Why You Probably Don't Need More AI Apps in the Classroom
The Benefits of an Incremental Approach.
AI has captivated the world of higher education, and there is every reason to be enthusiastic about the positive long-term effects that AI brings to an educational system in much need of transformation (I’ve recently written about the problems with output-oriented education here, and some of the fundamental challenges in higher education leadership here).
I, too, am delightfully optimistic about the prospects of AI applications in education. it appears that generative AI may very well revolutionize lifelong learning for the better, as we currently understand it.
However, as AI reshapes the educational landscape, the dizzying array of new apps presents a significant challenge for educators and consequently a potential problem for higher education more broadly. Chasing every new thing that shines or frantically trying to navigate the prevailing trends is most certainly not the answer to better AI implementation and learning. Things are moving fast, and the constant stream of new tools and the growing complexity of technology can potentially undermine the very benefits educators and institutions seek to gain.
While the race to adopt emerging technologies may seem like an inevitable component of progress, I believe there is a strong argument for a slower, more thoughtful approach to AI implementation in education.
The Perils of Complexity
The increasing complexity of technology in education is a double-edged sword. On one hand, AI tools are clearly democratizing learning as we know it, to the benefit of learners worldwide. On the other hand, the constant influx of new tools adds layers of complexity, with each new app presenting unique challenges, learning curves, and potential risks for faculty and students.
For faculty in particular, new levels of technological complexity can be overwhelming, leading to apprehension about embracing AI tools in the classroom. The time and effort required to master these tools may detract from their primary mission: to teach and engage with students. Furthermore, faculty risk becoming preoccupied with navigating the AI landscape and the technical side of things rather than the didactics and content that still form the cornerstone of education.
The Incremental Approach
For the vast majority of faculty, the most effective way forward is likely to begin by focusing on a few AI tools, such as Bing and ChatGPT, which will lead to a deeper understanding of AI and its potential applications in the classroom.
Doing so will develop the confidence and proficiency needed to integrate more AI tools into teaching practices more effectively. As faculty grow more familiar with the technology - not only prompting, but also the implications for didactics and delivery, inclusion, UX, scalability in various use cases, compatibility with other instruction materials, security and compliance issues, etc. - they can begin to experiment with additional features and tailor the tools to suit their unique contexts and pedagogical objectives.
By adopting an incremental approach, educators can build on their existing knowledge and experience when assessing the relevance and utility of specific AI tools in their fields. This way, by grounding their adoption of technology in a solid foundation, faculty can ensure that AI tools enhance, rather than detract from, the learning experience.
Mastering a select few tools can alleviate anxiety and insecurity, enabling faculty to feel more in control of the technological landscape. This confidence, in turn, can empower them to experiment with new pedagogical approaches and harness the potential of AI to transform learning and instruction.
Concluding Thoughts
The success of higher education institutions in the age of AI and other disruptive forces relies on the ability of their professionals to navigate emerging technologies confidently. However, the constant pursuit of new tools can be detrimental, obscuring the pedagogical mission at the heart of education. By adopting an incremental approach, higher education professionals can mitigate the risks associated with complexity and constant change.
Educators need to build on their existing knowledge and expertise, integrating technology in ways that enhance the learning experience without overwhelming students or themselves. Doing so means that they can more effectively harness the transformative potential of AI, empowering learners and fostering the development of digital literacy skills that will prove invaluable in the modern workforce.
The allure of new AI tools is undeniably enticing; however, there is little advantage in pursuing every emerging innovation as soon as it appears. Instead, a more thoughtful, focused approach to technology adoption will better serve the long-term interests of both educators and students, fostering a more stable and effective learning environment to embrace the transformative power of AI without succumbing to the pitfalls of complexity and constant change.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race.