Embrace AI in education

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The world of education is changing fast and one of the biggest shifts is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). There are a lot of different opinions about AI in schools, but it can really improve how we teach and learn.

To make the most of this change, we need to see AI as a helpful tool that can boost educational practices. It’s important to work AI into lesson plans and make sure teachers know how to guide students in this new realm. Some educators worry that AI might hurt critical thinking skills, but it’s all about how we use the technology. That’s why teachers are key in helping students learn to use these AI tools effectively.

From my experience I’ve learned that giving clear and thoughtful instructions is crucial. Tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Ask AI, and Gemini need specific prompts to give real, useful answers. If the input is too vague, you’ll get answers that don’t really help. We need to not just get comfortable with these prompts, but also teach students how to communicate with AI systems effectively.

Plus, the old ways of doing research, like digging through library books, are getting less practical. Today’s students want information quickly, and AI can provide it almost instantly. Instead of pushing these technologies aside, we should be using them in our teaching, helping students connect with AI in meaningful ways.

As we adapt to these changes, it’s important to update our lesson plans to fit the current tech landscape. AI can play a huge role not just in classrooms but also in areas like policy development, where it can analyse situations and suggest strategies for better results.

As we move forward, we should embrace the technological advancements at our fingertips. AI is becoming a significant part of our everyday lives, and rather than fighting the change, it should be welcomed.

RICARDO SMITH