I have four kids, aged between eight and fourteen.
Becoming a parent and navigating parenthood every day has profoundly shifted who I am as an educator. It was becoming a parent that taught me the value of process over product, that helped me see the beauty of imperfection, and that has truly tested my patience.
I have been a parent for 14 years. I have formally been in education for 22 years.
These two identifies, for me, are inextricably linked, and I see everything through the lens of both a parent and an educator.
Most of my work, thus far, with AI in education, however, has been focused on the “educator” role and my work with schools, leaders, and teachers.
Today, I shift to the parent side – speaking directly as a parent to other parents about what you need to know about generative artificial intelligence (AI) as it pertains to our children’s education.
For us parents, it’s crucial to understand the impact of AI, how it is shaping the classroom, and how we can support our children in navigating this new landscape.
What Is Generative AI and How Does It Impact Education?
Generative AI uses machine learning algorithms to produce content based on vast amounts of data. It can mimic writing styles, solve math problems, or create visual content. It can create content – whether that’s writing, images, or even music – based on prompts. You may have heard of popular tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and others that can instantly generate essays, solve complex problems, or create art with just a few clicks.
In education, this opens up possibilities for personalized learning, where AI tools can adapt lessons to fit each child’s needs, making learning more engaging and accessible. It can also help teachers by automating certain tasks, such as grading or generating lesson plans.
However, generative AI can also be misused. There are concerns about students using AI to complete assignments (when they aren’t supposed to be using it) or create essays with little effort, bypassing the learning process altogether. Additionally, the ethical questions of bias, misinformation, and data privacy arise when AI is involved in the classroom (and at home).
So, while this innovation offers exciting possibilities, it also presents challenges. Parents today face the important task of understanding AI’s role in their children’s education and asking the right questions to ensure its responsible use in schools. Moreover, parents can play a significant role in guiding their children to use AI tools in ways that enhance learning and creativity rather than hinder them. Here’s what you need to know.
Questions Parents Should Be Asking Their Kids’ Schools About AI
How Is AI Being Integrated into the Curriculum?
The first step for parents is to understand how their child’s school is approaching AI. Schools may use AI tools to supplement learning, offer interactive experiences, or provide resources for both teachers and students. Ask the school if they have a formal policy or framework for incorporating AI into the curriculum. Are teachers trained to use AI tools responsibly, and are students being taught about AI in a way that encourages critical thinking? Is AI being included in some form of digital and/or media literacy curriculum? Understanding the school's approach to AI will help you determine if it’s being used in a meaningful and ethical way.
What Safeguards Are in Place to Prevent Misuse?
One of the primary concerns with generative AI is that students might use it to shortcut the learning process. Cheating could become as easy as typing a prompt into a chatbot and receiving a completed essay. Ask the school what measures they have in place to prevent academic dishonesty. Are students being taught the responsible use of AI? How are students being taught to understand what is plagiarism or cheating (and how AI does or does not different from seeking help from a parent/tutor or using other tools like Grammarly – many of which involve AI)? How is assessment being rethought in order to focus on the important skills students need?
How Does the School Address Data Privacy?
Generative AI tools rely on large datasets, often collected from users. As your child interacts with AI tools in the classroom, it’s essential to understand how their data is being used. Is the school ensuring that the AI tools comply with data privacy laws like COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) or FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)? Schools should be able to explain how they safeguard student information when using AI tools.
What Role Do Teachers Play in Monitoring AI Usage and Fostering Human Connection?
While AI can enhance the classroom experience, it should never replace the role of a teacher. Ask how teachers are using AI in their classrooms. Are they supervising its use, or is it more of an independent tool for students? Teachers should be guiding students in their use of AI, teaching them how to critically assess the information it generates, and helping them understand the limits and potential biases of AI-generated content. Teachers should also be focusing on the social-emotional well-being of students, fostering relationships and connection.
How Parents Can Support Their Kids in an Age of AI
As AI becomes a larger part of education, parents have a key role to play in guiding their children to use it responsibly and effectively.
Encourage Critical Thinking
AI can be a powerful tool, but it’s essential that children learn to think critically about the information it provides and do not rely on AI as a crutch. Generative AI doesn’t always produce accurate or unbiased results. Encourage your children to question the output they receive from AI tools, to cross-check facts, and to not accept AI-generated content at face value. Helping your child develop strong critical thinking skills will ensure they use AI as a supplement to their learning rather than a crutch.
Teach Responsible Use of AI
Just as schools should provide guidelines for the responsible use of AI, so too can parents reinforce these lessons at home. Discuss the ethical implications of AI, including plagiarism, bias, and privacy concerns. Make sure your children understand that while AI can help them brainstorm or enhance their learning, it should never replace the effort and critical thinking that education requires.
Emphasize Creativity Over Convenience
AI can make certain tasks faster and easier, but it’s important to emphasize creativity and original thinking. Encourage your children to use AI to inspire ideas or assist in their learning, but make it clear that the real value comes from their own input and creativity. Help them see AI as a tool to augment their learning, not replace it.
Stay Informed
AI technology is evolving rapidly, and staying informed about the latest developments will help you better support your child. Read about how AI is being used in education, and engage with your child’s school on how it’s being implemented. The more you understand, the more you can guide your children and advocate for their best interests.
Generative AI is here to stay, and its influence on education will only grow. As a parent, it’s essential to stay informed, ask the right questions, and guide your children to use AI in ways that promote learning, creativity, and ethical behavior. By working closely with schools and encouraging responsible use of AI, you can help your child thrive in this new age of technology.
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