As the twenty-first century continues, almost all individuals have realized the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As it becomes more prevalent in society, there are constant debates regarding its involvement in a school setting. All in all, AI is a tool; however, it is crucial to understand how to use it correctly.
Many individuals believe that AI should be used in the classroom, but only to a certain extent. Ms. Matz, a teacher at BHHS, has experimented with many AI platforms and has a thorough understanding of its capabilities and constraints. As a teacher, she mainly uses MagicSchool AI, Gemini, and NotebookLM.
“AI is a skill that students will need for the future,” Matz said. “However, if they are not learning how to engage appropriately and without compromising their own creativity, they will lose their ability to think critically.”
Additionally, Ms. Matz reflects upon the extent to which students should be allowed to use Artificial Intelligence when in school.
“Students’ allowance to use AI really depends on the assignment. I like to think about AI as another human being: bouncing ideas off of someone else, giving a paper to a peer to give suggestions, and letting a family member review something that you wrote are all perfectly fine,” Matz said. “But someone else making big changes or writing completely new things crosses the line. So, if you can’t allow another person to do it for you, you should not let AI do it for you.”
It is important for individuals to increase their skills with Artificial Intelligence; however, it cannot take over all aspects of life.
Furthermore, if students understand how to use AI responsibly in school, this can lead to great success and collaboration. Daniel Ilsar, a Junior at BHHS, uses ChatGPT, PhotoMath, and Gemini to assist him when brainstorming, studying, and more.
After having many positive experiences with these platforms and enhancing his learning, he said, “I think that teachers should encourage us to use AI because it is the new day and age. Mr. MacLeod told me that people who say that AI is going to take your job are incorrect; people who know how to use AI will take your job.”
When utilized in the correct way, AI can be an excellent resource to assist you throughout school with providing feedback, studying tips, understanding, and more. Some of the most relevant and helpful AI sources for school-related business include Gemini, ChatGPT, MagicSchool.ai, NotebookLM, and Claude.
Gemini can help students understand questions, summarize information, assist when researching, and explain things clearly when another individual may not be present. ChatGPT is known as an AI study buddy that helps you learn, develop knowledge, understand things more effectively and efficiently, and draft ideas. Then, NotebookLM helps students with understanding and studying notes and documents that can be easily uploaded. Claude is very similar to ChatGPT in regards to helping with brainstorming and studying. MagicSchool.ai, on the other hand, is mainly to help teachers create worksheets, quizzes, lesson plans, and more with all of the information needed to be included.
There are many more Artificial Intelligence platforms that teachers and students find extremely useful, which ultimately allows for the ability to make life easier for all individuals, especially when learning, teaching, and growing in the classroom. It is crucial to understand the balances when utilizing AI in order to still learn at one’s greatest potential. With the right mindset, students and teachers will be able to obtain the greatest benefit with Artificial Intelligence in the classroom.
