Strategies for AI Adoption in Education

A look at how CS50 has incorporated artificial intelligence (AI), including its new-and-improved rubber duck debugger, and how it has impacted the course already. 🦆 https://lnkd.in/eb-8SAiw In Summer 2023, we developed and integrated a suite of AI-based software tools into CS50 at Harvard University. These tools were initially available to approximately 70 summer students, then to thousands of students online, and finally to several hundred on campus during Fall 2023. Per the course's own policy, we encouraged students to use these course-specific tools and limited the use of commercial AI software such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and the new Bing. Our goal was to approximate a 1:1 teacher-to-student ratio through software, thereby equipping students with a pedagogically-minded subject-matter expert by their side at all times, designed to guide students toward solutions rather than offer them outright. The tools were received positively by students, who noted that they felt like they had "a personal tutor." Our findings suggest that integrating AI thoughtfully into educational settings enhances the learning experience by providing continuous, customized support and enabling human educators to address more complex pedagogical issues. In this paper, we detail how AI tools have augmented teaching and learning in CS50, specifically in explaining code snippets, improving code style, and accurately responding to curricular and administrative queries on the course's discussion forum. Additionally, we present our methodological approach, implementation details, and guidance for those considering using these tools or AI generally in education. Paper at https://lnkd.in/eZF4JeiG. Slides at https://lnkd.in/eDunMSyx. #education #community #ai #duck

Embracing the future of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom: the relevance of AI literacy, prompt engineering, and critical thinking in modern education (published in International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education by Springer Nature Group) The present discussion examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational settings, focusing on the necessity for AI literacy, prompt engineering proficiency, and enhanced critical thinking skills. AI literacy is identified as crucial, encompassing an understanding of AI technologies and their broader societal impacts. Prompt engineering is highlighted as a key skill for eliciting specific responses from AI systems, thereby enriching educational experiences and promoting critical thinking. This is discussed through a case-study based on a Swiss university and a narrative literature review, followed by practical suggestions of how to implement AI in the classroom. 💡 Key Ideas: 1. #AILiteracy is crucial for students and teachers to understand AI capabilities, limitations, and societal impacts. This knowledge enables responsible and effective use of AI in education. 2. #Prompt engineering skills allow educators to strategically design prompts that elicit desired behaviors and critical thinking from AI systems. This transforms AI into an interactive pedagogical tool. 3. #Fostering #CriticalThinking skills through AI use is vital, enabling analysis of information, evaluation of perspectives, and reasoned arguments within AI environments. This prepares students for an AI-driven world. 4. #Continuous AI #training and support for teachers is essential as rapid advancements can otherwise outpace educator knowledge, causing classroom management issues. Keeping teachers updated enables successful AI integration. 5. Addressing #AI #bias through diverse and inclusive training data is important to prevent inequities. Educator training in recognizing biases is also necessary to avoid perpetuating prejudices. 🔧 Recommendations: 1. Develop comprehensive AI literacy courses and integrate AI ethics discussions across subjects to promote responsible use. 2. Provide regular AI training workshops for teachers on prompt engineering, bias recognition, and pedagogical integration to close knowledge gaps. 3. Fund programs that increase equitable access to AI education tools, targeting underprivileged schools and diverse learners. 4. Encourage critical analysis of real-world AI case studies to highlight societal impacts and ethical considerations. 5. Foster an institutional culture of open AI communication through forums and collaborations. This enables continuous learning and innovation. https://lnkd.in/e4xhDdg2

