How-to: Inclusive & Responsible AI Teaching for Today's Classrooms 

Hey there, fellow educators and tech enthusiasts! I'm back! :)

Since ChatGPT stormed onto the scene, it's like we've been riding a digital rollercoaster. While some have confidently hopped on board, others are like, "Woah, slow down! What's this all about?" :)

Can I say? Fair enough! There's really a lot happening at the moment!

The world of education is diverse. Some institutions are diving deep into the AI pool, while others are cautiously dipping their toes. IMHO, both are valid. The key isn't forcing everyone to adopt AI but ensuring everyone knows about its capabilities and consequences.

Personally, I don't think we all have to teach with AI. Same idea applies to the use of other digital technologies. Not every lesson needs Kahoot, MIRO, or the use of tablets. A great lesson often just requires a passionate teacher. Difference now, however (and in this case specifically), even if we don't teach with AI, I believe we must teach about it! Understanding AI is becoming non-negotiable. As educators, I believe it's time we guide our students through this AI-infused world.

As amazing as AI is (or can be?), it's not infallible. AI helping with initial student feedback, making use of research-informed rubric, and that is later reviewed by an educator? Cool. AI being the sole judge of student work? Not so cool. We've got to remember that technology is the tool, not the teacher. And as for us educators, we're like the orchestra conductors, making sure the use of digital technology plays in harmony. We should remain in control of assessment and feedback. At least for now.

Embracing AI is all about responsible integration. Instead of shying away, let's gear up and harness its potential responsibly. Here are two examples on how we can do just that (with the support of people with expertise in the field):

1. Interactive AI Workshops (or one-day hackathons) - Forget the "one-size-fits-all" approach. Let's focus on hands-on, customised training. Begin with baby steps, and soon, educators will be confidently using AI to enhance their teaching. Remember, we're in this journey together, and every teacher, no matter their tech-savviness, should feel empowered.

2. Consistent AI Evaluation Process - Let's brainstorm together! Whether you're a tech geek or a curious educator, everyone should join in. We need to establish a process to help teachers evaluate their use of AI tools.

How-to

1. Interactive AI Workshops

Think of hands on, contextualised, and interactive workshops. Interactive and incremental training. Start small. 

Once you deliver these to educators (for example), they can unlock the use of those AI use cases within their own classrooms. I feel that more than reading resources, it’s time to hold hands and leverage skills together, in a much more inclusive and practical way. Naturally, some people may be well prepare with those covered contents so this approach may also not fit all. Having open conversations with colleagues to design these together is essential (and not an easy task).

While some educators are at the forefront of this technological revolution, others may feel left behind or overwhelmed. It's essential to recognise this disparity and offer inclusive training solutions that cater to all skill levels. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, training should be incremental, interactive, and supportive, ensuring that every educator, regardless of their tech proficiency, is equipped to harness the power of AI in their classrooms. As we move forward, the goal is not just adoption but inclusive and responsible integration for the benefit of all students.

2. Consistent AI Evaluation Process

Ideally, I'd invite everyone keen on the topic to participate in this activity (with or without IT background... in the end, anyone passionate about education should have a chair at this table). I'm all about inclusive spaces!

Now, this is just an informal blog post. I wouldn't be able to come up with an evaluation framework to address AI concerns discussed here. 😅 

In saying this, some questions like the ones I listed below might be great conversation starters:

   - Is the AI enhancing learning? If not, maybe re-think its usage.

   - Do we all understand how this AI tool works? If the answer's no, it's time for some training.

   - Is our AI tool safeguarding user data? If not, is there a way to use it without compromising privacy/confidentiality?

   - If the tool is for feedback or assessment, are we reviewing the AI-generated feedback? Are we in control of decisions?

   - Got an avenue for feedback on the AI tool? If not, we need one. Voices need to be heard.

   - Is there an ongoing training plan as AI evolves? Continuous learning is the name of the game!

Regardless of being an instructor (or even a curious student), always important to also consider these (even when we're using the technology for personal use) when sizing up AI-generated content:

- accuracy check - How spot-on is this AI-generated piece? Got any tricks up your sleeve to test its accuracy?

- seeking second opinions - Can any trustworthy, non-AI sources vouch for the information produced by the AI? Always good to double-check!

- influence audit - How's this AI-generated info shaping your thoughts on the topic? Remember, it's all about perspective.

- representation matters - Who gets a voice in the data? Does it give a holistic view, covering various perspectives and scopes?

The clock is ticking. 

Regardless of any approach, we should start to engage in AI discussions. The longer we delay conversations about the use of AI in our classrooms, the bigger the implications for our students. Let's get chatting, brainstorming, and innovating!

Happy teaching and learning, everyone.

DALL-E 3: Photo-realistic image of a diverse gathering around a wooden table. A female nurse with a stethoscope, a silver robot with blue LED eyes, a male teacher holding a pointer, a female coach with a whistle, a male farmer with dirt-streaked hands, and a young student with notebooks are all in animated conversation, emphasizing the unity of human and AI across various occupations.

References

Antoniak, M. (2023, June 22). Using large language models with care - AI2 blog. Medium. https://blog.allenai.org/using-large-language-models-with-care-eeb17b0aed27

De Vynck, G. (2023, June 28). ChatGPT maker OpenAI faces a lawsuit over how it used people’s data. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/06/28/openai-chatgpt-lawsuit-class-action/

European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Ethical guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in teaching and learning for educators, Publications Office of the European Union, 2022, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/153756

Frąckiewicz, M. (2023). OpenAI and the Risks of AI Bias: Addressing Stereotypes and Discrimination. TS2 SPACE. https://ts2.space/en/openai-and-the-risks-of-ai-bias-addressing-stereotypes-and-discrimination

Gašević, D., Siemens, G., & Sadiq, S. (2023). Empowering learners for the age of artificial intelligence. Computers & Education: Artificial Intelligence, 4, 100130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100130

Guidance for generative AI in education and research: UNESCO (2023)

Teaching with AI: OpenAI (2023)

TextGenEd: Teaching with Text Generation Technologies: Edited by Annette Vee, Tim Laquintano & Carly Schnitzler. Published by the Writing Across the Curriculum Clearinghouse