How Not to Use AI in School

Last week, I took to LinkedIn and asked my friends about the worst uses of AI they’ve seen in education. Their answers were a mix of predictable and surprising. 

Having read through the post's comments, I’ve grouped the answers into 3 sections. Here’s how not to use AI in school:

1. AI detectors don’t work.

While AI detectors present with an air of authority, the research is clear: they are deeply flawed.

They give false positives, false negatives, and they are biased against ESL/D students.

I can see an argument being made for using them as part of an academic integrity process, but they should only be used with a full knowledge of their limitations. 

One of the funniest cases of misplaced faith in AI detection was when an American professor failed his entire class because he asked ChatGPT if the essays were AI-generated.

Putting any faith in the output of an AI detector is not how you want to use AI in schools.

2. Always check the output.

When you get output from an AI, it’s the first step, not the finish line. 

While at a school recently, a teacher told me about a quiz he created for his students. As his students were working, he noticed many giggles and puzzled looks.

As it turns out, the answer to each of the 14 multiple-choice questions was “all of the above”.

Having blind faith in the output of AI is unwise.

It’s up to us to do the quality control and make sure the output is fit for purpose.

You’re the expert when it comes to your

• Students

• Setting

• Course

• Context

Artificial intelligence works best when it’s combined with our organic intelligence. 

Always check the output. 

3. Privacy invasion.

Did you know there is software that scans students' faces to determine whether they understand what you’re teaching?

There is also software that scans eye movements during exams to check for cheating.

I could write for hours on this subject, but for now, all I’ll say is this:

No. Thanks.

How should we use AI?

I’ve been clear on my vision for AI. 

We can use AI to do the basics of education better.

I recently published “AI for Better Basics” – you can get your free copy here.

In summary, AI presents us with problems and possibilities.

By reading this weekly digest and engaging with AI, you’re helping to avoid problems and embrace possibilities. 

Well done.

Pictured: “AI for better basics” by Paul Matthews

Until next week,

Happy Teaching!

Paul Matthews