Classrooms worldwide will offer AI education sooner or later as artificial intelligence is in every device.
Nowadays, we have AI that can summarize content, removing the need to focus on particular subjects.
On the other hand, AI skills are more important than ever for students to secure their future and navigate our digital world.
Learn how to prepare students for the age of AI with these tips.
1. Foster critical thinking
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US-based K-12 education provider Carnegie Learning says teachers should show students that AI can answer their questions.
However, they should not accept them immediately because AI bots are prone to hallucinations, instances where they accept false information as truth.
These machines may also commit errors and follow narrow biases.
Promote critical thinking in AI education by requiring pupils to ask ChatGPT for multiple points of view on subjects.
Also, teachers may limit students’ use of ChatGPT only when they’ve learned about a specific topic with verified sources.
2. ChatGPT as a tool, not a replacement
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Students must consider AI as a tool, not a substitute for their thinking.
Guide students to use ChatGPT to start research or brainstorming, not to write on their behalf.
Let’s say you’re discussing climate change. Ask students to use AI as part of their research and then ask them to form unique solutions.
Math teachers may encourage students to ask ChatGPT about the Pythagorean Theorem. Then, these educators could ask pupils to apply what they’ve learned by solving problems without AI assistance.
3. Explore bias in AI
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Computer teachers could show students the flaws of AI, specifically its harmful ideas and biases.
ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other AI bots train on human databases. Because humans have biases, these datasets likely reflect their views and preferences.
For example, a study from the University of Washington, Carnegie Mellon University, and Xi’an Jiaotong University found that AI bots have “left-leaning” biases.
Understanding AI’s weaknesses is essential to AI education as it lets students use this technology more effectively.
Learn more about that study here.
4. Confirm information accuracy
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ChatGPT’s initial public version could only use information from 2021, limiting its research capabilities.
Nowadays, it can look up data on the Internet. However, AI bots are still prone to using dubious sources.
For example, a 2023 Stanford study found that ChatGPT went from answering simple math problems correctly 98% of the time to only 2%.
In 2024, Google’s AI Overviews recommended eating rocks to unsuspecting search engine users.
AI education must promote the use of trustworthy sources, such as the Inquirer.
5. Explain how you used AI
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Students may use ChatGPT but they must explain why and how they did so.
Reading teachers may ask pupils to note whenever they use it for proofreading, outlining, or brainstorming.
Also, they may ask students to reflect on the benefits and issues of using AI chatbots for a specific assignment.
Teachers must also offer the same explanations to lead by example. As a result, students are more likely to trust educators when disclosing AI usage.
6. Define cheating in AI education
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It can be difficult to identify cheating and plagiarism when using AI bots as they can create content for people.
Nevertheless, teachers must establish ground rules, such as:
“Even if you prompted it with your idea, copying and pasting a ChatGPT answer is still plagiarism.”
Educators should also extend these rules for studying videos, songs, and similar media, as AI can transcribe and summarize their contents.
These rules must ensure that students exert effort in understanding content by paying attention, and not relying on AI answers.
7. Ask questions regarding ChatGPT
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Make students feel it’s fine to ask you and other teachers about the dos and don’ts of ChatGPT.
The AI chatbot only gained worldwide popularity in 2023, so everyone’s still learning about this technology, including educators.
Students will look to teachers as authority figures, so they must foster a safe and open space for discussion.
If you and your class can’t figure out the answers, you may look at reputable sources together.
Fortunately, Inquirer Tech is a great platform for the latest AI uses and trends.
8. Respect data privacy and consent
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Teach students that any information they share with ChatGPT is no longer private.
OpenAI and other AI firms collect user data and analyze their responses to enhance services.
Some allow users to opt out of AI data training, but others may not. Consequently, sharing personal information can compromise cybersecurity.
Students should remember this fact so that they can share information with AI and the Internet wisely.
This online etiquette is especially important for adolescents who tend to be impulsive and follow peer pressure.
9. Be ethical digital citizens
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Adults may remember their teenage years when they did silly and embarrassing things.
It’s natural for young people since they’re still growing. Unfortunately, they tend to publish these online, leading to harmful long-term consequences.
For example, employers look at applicants’ social media profiles to learn more about them.
Some of this online info may not adhere to a company’s image, so they may disqualify candidates with such data.
Moreover, AI makes it easier to spread misinformation and bully others, which can have wider societal implications.