Crafting the Future: A Winning K-12 AI Adoption Strategy In the whirlwind of technological advancement, generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, has redefined the boundaries of knowledge work within an astonishingly brief period of 16 months. This seismic shift presents both unparalleled opportunities and significant challenges, especially in the realm of K-12 education. The Challenge: Educators and students stand at a crossroads. The integration of AI into educational curricula raises concerns among faculty, fearing the potential erosion of critical thinking and creative skills. ◾ English teachers see AI's text generation as a threat to writing skills. ◾ Art teachers are unsettled by AI's ability to produce images and videos. ◾ History, Physics, Geometry, and Algebra teachers are concerned about the ability for ChatGPT to offer answers based on a screenshot of a worksheet. A Forward-Thinking Partnership: In January, I had the opportunity to meet with a private school that is very forward thinking. We sat in a room for 90 minutes and discussed the possibilities of teaching AI as part of the class, having students create prompts and review output as part of the class discussions. I was invited back last week and we spent 2 hours in a closed door session with the owner, head master, 7 teachers from all the disciplines and discussed how to implement an AI adoption strategy that both takes into account the ethical implications of this technology and areas of resistance. The culmination of these discussions was a 12-month roadmap that I presented, ambitiously condensed by the school's request into a 6-month timeline. The Roadmap to Adoption: This strategic plan (shared below) encompasses not just the academic implications of AI but also its potential to revolutionize administrative functions such as marketing, admissions, data analysis, and content creation. My role involves mentoring both the academic and administrative teams, guiding them through the evaluation, testing, and adoption of generative AI tools. Looking Ahead: As we stand on the brink of finalizing this comprehensive AI adoption plan, I am filled with anticipation for the transformative journey that lies ahead. This initiative is not merely about integrating new technology; it's about preparing our next generation for a future where AI is an integral part of problem-solving and creative expression. Stay tuned as I share updates on our progress, insights from this initiative, and the impact of our collective efforts on shaping an AI-empowered educational landscape. Your thoughts and experiences with AI in education are invaluable—let's discuss how we can navigate this new frontier together.

In a previous Fast Company article, 'The Urgent Call for Educational Innovation' (link in comments), I explored how our human capital—comprising individuals' collective knowledge, skills, and attributes—is fundamental to the productivity and growth of organizations and economies. I argued that addressing learner variability through personalized learning, tailored to individual needs, is essential for meeting the challenges of the 'age of accelerations' we live in. My participation in the ASU+GSV AIR Show, ASU+GSV Summit, and #AILiteracyDay at the U.S. Department of Education provided firsthand insights into the collective efforts to create a learning infrastructure capable of keeping pace with rapid changes. The vision, urgency, and collaborative actions I observed among educators, policymakers, philanthropists, and technologists underscore a shared recognition of AI's transformative role in reinventing and reimagining learning. Importantly, the strategies discussed prioritized inclusivity, accessibility, and equity, ensuring that opportunities are equitably distributed to benefit all. Expanding on this concept, my latest article, 'Embedding AI into Education Will Personalize Learning,' published in Fast Company, draws on insights from Bloom's 2 Sigma research and our work at Age of Learning. We outline a holistic framework that fully integrates AI across all learning facets, using real-time data to monitor progress and tailor materials for educators, caregivers, and learners. The article also highlights the proactive initiatives of the nation's two largest school districts: NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS and Los Angeles Unified School District. These districts drive change with tangible actions, establish policy safeguards to mitigate risks, and implement impactful solutions. Their goal is to redefine current learning experiences with AI and equip students to master this critical technology for future success. Being at the forefront of this journey is deeply inspiring and invigorating. We can harness the power of technology to create an educational system that meets the needs of every student, both academically and as a lifelong learner. A recent meeting with OpenAI reinforces expectations for the rapid development of foundational AI models, further emphasizing the urgency of our collective efforts to reimagine learning for the future. #humancapital #edtech #education #learning #AI #innovation 🔗Fast Company: https://lnkd.in/dTCawzMj

Generative AI in education is a double-edged sword. It's exciting but risky without the right guidelines. Here are some high level steps to ensure AI technologies serve as a force for good. Discuss these with leadership: • Identify the scope: What educational areas will AI impact? Curriculum development, personalized learning, or administrative tasks? • Address ethical concerns: Ensure AI applications do not introduce biases or unfair advantages. • Establish usage protocols: Who can use AI, and for what purposes? Clear policies prevent misuse. • Promote transparency: How are AI tools making decisions? Users should understand the AI processes affecting what happens in the school. • Ensure accountability: Set up mechanisms to address any issues arising from AI usage. • Encourage ongoing education: Continuous learning about AI advancements for educators and administrators is crucial. Key takeaway: Thoughtful AI guidelines can support healthy use, and make learning more personalized, efficient, and engaging. However, it requires careful planning and consideration of potential pitfalls. Conversations are where it all starts. #generativeAI #ethics #leadership #schools

