23 4.4 Recommendations for the Future

Preparing for AI in the Classroom: Policies, Ethics, and the Future of Learning

Generative AI is here to stay and is more likely to be utilized by more people as time marches on. All we can do is prepare for the inevitable by considering what kind of classroom policies we create in how Generative AI is used in the classroom. One recommendation would be to allow students to utilize Generative AI as a tool to assist in the development stages of assignments and to educate students on how to use AI in their education and daily lives appropriately. If educators themselves are embracing the use of Generative AI, they should allow some use of it for students to avoid being seen as hypocritical and can even create activities for students to practice identifying where AI has been used. Discussing the ethical use of Generative AI in the classroom with students is also important. Another recommendation would be to have some learning projects involve using Generative AI in order to show and teach students the strengths and weaknesses of using Generative AI in various scenarios and teach them that while it is very useful and great to use, it should still be primarily utilized as a tool to help fill small gaps, instead of being abused to write an entire essay. These recommendations assist educators in policing the ethical use of Generative AI in the class and allow them to recognize common patterns from Generated materials while also building a positive use of this form of technology in students while introducing and exposing them to this newer form of technology. AI has the potential to level the proverbial “playing field” when implementing UDL (Universal Design for Learning) strategies, such as finding alternative ways to understand information. AI can be personalized based on the user’s needs, from small adjustments to more overall generated planning. Technology can help all students have an equal footing in the learning environment. AI can help disorganized students and teachers develop some level of organizational habits.