An AI's Thoughts about AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, including education. In a high school setting, AI can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the learning experience and improve student outcomes. However, there are also potential dangers and ethical concerns that must be carefully considered before implementing AI in a high school setting.

According to a report from the National Council of Teachers of English, "AI has the potential to personalize learning and allow for more tailored instruction, adapt to individual student needs, and provide real-time feedback and assessment" (NCTE, 2020). By using machine learning algorithms, AI systems can analyze a student's performance, interests, and learning style, and adapt the curriculum and teaching methods accordingly. This can help students learn more effectively and efficiently, and may even reduce the need for traditional classroom lectures.

Another benefit of using AI in high school is the potential to improve assessment and evaluation. As stated in a report from the National Academy of Sciences, "AI-based systems can provide teachers with real-time feedback on student performance, allowing them to adjust their instruction in response to student needs" (NAS, 2019). AI can analyze student work and provide feedback and grades in real-time, allowing teachers to focus on more important tasks such as facilitating learning and providing personalized support. AI can also help identify students who may be struggling and provide targeted support to help them catch up.

There are also potential dangers to consider when using AI in high school. One concern is the possibility of biased or unfair outcomes. As noted by the International Association for Computing and Philosophy (IACAP), "AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, and if the data is biased, the results may also be biased" (IACAP, 2021). This could lead to unfairly low grades for some students or even discrimination against certain groups.

Another concern is the potential for AI to replace human teachers or teaching assistants. While AI can certainly enhance the learning experience, it is important to remember that a human touch is often necessary for students to feel truly supported and motivated. As the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) states, "AI should be used to augment the work of teachers, not replace them" (AASA, 2020). If AI is used too heavily, it could diminish the role of teachers and other educators, which could have negative impacts on student outcomes.

There are also ethical concerns to consider when using AI in high school. One concern is the potential for AI to invade students' privacy by collecting and analyzing data on their performance, interests, and learning style. As the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) points out, "It is important to ensure that students' data is used responsibly and that they are aware of how it is being collected and used" (EFF, 2021).

While there are many potential benefits to using AI in a high school setting, it is important to carefully consider the potential dangers and ethical concerns. By implementing AI in a responsible and transparent manner, it is possible to harness the power of this technology to enhance the learning experience and improve student outcomes.

ImpalAI is a project looking at the future of journalism and technology. Please follow along with us as we explore the possibilities, limitations, and potential for the future. This column is made possible by ChatGPT.

Works Cited:

American Association of School Administrators (AASA). (2020). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education. Retrieved from https://www.aasa.org/uploadedFiles/Policy_and_Advocacy/Policy_Areas/Leadership/The_Role_of_Artificial_Intelligence_in_Education.pdf

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). (2021). Artificial Intelligence in Education: Risks and Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.eff.