AI and Its Place in Education

This week I hit the ground running in an effort to complete my literature review for my Innovation Project. I read extensively, combing through countless articles, journals, and reports to gain a deeper understanding of AI training programs for educators. The sheer volume of information (and at times, the lack thereof) kept me engaged for hours on end. By the end of my research sessions, I felt like my eyes might be permanently crossed from staring at the computer screen for so long.

One of the most striking revelations from my review was the scarcity of information on AI training programs for educators. This gap in research is not due to a lack of interest in AI but rather because formalized training programs for educators are still in their infancy. The only peer-reviewed study I found surveyed school principals on whether they had implemented AI training in their institutions. The findings were both eye-opening and concerning: while 59% of respondents had introduced AI training in some capacity, 34% of them had only framed AI as a tool for detecting plagiarism. Meanwhile, only 25% of respondents had incorporated AI training that focused on its broader potential benefits for educators (Weiner, Lake, & Rosner, 2024, p. 3). If this study were representative of the entire education system, it would suggest that a staggering 75% of educators are missing out on the endless possibilities AI could offer in enhancing teaching and learning.

Recognizing this gap, I became even more intrigued by the idea of developing an AI training program specifically tailored for educators. To satisfy my curiosity and explore potential frameworks, I decided to ask AI itself to generate a basic training program. Given the limited research available on effective implementation strategies, I wanted to see how AI could assist in structuring a program that could be practical and beneficial for educators.

Here's what we came up with on our first attempt:

1. Introduction to AI in Education – Understanding what AI is and how it can be leveraged in an educational setting.

2. How AI Can Improve Efficiency – Exploring ways AI can streamline administrative tasks, grading, and curriculum development.

3. AI for Enhancing Learning Experiences – Examining how AI can personalize learning, provide tutoring support, and foster student engagement.

4. Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy – Addressing the importance of responsible AI use, including bias, security, and ethical concerns.

5. Hands-On Training with AI Tools – Offering educators the opportunity to test and interact with AI-powered platforms to build confidence in their application.

6. Conclusion and Next Steps – Developing an action plan for integrating AI into teaching practices effectively.

   
   

One aspect of the AI-generated training plan that particularly stood out to me was the inclusion of ethical considerations and data privacy. This aligns with a recurring theme in the research I encountered, which emphasizes the importance of digital competency training for educators. While I didn't find extensive literature detailing existing AI training programs, multiple articles stressed the necessity of guiding educators in ethical AI usage, particularly when implementing generative AI in classrooms (Khalil & Alseaidi, 2024, p. 699). The conversation around AI ethics is critical, as it ensures that educators and students use these tools responsibly while understanding potential risks and limitations.

This week's deep dive into AI in education has underscored the urgent need for well-structured training programs that go beyond surface-level discussions of plagiarism detection. AI has the potential to revolutionize education by enhancing productivity, personalizing learning, and fostering innovation in the classroom. However, without comprehensive training and guidance, many educators may struggle to harness its full potential.

As AI continues to evolve and gain widespread adoption, I am hopeful that educational institutions will recognize its value and begin incorporating structured training programs for educators. The future of AI in education holds incredible promise, but its success depends on the willingness of schools, policymakers, and educational leaders to prioritize training and professional development. I look forward to further exploring how I can contribute to this growing field and advocating for the integration of AI as a tool for success in education.

Khalil, H., & Alsenaidi, S. (2024). Teachers’ Digital Competencies for Effective AI Integration in Higher Education in Oman. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 11(4), 698–707.

Weiner, S., Lake, R., & Rosner, J. (2024). AI Is Evolving, but Teacher Prep Is Lagging: A First Look at Teacher Preparation Program Responses to AI.