AI in Education: Shaping the Future Together

Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming teaching and learning.


What you need to know before using AI in your classroom?


We could choose to take it as our enemy or take it as an ally that will help us with time consuming activities.  However, we need to understand some aspects before.

Ethical Considerations

Is very important to understand that AI is a tool created by human beings and must be used wisely.

Sometimes we forget that people must be set first and when we talk about AI in education we must prioritize our students safety and development.

That’s why we should pay attention to:

Bias Awareness: AI models are trained on data, and if that data reflects existing biases (e.g., racial, gender, socioeconomic), the AI’s outputs will too. Teachers must be vigilant about identifying and discussing bias in AI-generated content.
Academic Integrity: AI can produce text that might be mistaken for student work. Teachers need clear policies on the appropriate use of AI in assignments to avoid plagiarism. They also need to be able to detect AI-generated content.
Data Privacy: Students’ data is precious. Teachers should understand what data AI tools collect, how it’s used, and how to protect students’ privacy according to school and district policies (and relevant laws like COPPA in the US).
Transparency and Understanding: Students should be taught how AI works, its limitations, and that it isn’t a perfect oracle but a tool. Encouraging critical thinking and skepticism about AI outputs is crucial.
Equity: Access to AI and devices is not uniform. Teachers must be mindful of the digital divide and ensure that all students have fair opportunities to learn with and about AI.

Example: Khan Academy Kids

1. Bias Awareness

Analysis :
Khan Academy Kids offers a wide range of educational content, including videos, books, and activities designed for young learners. While the content is generally inclusive and diverse, there is always a risk of bias in educational materials, especially when representing different cultures, genders, or socioeconomic backgrounds. For example, certain activities might unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes or focus on Western-centric narratives.

Recommendation :
Teachers and parents should review the content to ensure it reflects diverse perspectives. Khan Academy Kids has made efforts to include diverse characters and stories, but ongoing vigilance is necessary to identify and address any biases.

2. Academic Integrity

Analysis :
Khan Academy Kids is primarily designed for early childhood education, so academic integrity concerns are minimal. The platform focuses on self-paced learning, and students are not submitting work for grades. However, as children grow older, parents and teachers should encourage them to complete activities independently rather than relying on others for answers.

Recommendation :
Parents and teachers should monitor younger students’ progress to ensure they are engaging with the material appropriately. Encouraging independence and critical thinking from an early age can help build good habits for future academic work.

3. Data Privacy

Analysis :
Khan Academy Kids collects data on student activity, such as which lessons they complete and how long they spend on each activity. The platform states that it complies with COPPA and does not sell student data. However, parents and teachers should still review the privacy policy to ensure that data is being handled responsibly.

Recommendation :
Parents and teachers should familiarize themselves with Khan Academy Kids’ privacy practices and educate children about what data is being collected. It’s also important to ensure that the app is only used on trusted devices to minimize security risks.

4. Transparency and Understanding

Analysis :
Khan Academy Kids is designed to be intuitive for young learners, with colorful visuals and simple navigation. However, younger children may not fully understand how the app tracks their progress or why certain activities are recommended to them.

Recommendation :
Parents and teachers should explain to children how the app works, including how it tracks their progress and suggests new activities. Encouraging children to reflect on what they’ve learned can help them better understand the app’s purpose.dapibus leo.

5. Equity

Analysis :
Khan Academy Kids is free to use, which makes it more accessible to families and schools with limited budgets. However, the app requires internet access and a device to function, which could still pose challenges for students in low-income or rural areas. Additionally, while the app offers content in multiple languages, some activities may not be fully accessible to non-English speakers.

Recommendation :
Schools and libraries can provide devices and internet access to ensure equitable use of the app. Teachers and parents should also explore the app’s multilingual features to support students who speak different languages.

Pedagogical Implications

Capabilities:

Natural Language Processing (NLP):
Text generation, translation, summarization, chatbots, language learning tools.
Machine Learning (ML):
Personalized learning, predictive analytics, pattern recognition, automated grading.
Computer Vision:
Image and video recognition, facial recognition (with ethical considerations), accessibility tools.
Data Analysis:
Identifying patterns, trends, and insights from large datasets.

Limitations:

Lack of True Understanding: AI doesn’t understand context or meaning the way humans do.
Bias and Fairness: AI algorithms can be biased, leading to unfair or discriminatory outcomes if not trained properly.
Dependence on Data: AI models are only as good as the data they’re trained on.
Dependence on Data: AI models are only as good as the data they’re trained on.
Creativity and Innovation: AI can assist in creative tasks but doesn’t have the same ability to innovate independently as humans.
Ethical Concerns: Privacy, data security, job displacement, and responsible use need careful consideration.
Over-Reliance: Students can become overly reliant on AI tools and not develop their own skills.
Accuracy and Reliability: AI can make mistakes, so it’s important to verify its output.

AI Capabilities and Limitations

For Minors (Students):

Data Privacy: The risk of personal information being collected, used, or shared without consent.
Exposure to Inappropriate Content: AI tools may generate or expose children to content that is harmful or age-inappropriate.
Cyberbullying: AI can be used to create or spread harmful content targeting students.
Manipulation: AI tools can be used to manipulate students or influence their opinions.
Security for students (minors)

AI Security Risks for Minors, Parents, and Teachers

For Parents:

Lack of Control: Difficulty monitoring or controlling their children’s use of AI tools.
Privacy Concerns: Worry that their children’s data may be collected and used inappropriately.
Understanding AI: Difficulty understanding the potential risks and benefits of AI.

For Teachers:

Data Breaches: Risk of student data being compromised through AI tools.
Misuse of AI: Potential for students to misuse AI for academic dishonesty.
Professional Misconduct: AI could be misused in ways that violate ethical codes of conduct.
Time Management: Difficulty navigating new tools and policies in conjunction with existing workloads.
Teachers Worried About AI Security