Slamming AI use in Classrooms: A Former Teacher's Take
Educator departs from teaching career following viral outburst on AI's detrimental impact on education.
Hannah, an ex-high school English teacher, passionate about education, went viral on social media this week, expressing her frustration with the role of technology in ruining the learning process.
In her viral video, Hannah shared her experiences of teaching students who have become too reliant on AI tools. These students prefer technology for entertainment rather than education, leading them to ignore the core learning aspects.
She lamented how students no longer know how to read because of read-aloud tools and have short attention spans due to the high stimulation of social media. Hannah spoke to Fox & Friends about her decision to leave the teaching profession after three years due to these frustrations.
Hannah believes that AI can be beneficial in teaching older students, provided they are taught how to use it effectively. Yet, allowing unlimited access to AI in the classroom may lead to students not doing their own work.
Shockingly, Hannah claimed that students would submit essays written by ChatGPT, a popular AI tool. Confronted, they'd rather receive a failing grade than write an essay independently. Hannah emphasized that she had many motivated and bright students, but technology misuse is causing more harm than good.
Several states and school districts across the U.S. have banned or restricted students' use of cell phones in classrooms. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a cell phone ban into law this week, echoing Hannah's concerns that these devices disrupt learning during school hours.
The rapid integration of AI in education raises concerns about bias in AI models, potential privacy breaches, erosion of critical thinking skills, and reduced human interaction. To mitigate these negative impacts, educators suggest clear guidelines, balanced integration, emphasis on foundational skills, encouraging ethical use, and ongoing professional development for teachers.
By adopting these strategies, educators can ensure a responsible and effective use of AI in classrooms, fostering an environment that encourages learning and critical thinking among students. Hannah, despite being frustrated, continues to advocate for radical changes in education to better prepare students for success.
- Hannah, a former high school English teacher, expressed her disappointment not only about the negative impact of technology on entertainment but also on education-and-self-development in her viral video.
- Despite acknowledging the potential benefits of technology, especially AI, in older students' education, Hannah believes that excessive access to such tools could hinder the development of essential opinion-forming and critical thinking skills.
