AI in schools: How is it already changing our children's education?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the rules of the game in education. Tools like ChatGPT are now used not only by enthusiasts but also by much of the public. With this, questions arise on how to find a balance between technologies and established teaching methods.

AI: more than just a digital assistant

AI is no longer just about searching for information. Modern platforms can generate texts, provide feedback, propose creative solutions, and much more. For educators, this poses the crucial question: 'How to harness the potential of AI without losing the human factor in education?'

According to many experts, the key is to find a balance between technological advancement and the development of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and creativity. These are precisely the skills that AI cannot yet replace.

AI can offer us mountains of information and solutions, but it's up to us to evaluate them critically. Students must learn to ask questions, verify facts, and assess the ethical impacts of AI-generated outputs. In practice, this might mean that AI proposes a marketing strategy, but the student must consider its feasibility, relevance, and ethical aspects.

Learning by doing: projects and collaboration with AI

Project-based and investigative learning using AI opens up new possibilities. Students learn to analyze data with the help of AI tools while also focusing on the interpretation and application of acquired knowledge in real-life situations.

Collaboration with companies on real projects allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and gain valuable experience. The development of communication skills is equally important since AI can generate texts, but it lacks empathy, creativity, and the ability to engage the audience.

Ethics and AI: responsible use of technology

With the growing influence of AI, it is essential to focus on the ethical aspects of its use. Students must learn to recognize potential risks, such as bias, privacy violations, and lack of transparency.

AI can be an excellent helper in generating ideas, but true creativity requires a human approach. Therefore, students learn how to develop and enrich AI-generated proposals with their own ideas and innovations. Teachers should strive to teach students that AI won't do everything for them but will only assist them.

Assessment in the AI era: emphasis on process and understanding

Traditional tests based on memorization are no longer sufficient in the AI era. According to some experts, assessments should focus on the learning process, understanding, adaptability, and effective use of AI.

It is important to monitor how students reach conclusions, analyze, and modify AI-generated outputs, and how they apply gained knowledge in practice. Teachers themselves need to keep educating themselves. Many schools will thus face investments in training, not only for teaching staff.

AI in education represents immense potential as well as challenges. Nonetheless, we should view AI as a partner that helps us develop human capabilities and prepare students for a future full of technologies. Only in this way can we ensure that we use artificial intelligence wisely and do not leave it in the hands of only a few.