The Role of AI in Education: Key Applications and Challenges for Teachers

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education offers exciting possibilities for students and teachers as well as a host of challenges. In a recent interview, I sat down with Robert Berkman, the Managing Editor of Simba Information, a leading authority for market intelligence focused on educational publishing and a division of MarketResearch.com.

Robert has done extensive research on the rise of AI and its use in education. Here, he explains the status of artificial intelligence in K-12 education, shedding light on its adoption and the potential impact on teachers.

Watch the video to learn more about AI in the classroom or read a recap of the main points below.

Current Usage of AI in Education

Berkman notes that AI is gradually making its way into classrooms, according to recent surveys conducted by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Ed Reports. Approximately one-third of K-12 teachers are reported to be using AI in their classrooms. While traditional forms of AI, such as personalized learning, have been present for a while, newer generative AI, like ChatGPT, has shown practical applications since around spring 2023.

Practical Applications for AI in Education

AI can assist with a variety of tasks and help boost administrative efficiency for teachers, aiding in lesson plan creation and handling paperwork. Notably, AI is proving beneficial in areas such as extensive and deeper customization of learning materials, automated assessments, and one-on-one homework help in subjects like language, math, and science.

Challenges Faced by Teachers Related to AI

Five major challenges for educators exist related to AI, according to Berkman:

Teacher Training: Teachers require assistance in understanding and effectively implementing AI tools. Training is essential to maximize the benefits. Visibility into AI Tools: Teachers seek transparency in understanding how AI makes decisions, so they can be actively involved in the learning process rather than left in the dark. Unauthorized Use of AI: Teachers grapple with crafting clear policies regarding the use of AI in tasks like essay writing. Distinguishing AI-generated text from non-generated text can be challenging, and monitoring the use of AI is not simple or easy. Preservation of Foundational Skills: Teachers are concerned that AI integration could compromise essential skills like critical thinking, analysis, and reasoning. Student Privacy Concerns: Educators must ensure that the adoption of AI does not compromise student privacy. As AI systems gather substantial data, educators are tasked with safeguarding sensitive information to prevent any compromise of student data.

Where to Learn More

For more information about this topic, be sure to check out Simba Information’s biweekly newsletter Education Market Advisor and the market research report AI in the Classroom 2023-2024: Promises and Perils.

In addition, stay tuned for our next blog post on MarketResearch.com, which will discuss what education publishers and edtech companies need to keep in mind about the future of AI in education.