King and Queen of ELA

Exploring the Role of AI in High School Education

• Daniel • Season 1 • Episode 14

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 Incorporating AI into high school education is essential for preparing students for the future. As AI technology continues to advance and permeate various industries, it is crucial for both teachers and students to become proficient in its use. By integrating AI into the curriculum, students can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. This knowledge will be invaluable as they enter the workforce, where AI is increasingly becoming a key component of many professions. For teachers, understanding AI can enhance their teaching methods and enable them to provide more personalized and effective instruction. Ultimately, proficiency in AI will equip students and educators with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, ensuring future prosperity and success. 

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King:

Welcome back everybody. We're diving into something that's got everybody talking.

Queen:

AI.

King:

Yeah, exactly, and high school, so you know it's. What does it all mean for us in the classroom? So I'm really curious about you know how it's going to impact students both heading to college, ad, the workforce, but then also how it's going to change how we do our jobs as educators.

Queen:

Yeah, really, it's a really fascinating and fast-moving field, for sure, yeah, and I think that there is a lot of potential for AI to really enhance both teaching and learning.

King:

Right.

Queen:

But we need to be really thoughtful about how we do it and what the challenges are.

King:

Exactly so let's jump in and start talking about the potential benefits for students.

Queen:

Yeah.

King:

You know, one area that's really been on my mind is how AI can boost research skills. So imagine a student working on a paper about the causes of the Civil War.

Queen:

Right.

King:

Instead of spending hours and hours poring over books and articles, they could use an AI tool to analyze all those sources and pull out the most relevant information.

Queen:

That's a great example. Yeah, ai can make students so much more efficient as researchers.

King:

Right.

Queen:

But it can also help them to develop stronger information literacy skills by quickly identifying credible sources and thinking about different perspectives.

King:

Yeah, that's. What's so cool about it to me is that it's not just about you know giving students the answers.

Queen:

Right.

King:

It's really about empowering them to become more independent and effective learners.

Queen:

Absolutely. It's really moving away from. Yeah rote memorization to critical thinking and problem solving.

King:

But even with all these incredible benefits, I can't help but wonder about, sure, some of the potential downsides too. Yeah, I can't help but wonder about some of the potential downsides too, like what if students become so reliant on the AI generated content that they don't develop those critical evaluation skills?

Queen:

That is a valid concern. And I think it really highlights the importance of teaching students how to use these AI tools responsibly and ethically Right. We really need to make sure they understand that AI is a tool to support their learning, not replace their own thinking.

King:

Absolutely so. It's not just about teaching them how to use the technology, but also like helping them to develop that critical lens for evaluating the information that they find, regardless of the source.

Queen:

Exactly, and that also means having really honest discussions about how AI works, its limitations and the importance of considering a variety of viewpoints.

King:

Such a crucial point. Ai can be this amazing tool.

Queen:

It is.

King:

But we have to remember it's still a tool and it needs to be used Absolutely Godfully and critically.

Queen:

Yeah.

King:

So moving beyond research be used Absolutely Godfully and critically? Yeah, so moving beyond research, okay, I've also been hearing a lot about how AI can help students to develop like those more practical skills they need for the workplace.

Queen:

Yes, one thing that's becoming a really important skill is prompt engineering.

King:

Prompt engineering. Yeah, what is that?

Queen:

It sounds complicated, but it's not.

King:

Okay.

Queen:

Basically, prompt engineering is about learning how to communicate effectively with AI tools, so how to give them really clear and concise instructions so they can understand what you're asking and give you back the best possible results.

King:

So it's kind of like learning how to speak AI.

Queen:

Exactly, it's like learning the language.

King:

Oh, interesting.

Queen:

Yeah, and as interacting with AI is becoming more and more common Right, this skill is going to be essential for success in lots of fields.

King:

Yeah, can you give me a more concrete example, sure, of how this might actually play out in a high school classroom?

Queen:

Absolutely. Imagine a student is applying for a summer internship. They can use an AI tool to help them to write a cover letter. But instead of just clicking a button and getting a perfect letter, they need to learn how to give the AI the right information to create a great cover letter.

King:

So they need to tell the AI about their skills and their experiences, why they're even interested in this internship.

Queen:

Right. They provide the AI with the basic information and then tell it how to use that information to create a really convincing cover letter.

King:

Okay, so I see how that would be a really valuable skill, not just for cover letters but for all kinds of professional communication.

Queen:

Right, any kind of writing, really.

King:

But like with any new technology, sure, I imagine there are some potential downsides.

Queen:

Of course, as we bring AI into our classrooms, we need to be very careful to preserve those core human skills that are so important for success in life.

King:

Yeah, things like AI to enhance learning, but also making sure that our students are developing those very human skills that are going to help them stand out in a world where technology is everywhere.

Queen:

It's about creating an environment where AI and human interaction come together to make a truly great experience for our students.