The U.S. Department of Education proposes a new discretionary grant priority on AI in education. 30 day public comment period. Background & Rationale - AI is reshaping education and the workforce, making AI literacy crucial for students. - AI tools can support personalized instruction, engagement, and learning outcomes. - Computer science education is foundational to understanding and using AI responsibly. - Educator training and early exposure to AI concepts are key to workforce readiness and innovation. Proposed Priority Areas (a) Expand AI Understanding - Integrate AI literacy and misinformation detection into teaching. - Expand K-12 and higher education offerings in AI and computer science. - Embed AI into teacher preparation and professional development. - Support dual-enrollment and certification pathways in AI. - Build and share evidence for effective AI integration in education. (b) Expand AI Use in Education Use AI to support: - Gifted students or those needing advanced learning. - Students below grade level or needing additional support. - Students with disabilities and their families. - Deploy AI-powered personalized learning tools ("This integration may include, but is not limited to, adaptive learning technologies, virtual teaching assistants, tutoring, and data analytics tools to support student progress") - Promote AI in teacher training and operational efficiency. - Use AI technology to provide high-quality instructional resources, high-impact tutoring, and college and career pathway exploration, advising, and navigation to improve educational outcomes. Submit comments by August 20, 2025. The full Federal Register notice is here: https://lnkd.in/eC5jf-Dk FYI: Kim Smith, Alex Kotran, Pat Yongpradit, Claire Zau, Jean-Claude Brizard, Amy Chen Kulesa, Mary Wells, Cheryl Oldham, Caitlin Codella Low, Kyle Butler, Julia Freeland Fisher, Alex Swartsel, Rebecca Finlay, Daniel Correa, Reeve Bull, Cassandra Madison, Jennifer Anastasoff, Richard Culatta, Gabriela Lopez, Robin Lake, Bree Dusseault, Brent Orrell, Hayley S., Meg Evans, Angie Cooper, Krista Cupp, Elizabeth Pishny

Exciting news! 🚀 This week, Washington became the fifth state to unveil a strategy for integrating AI into public schools. 🙌 Here's why I think this sets a great precedent for other states/countries: 🤖 Human → AI → Human: Students and educators are encouraged to always begin with human inquiry, apply AI tools, and then evaluate and edit results. Focusing the narrative on human-centered approach ensures we maintain the integrity of the learning experience. 🚀 Empowering Future Innovators: AI is here to stay. This initiative encourages the embedding (vs. banning) of ethical AI use in K-12 education. This ensures students are not just passive users but informed creators and critics of AI technologies, ready to navigate a future where AI is likely much more ubiquitous. 🛡️ Data Protection & Privacy: Prioritizing the safety and privacy of student data is a big piece of AI adoption and literacy. We will never be able to establish trust among educators and parents in AI unless we ensure that student information is safeguarded. Arguably the EU is ahead of the US in this regard but it’s great to see data privacy is becoming an important part of the conversation in the US as well. 🌍 Equity and Inclusion in AI: There already are huge gaps in accessibility to meaningful AI education and so I appreciate multiple callouts in the document to ensure AI education is accessible to every student, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. 🚀 Professional Development for Educators: The initiative recognizes the importance of empowering teachers with the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. 🤔 Critical Thinking and AI Ethics: Students are encouraged to engage with AI critically, understanding the algorithms and data that power these technologies. There are real risks and biases that come with GenAI and so it’s great to see that students are encouraged to question (and shape) the impact of AI on society. 📈 Real-World Applications: It's important to remind students that despite risks there are real positive use-cases of these technologies. And hopefully getting them excited to use GenAI meaningfully in their careers. 💡 Creative Problem Solving: By understanding AI's capabilities, students are equipped to leverage technology for creative innovation. This focus on creativity ensures that the next generation is ready to use AI in novel ways (that the non-AI natives might not think of). 👨🏫 Community Engagement and Support: Parents, families, and the wider community need to be involved in understanding AI's role in education. This inclusive approach ensures a collective effort in navigating the AI landscape. AI literacy is what we stand for at ai LaMo so huge kudos to Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Chris Reykdal for championing such a visionary approach! #EdTech #AIineducation #WashingtonState #GenAI #education #edtechstartup

