Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is rapidly transforming education. Like any other technology, A.I. has its pros and cons. As technology improves, educators and parents need to understand how A.I. shapes how students access information, complete assignments, and engage with course material.

Recognizing this shift, Ben Lippen School’s middle school teachers recently participated in an A.I. training session led by the Executive Director of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). The training covered a range of teacher-focused topics, including how A.I. tools like ChatGPT can enhance lesson plans by providing engaging and interactive content. Teachers were also encouraged to design assignments that require critical thinking and creativity—tasks that cannot simply be completed with the help of A.I. This can be a deterrent so that students are unable to complete the assignment without a creative response and thinking. 

One of the key takeaways from the training was the importance of educators embracing A.I. rather than avoiding it. Instead of assuming students are not using these tools, teachers were encouraged to familiarize themselves with A.I. so they can guide students toward ethical and responsible use of technology. By understanding how A.I. functions, educators can better equip students to use it as a tool for learning rather than as a shortcut for completing work. They can also encourage students to protect their “voice” rather than turn in an assignment that sounds like a robot instead of a middle schooler. The assignments that teachers give their students and the format they use to grade assignments will need to change.

Parents also play a crucial role in this conversation. By staying informed about A.I. and discussing its advantages and limitations with their children, parents can help reinforce the importance of independent thinking and academic integrity. Encouraging students to use A.I. for learning, rather than replacing their work, ensures they develop critical problem-solving skills that will serve them well in the future.

As A.I. continues to evolve, collaboration between educators and parents will be vital in preparing students for an increasingly digital world. By working together, we can embrace the power of A.I. to improve the educational experience for students while maintaining the integrity and depth of student learning.

- Tracy Fernandez, Assistant Middle School Principal