King:

All right, so we've talked about the potential impact of AI on students.

Queen:

Right.

King:

But I'm also really interested to explore how this is all going to change our roles as educators. Sure, you know how is this going to change how we do our jobs?

Queen:

Absolutely. Oh, it's a total game changer. Yeah, I think one of the most exciting things is how AI can help personalize learning. I think one of the most exciting things is how AI can help personalize learning. So think about an AI tool that can help you to differentiate instruction based on learning styles or create interactive quizzes tailored to each student's progress.

King:

That sounds amazing, right Like having a personal tutor for every student in the classroom.

Queen:

Exactly.

King:

But I mean, how realistic is that really? I mean, are we?

Queen:

really at a point where AI can give that level of personalized support. I think we're getting there. There are already AI powered learning platforms that can track student progress, identify where they're struggling, provide personalized feedback and recommendations, even that's really cool. Yeah.

King:

But I guess, what about the drawbacks too? Could this lead to like an over reliance on these AI generated lesson plans and like a loss of the human touch in the classroom?

Queen:

It's really important to remember that. Ai is a tool, yeah, and like any tool, it's really all about how we use it.

King:

Right.

Queen:

That determines its impact.

King:

Yeah.

Queen:

So it's not about replacing teachers, it's about empowering them.

King:

I like that, yeah. Empowering teachers, yeah. So how can AI empower us teachers? It's about empowering them. I like that, yeah. Empowering teachers, yeah. So how can AI empower us?

Queen:

well, think about all of the time that you spend. Oh yeah on things like grading, mmm, creating assessments and all of those administrative tasks don't even get me started yeah, I can streamline all of that, okay, freeing up more time for you to actually interact with your students.

King:

You're speaking my language. Less time grading papers, more time actually teaching.

Queen:

Exactly.

King:

But I mean, wouldn't that lead to teachers becoming de-skilled in certain areas? What happens when the technology fails?

Queen:

That's why it's really important for teachers to have ongoing professional development training to really become proficient with these tools, understand their limitations and develop strategies to adapt to those unforeseen situations.

King:

So it's not about just handing over the reins to AI. No, but learning how to use it effectively and responsibly to actually enhance our own skills and abilities.

Queen:

Exactly, it's about using technology to amplify our strengths and to create those richer learning experiences.

King:

I like that, amplifying our strengths, but this is a huge shift. I mean how can we make sure that teachers feel supported and prepared to deal with all of this?

Queen:

Well, that's where collaboration and community come in. So imagine a school where teachers are excited to experiment with these new AI tools.

King:

Okay.

Queen:

Share their successes and challenges.

King:

Yeah.

Queen:

And work together to figure out how to integrate this technology in their classrooms.

King:

That's a really cool vision, but I can already hear some teachers out there being like I can barely keep up with the current curriculum.

Queen:

Yeah.

King:

How am I supposed to learn all this new stuff?

Queen:

Well, and it's totally understandable to feel overwhelmed. Yeah, but you don't have to become an AI expert overnight. Right, you can start small.

King:

OK.

Queen:

Maybe choose one or two tools that fit your needs and slowly build your comfort level over time.

King:

That's a good point. Yeah, start small and build from. There.

Queen:

Right.

King:

But what about the students? Sure, I mean, how do we prepare them for a future where AI is just everywhere?

Queen:

Well, we need to go beyond just teaching them how to use these tools.

King:

Right.

Queen:

We need to make sure they can think critically and know how to tell the difference between reliable and unreliable information. So it's about raising a generation of like super savvy, discerning consumers of information, no matter where that information comes from Exactly, and that means having these conversations about the nature of technology and why it's so important to use it ethically so important.

King:

AI is such a powerful tool.

Queen:

It is.

King:

And we have to make sure that our students are using it in a way that benefits themselves.

Queen:

Right.

King:

And society as a whole.

Queen:

Absolutely.

King:

But before we wrap up, okay, I want to get practical here. Yeah, for the teachers who are ready to kind of dip their toes into the AI waters, where do they even begin?

Queen:

no-transcript. So those can be really great places to connect with other educators, share best practices.

King:

Yeah.

Queen:

Learn about new developments in the field.

King:

Okay, so we've got resources for those starting out and those who are ready to go deep.

Queen:

Yes.

King:

But I think we need to talk about the elephant in the room.

Queen:

Yeah.

King:

The big, scary elephant of AI, potentially Right. Replacing teachers.

Queen:

Yeah, I hear that fear a lot. Yeah, and while it's true that AI is going to change education, Right. I truly believe that nothing can replace the human connection.

King:

Yeah, the empathy. The inspiration that a great teacher brings to the classroom. I love that AI can enhance what we do.

Queen:

Uh-huh.

King:

But it can't replace the heart and soul of teaching.

Queen:

Right.