There's no denying that AI is a hot topic of conversation everywhere, and higher education is no exception. The challenge facing us now is coming to terms with a technology that is here to stay, becoming more advanced by the day, and continuing to displace the teaching and assessment of basic skills in writing, communication, science, math, and a host of other disciplines. Students rampantly use AI writing tools, often inappropriately. The numbers are mind-blowing, yet as universities, we struggle with how to utilize AI as an enhancement, not a replacement, for student work. Take the data from Turnitin, a plagiarism detection company. Their AI tool found at least 22 million student papers with 20% or more AI-generated content in just one year. Even more alarming? Over 6 million papers had a staggering 80% or higher AI input. That's over 16,000 blatantly AI-assisted papers daily, and that's only counting schools using Turnitin. Despite this being a clear violation of academic integrity at most institutions, we severely underestimate the problem's scope. Are we truly doing enough to govern AI's place in academics? Amidst all of these statistics, there is also a reality at hand. AI is here, and students will need to learn how to utilize it, learn with it, and learn from it. Isn't it time that we start thinking about how we can use this tool to enhance student learning and creatively deploy AI into our teaching, learning, and assessment? Rather than turning a blind eye to AI-generated work or going to the other extreme and requiring students to handwrite all of their assignments and exams, what if we started thinking of how AI could be used and integrated into our assignments, our teaching, and our day-to-day student interactions? Instead of assigning a five-page paper, what if we had students use AI to generate a paper and then required them to critique it and annotate it with references, sources, and additional facts? What if we built group assignments to allow students to use AI to generate ideas for a collaborative presentation that compiled and fact-checked these collections? How else can we begin integrating AI into our world on campus? How do we prepare our students to own and embrace this powerful tool without neglecting skill development? Do you think AI use will negatively impact the future of academia?

The findings are in: While most students, educators, and leaders say they use AI to enhance productivity, personalize learning, and improve efficiency, many are still unsure of how they can use AI for teaching and learning as well as how to communicate with others about it. To move away from this fear, we need to start having conversations about AI in education. Here are some prompts to get your team started: 1. How can we foster meaningful conversations with students to explore the potential of AI in enhancing learning while addressing their concerns and aspirations for AI integration? 2. In what ways can we establish transparent and well-defined guidelines and policies for the ethical use of AI in education, ensuring clarity for both students and educators? 3. How might we effectively integrate AI literacy into classroom instruction and staff training to enhance understanding among students, educators, and leaders regarding what AI is, how it works, and what the risks and benefits are for both teaching and learning? 4. Considering the findings from Microsoft Research, what strategies can we implement to ensure that students and educators are well-informed and aware of the existing guidelines governing the use of AI? Learn more in "AI in Education: A Microsoft Special Report": https://buff.ly/3wNGekl #AI #K12 #Microsoft

👩🏫 🤖 Educators must go beyond prompt engineering! As educators, we must embrace AI literacy to enhance our teaching practices, foster student engagement, and prepare our learners for the future. AI literacy encompasses not only an understanding of the technology itself but also the pedagogical and content knowledge required to leverage it effectively. This is where the concept of Intelligent TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) comes into play. i-TPACK provides a framework for integrating technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge in a meaningful and cohesive manner. While (very popular) prompt engineering, the art of crafting effective prompts for AI models, is undoubtedly valuable, it is essential to start with a solid foundation in i-TPACK. By developing a deep understanding of how AI can intersect with pedagogy and content knowledge, teachers can unlock new possibilities for personalized learning, adaptive assessments, and innovative instructional approaches. Let me give you a real-life example of i-TPACK: The use of AI-powered language learning apps that analyze students' pronunciation and grammar in real-time. This not only provides instant feedback but also allows teachers to tailor instruction based on individual student needs. Embracing AI literacy through the lens of i-TPACK is a crucial step in our journey, if we would like us and our students to become AI literate. #AILiteracy #Education #EdTech #TPACK #iTPACK #AITPACK