The Strength of AI

In "AI For Educators," Matt Miller outlines several effective strategies for weaving AI into classroom activities. Here are a few noteworthy techniques:

1. Debate the Bot: Students can refine their debating abilities by engaging in discussions with an AI. Assign them to one side of an argument while the AI takes the opposing stance. They should prepare their arguments, present them to the AI, and then utilize its counterarguments to bolster their positions. For tools, consider using ChatGPT or Bard, with Bard being particularly user-friendly for students.

2. Grade the Bot: Students can evaluate AI-generated writing prompts using a rubric. For instance, in AP Psychology, students must tackle free-response questions on their exams. To prepare, we practice writing these throughout the year, incorporating various methods like group work and peer assessments before a final evaluation. An example of this activity can be found here:

   

3. Think, Pair, Bot, and Share: This engaging variation of the classic Think-Pair-Share involves students first contemplating a question individually, then discussing it with a partner, and finally consulting Bard for additional insights. They should document the differences in responses and share their findings with the class.

4. Make a Bot Better: Provide students with various AI-generated responses to a prompt. They will analyze these responses to synthesize the most effective answer, promoting critical thinking.

While these AI-centric methods present exciting classroom opportunities, we must also explore strategies that prioritize human thought.

The Importance of Human Insight

To create assignments less susceptible to AI influence, consider the following approaches:

1. Focus on the Process: Encourage students to articulate and demonstrate their thought processes. Implementing side-by-side grading allows for personalized feedback during their learning journey.
2. Incorporate Metacognition: Encourage students to reflect on their learning processes. Ask them to articulate how they acquired knowledge or formed opinions.
3. Utilize Elaboration: Promote deeper understanding through personalization. Have students connect concepts to their own experiences, making the material more meaningful—something AI cannot replicate as it lacks individualized data.
4. Make it Course-Specific: Encourage students to reference specific course materials, ensuring their work is grounded in what they have learned.
5. Reduce High-Stakes Testing: High-stakes assessments can create pressure that may lead to dishonest practices. Emphasizing mastery learning can mitigate this issue.
6. Keep It Relevant: Frame assignments around current local issues, which limits AI's ability to generate responses while making the task more relevant to students.
7. Test Your Prompts: Before assigning tasks, evaluate them using an AI tool. If the AI generates a strong response, consider modifying the prompt.

The Role of AI in the Classroom

AI has its place in education. Our aim should not be to eliminate AI but rather to teach students how to use it ethically and effectively. I hope this article provided valuable insights for your classroom practices. Feel free to share your questions or experiences with AI integration in education!

In the next installment, we will explore how AI can help educators reclaim one of their most precious resources—time. Thank you for joining me.

Be Well,

Cori

Previous articles in this series:

1. The Transformative Power of AI
2. Navigating the Ethical Landscape of AI in Education

The first video titled "Redefining Assessment in the Age of AI" discusses innovative assessment strategies that leverage AI's potential while maintaining human engagement.

The second video, "Designing Authentic Assessments in the Age of AI," explores how to create meaningful assessments that incorporate AI while ensuring student creativity and critical thinking.