Real Smart: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Classrooms For the Better
The classroom represents a better future, where the schools of today help to form the leaders of tomorrow. However, skepticism regarding the state of education has skyrocketed, with an increased concern over the gap between a classroom’s resources and needs. Educators, parents, and lawmakers face the formidable challenge of adapting schools to best serve the students of today. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can empower both teachers and students, and schools are already beginning to experience the ways that the technology can enhance education.
One of AI’s largest benefits is its ability to customize the student experience through real-time analysis of where students are struggling and excelling. AI can personalize lesson plans to suit the specific needs of students, aid in providing feedback on assignments, and augment the classroom experience through creative activities. New tools emerge every day that are helping teachers and students reimagine how they learn and work together. By freeing up valuable time often spent on grading, administrative work, and lesson plans, AI allows educators to focus on their classroom and students in meaningful ways that only they can.
For example, Amira Learning is a reading assistant powered by AI that many classrooms have adopted. The system uses voice technology to give audible feedback to those learning how to read aloud. Many other tools like Amira exist to help carve out extra one-on-one instruction amid a busy school day. Additionally, platforms like Midjourney can enhance creative experiences by generating complex images that correspond with students writing assignments.
Louisiana schools are adopting AI tools, including Amira to support the classroom. This comes as part of a larger initiative from the Department of Education’s AI task force to leverage the technology’s power. Among the task force’s goals is to provide teachers and students with the high-quality training and guidelines necessary to ensure that AI is an addition, not a replacement, of a beneficial learning environment.
The Pelican State’s approach of exploring the possibilities of AI and searching for ways to harness it for good is promising for the classrooms of the future. AI is here to stay, and it is increasingly popular among teachers, parents, and students. Polling suggests that schools are eager to adopt the technology, especially considering the influx of helpful AI-powered learning programs. Rather than rushing to regulate or limit AI, states should follow the learning approach of Louisiana’s AI task force and prioritize ways to support educators. This can ensure that schools aren’t held back by a lack of time and resources.
The classroom is just one example of how AI can transform entire fields for the better. Avoiding panicked regulation and instead encouraging innovation to meet the needs of the day puts the power of AI in the hands of its users.