Now that many of us are using artificial intelligence (AI) regularly, we can find almost anything with the touch of a button. As an educator, I find this groundbreaking but concerning. Do children still need to learn math and writing skills?
Calculators
When the calculator started to become a household item, many educators worried that students would no longer know how to do arithmetic. How did this work out? Most educators agree that students should still learn arithmetic and mental math, and most classrooms don’t allow calculators until this skill is mastered, in sixth or seventh grade. Overall, calculators have been extremely beneficial, allowing us to focus energy on math concepts rather than the drudgery of arithmetic. Are there pitfalls? Sure. A greater percentage of students never memorize their multiplication tables or learn mental math fluently, relying too much on their calculators. However, overall, the calculator is a win.
Essays
Currently, many students find it tempting to have AI write essays for them. However, not only will they learn nothing by doing this, but there is also a good chance of being caught. If I were a classroom teacher grading an essay, I would look for AI red flags:
- is this essay different from what the student writes in class?
- Are the word choice and sentence structure appropriate for this student?
- Do I notice a personal voice?
Many teachers use these methods and AI-detecting software to flag AI-generated essays. However, teachers can’t always tell, and they can’t necessarily prove their suspicions. According to Marc Watkins in his opinion piece in The Washington Post titled AI is forcing teachers to confront an existential question, “Here’s the bottom line: It’s likely impossible to catch kids using AI to cheat. The detection tools lauded at first … do a poor job identifying cheaters where they do exist – and yet somehow often seem to identify them where they don’t.”
As a teacher, I think it is important that students learn how to write essays independently of AI. As with calculators, most teachers agree that students should not use AI to help with essay writing until they master writing skills. When they do, they must be taught how to use AI responsibly.
Restrictions
Schools set their policies for AI use.
- For essays, except spell-check and grammar-check, which students have been using for years, AI use is generally restricted. For example, according to the website for Langley High School, part of Fairfax County Public Schools:
- “Teachers will specify when it is acceptable for students to use AI on any part of an assignment. Teachers will … review expectations for citing AI as well as how students should show their work and explain their use of AI. Students should not use AI on an assignment unless the teacher has given permission. AI tools can produce false information called ‘AI hallucinations.’ Students should always check what AI creates.
- Students should make sure it matches the needs of the project and audience. Students remain responsible for the content they submit.”
AI may supply fake or biased sources and may give wrong information. Students should be instructed about how to verify facts and locate and recognize reputable sources.
Using AI Responsibly
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Writing:
- Help brainstorm ideas, create outlines and organizational charts and assist with word choice, grammar and sentence structure.
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Math:
- Create personalized math problems, step-by-step instructions and visual guides to solve problems. Break down material and explain confusing problems.
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All Subjects:
- For years, students have been able to access history and science more easily by viewing videos through YouTube. Quizlet has also been around for quite a while, enabling students to create quizzes in any area to help prepare for a test. Students can now use AI for interactive study sessions. They can ask questions, receive answers and then ask more detailed questions. They can ask AI to summarize any historical event or scientific reaction or clarify complex concepts. They can ask AI anything they want to know at any level of detail for whatever grade level is appropriate. This is truly revolutionary in the potential to understand concepts and enhance knowledge.
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Planning and Organization:
- According to Joan Green, an internationally known specialist in using technology to help with education, AI is also excellent at helping students with organization and planning. Goblin Tools helps students break down items, create to-do lists and organize and manage tasks, notes and projects. She also recommends magicschool.ai for students and teachers. The most widely used AI platform is ChatGPT, which assists with almost anything. Green suggests having a conversation with it to pinpoint areas of need. She also recommends considering the paid version, which is more accurate and precise.
AI tools such as ChatGPT have the potential to expand learning, offer accommodations and level the playing field for students who need extra assistance. It is the role of teachers and parents to help students find the balance between learning basic skills without AI and using AI as an assistant.
Cheryl Feuer Gedzelman is the president of Tutoring For Success, a northern Virginia-based company that has been providing in-person and online tutoring, academic coaching and standardized test preparation since 1994. She has a master’s degree in curriculum & teaching.
