OPINION — When people imagine artificial intelligence in schools, they often picture students using it to write essays or finish homework faster. However, in my online classroom, the conversation around AI and its use is nuanced. Increasingly, the most important lesson is focused on the responsible and ethical use of AI.
Digital citizenship has been part of education since computers and the internet infiltrated the classroom. Due to this reality, students need to understand how to communicate respectfully, verify sources accurately and protect their privacy within a digital world. Responsible AI use has become the newest, and perhaps most urgent part of that conversation.
Ironically, many teachers are adopting AI tools faster than their students. A growing number of educators are using AI as a professional tool behind the scenes. A national RAND survey of teachers and principals found that roughly 25% of K-12 teachers used AI tools for lesson planning or teaching. Another report from Gallup found 37% of teachers now use AI at least monthly for lesson planning or preparation, helping generate discussion prompts, customizing assignments to a specific student or grade level or brainstorming creative activities.
