select the right AI tool. For instance, if teachers want lesson planning tools, they can use tools like Prompt Library. Similarly, if teachers want a transcription tool that can transcribe lectures, they can choose tools like Otter.ai. Each tool offers its own strengths and weaknesses and teachers must understand these before using them in the classroom.
Consider the ethical implications of AI
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it is not one without limitations. Like every other technology, it has its drawbacks. AI tools pose certain ethical issues, like data privacy concerns and system bias. Since AI systems work on advanced data analytics, they collect large volumes of data from users. There is always a scope of misusing this data, resulting in privacy infringements. Similarly, AI systems can produce biased responses and outcomes if their training data is biased. These biases can present themselves in student assessment, learning personalisation, and other aspects. Teachers need to understand these ethical concerns before introducing AI in the classroom.
Easy ways to use AI tools for teaching
Designing assignments and offering feedback
Teachers can use AI tools to design assignments based on the curriculum and course structure. AI tools will assess the curriculum and draft the most relevant assignment topics and questions which can be further refined by teachers. Apart from designing assignments, AI tools can also be used to offer feedback on submissions. Generally, it takes teachers a few days to weeks to check assignments individually, especially if they teach multiple grades. AI tools can assess submissions in real-time, offering comprehensive feedback on grammar, structure, and research.
Automate administrative work
Teachers spend a significant amount of time completing repetitive administrative tasks. Using AI in the classroom can help teachers automate tasks like taking attendance, managing timetables, and grading papers. With more free time, teachers can focus on teaching students and offering one-on-one support to students who need it.
Create lesson plans
Each lesson takes about 30 minutes to several hours to plan and prepare, even if teachers have taught the class before. Therefore, the more lessons a teacher has in a day, the more time gets directed towards planning. Teachers can use AI systems to reduce this planning time drastically. AI tools can assess the syllabus and generate lesson plans with assignments, tasks, discussion topics, and test structures to simplify the process for teachers.
Generate concrete examples
Teachers often find themselves explaining abstract concepts and theories to students. Understanding these concepts and theories may be difficult for students without concrete examples. AI tools can help offer real-world context to teaching. Teachers can use generative AI tools to come up with concrete examples that explain abstract ideas with clarity, making them more relatable.
Engaging students with active learning experiences
Students learn best when they are allowed to actively engage with a topic. This results in long-term retention. Teachers can use generative AI systems to create better visual aids for teaching. They can also use AI-driven VR technologies to create simulations for students based on the course matter. AI tools can also be used to create interactive quizzes, flashcards, and gamified learning with points, levels, and badges. Teachers can integrate AI into the classroom to effectively boost student engagement and retention.
Track student performance
Generative AI is capable of assessing datasets to highlight patterns and outcomes. Teachers can use this feature to track the performance of their students. AI tools can provide teachers with data about their student’s progress, highlighting areas that need improvement. Teachers can use this information to tailor lesson plans accordingly and offer focused attention to students who need extra help.
Some tips for AI usage in teaching
- Set clear rules: Teachers using AI should set clear classroom policies about the same. For instance, teachers can set rules about plagiarism and citations when students summit assignments completed using AI.
- Training: Teachers should take the initiative to train students on how to use AI tools critically and avoid becoming too reliant on such tools.
- Access: Teachers must realise that not all students have equal access to AI tools outside school, which can result in inequalities in the classroom. They can explore ways to give them free access like allowing students to use the computer room outside classes.
Summing it up
Introducing AI in teaching is a balancing act teachers need to master. Teachers have to make sure that AI tools add value to lessons. To do so, they have to outline their objectives and goals and choose the right tools for the purpose. Teachers can use AI in various ways, including automating administrative tasks, creating lesson plans and quizzes, giving concrete examples, and tracking student performance. AI can also be used to create more interactive learning experiences to help boost student interest. However, teachers must recognise the challenges AI poses in terms of data privacy and bias. Teachers have to remember that AI works best as a collaborative tool in teaching rather than a replacement for human instruction. If teachers can effectively use AI in the classroom, they can leverage various automation benefits that are currently enjoyed by other verticals using AI, including NBFCs, banks, and online marketplaces.
