Overview
The explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) already has some calling this the “Age of AI” and the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Regardless of what it is called, it’s clear that AI has already begun to impact the workforce, with many racing to figure out how to best use this powerful technology. Because our students will be looking for jobs in this landscape, it’s important for educators to find ways to empower them and prepare them for this tech-rich future. Here are five ways to get started.
Engage in the conversation
- What do we need to learn about AI?
- What potential benefits can it offer us as educators?
- What are the risks that it presents to our current way of teaching?
- In what ways do we need to modify how we do things?
- How can we empower our students for success in an AI world?
Teach students about it
- The AI Education Project (aiEDU)
- Day of AI (MIT RAISE and i2 Learning)
- Hands-on AI Projects for the Classroom: A Guide on Ethics and AI (ISTE and General Motors)
Help students develop workforce skills
In the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2023, companies identified the skills below as the ones being most core to their workforce:
- Analytical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Resilience, flexibility, and agility
- Motivation and self-awareness
- Curiosity and lifelong learning
- Technological literacy
Engage students in using AI
- Review terms of use.
- If allowed, consider how students can use AI tools.
- Model its use with the class.
- Highlight AI tools currently in use.
Integration Ideas
Consider modeling the use of ChatGPT or another generative AI chatbot for your class. If your students are old enough, perhaps they can begin using it with guidance in your classroom. At all age levels, you can begin to teach students about artificial intelligence. The AI Education Project’s materials are great places to begin. Even when not actively integrating AI tools or concepts into your instruction, it’s important to intentionally design lessons that help students develop the workforce skills they will need in an AI economy—skills like analytical and creative thinking, resilience and flexibility, and technological literacy.
How can I learn more?
For more information about artificial intelligence, explore the following AVID Open Access article collection: AI in the K–12 Classroom.