King:

So, as we move into this crazy, exciting world of AI, what is the one message you want our listeners to take away?

Queen:

I think just embrace the possibilities, but always be thinking critically and keep your students' well-being at the center of everything. Ai is a powerful tool, but it's really up to us, as educators, to decide how it's going to impact education.

King:

Well said. I think that's really empowering. Yeah, you know, we don't have to be afraid of AI. No, we can choose to use it in a way that benefits everybody.

Queen:

Absolutely, and remember this isn't something you have to do alone.

King:

Right.

Queen:

You know, reach out to your colleagues, share what's working for you and what isn't, and let's figure this out together together.

King:

Okay, I'm feeling really energized about this me too. I want to go back to personalized learning for a second okay it sounds great, but I'm kind of curious about what that might look like in a real classroom yeah can you give me an example?

Queen:

sure? So let's say you're teaching a lesson on the American Revolution. Okay, you could use AI to create interactive timelines that are tailored to each student. So some students might need more primary source documents.

King:

Right.

Queen:

While others might need extra help with, like the order of events, you know AI can help you adjust the content and the pace to each student's needs's incredible.

King:

So instead of this like one-size-fits-all approach, right, we're talking about every student getting the support that they need exactly but I mean, I'm still a little worried about AI creating this like really sterile learning environment.

Queen:

I understand that concern, but that's where the teachers role is so important. Ai can provide the content, but the teacher is still the one making those connections and getting kids excited about learning.

King:

So it's all about balance.

Queen:

It is.

King:

Yeah.

Queen:

It really is.

King:

It seems like AI could actually help us bring back some of that joy and creativity in teaching by freeing us up from all those tedious tasks.

Queen:

Right, you can focus on what you're good at, which is connecting with your students and creating those really engaging lessons.

King:

Exactly so. Ai is helping us to focus on what we do best.

Queen:

Exactly. It's not replacing you, it's amplifying you.

King:

Okay, I'm starting to see how this could really work and I'm actually feeling pretty optimistic about all of this.

Queen:

Good.

King:

But I know that putting any new technology into practice is going to have its challenges, of course. So what are some of the obstacles that we need to be prepared for?

Queen:

I think one of the biggest ones is making sure all students have equal access to technology. Not all schools have the same resources, so we really need to fight for policies that close the digital divide.

King:

That's so important.

Queen:

It is.

King:

You know, AI can only help everyone if everyone has access to it Exactly. What other challenges do we need to keep in mind?

Queen:

Another big one is teacher training and professional development. Okay, we need to give teachers the support they need to learn these new tools and how to integrate them into their classrooms.

King:

We can't just throw the technology at them. No, definitely not, and expect them to figure it out on their own.

Queen:

Teachers need training and support Right and they need opportunities to connect and share ideas.

King:

I think that's one of the biggest takeaways here.

Queen:

Yeah.

King:

You know this sense of community and collaboration Absolutely. But we also have to be really careful that AI doesn't actually make existing inequalities worse.

Queen:

Right If it's not implemented thoughtfully, exactly.

King:

Ai is powerful.

Queen:

It is.

King:

But we have to make sure we're using it to benefit everyone.

Queen:

That's right. It's our responsibility.

King:

And create a fairer world for all of our students.

Queen:

Absolutely.

King:

Okay, so we've talked about a lot. We have the potential of AI to personalize learning. We've talked about a lot. We have the potential of AI to personalize learning, hmm.

Queen:

The importance of ethics and equity, yeah.

King:

It's a lot to process.

Queen:

It is.

King:

I have to admit I'm feeling a mix of excitement and a little bit of nervousness about all of this.

Queen:

And that's totally normal.

King:

Okay.

Queen:

It's a new world Right, but I think if we approach AI with a critical eye, a collaborative mindset and always prioritize our students, we can use it to create a more engaging, equitable and effective learning experience for everybody.

King:

That's a great point. Thank you so much for being here.

Queen:

My pleasure.

King:

I'm feeling so much more prepared to tackle all of this now.

Queen:

Good.

King:

And remember everyone this is a conversation that's going to keep going.

Queen:

It is.

King:

So stay curious.

Queen:

Yes.

King:

Stay informed and keep exploring the amazing potential of AI.

Queen:

Absolutely.

King:

Before we go, I want to leave everyone with a question. Okay, you know we talked about how AI can make teaching and learning better, right, but what about the bigger picture Like how will AI change what it means to be a teacher?

Queen:

Yeah.

King:

What new skills will educators need in this AI driven world?

Queen:

Those are great questions.

King:

Yeah.

Queen:

And, honestly, I don't think any of us have all the answers yet Right, but I do think that by having these discussions, experimenting, working together, yeah. And putting students first Right, we can create a future for AI and education that works for everyone.

King:

That's a great way to end this conversation. Yeah, thanks again for joining us on this deep dive into AI in high school. Of course, we'll see you all next time.