Hannah Fowler discusses the potential benefits and concerns of using artificial intelligence in K-12 classrooms. AI could provide personalized learning goals for students and help teachers track student progress. However, concerns include ensuring teachers maintain control over AI decisions and protecting student privacy. While AI may help deliver content equitably, it may not develop student perseverance or allow for human teaching moments. The author believes AI has a place in assessment but the human element of teaching is also important.

1. AI: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
IN THE K-12 CLASSROOM
HANNAH FOWLER
AD682 – TECH FOR SCHOOL LEADERS
DR. MAHADY

2. WHAT IS AI?
• AI can be describes as “The theory and development of
computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring
human intelligence such as, visual perception, speech
recognition, learning, decision-making, and natural language
processing.” (Cardona, Ishmael, Rodriguez, 2023)
• AI is an umbrella term that is used to describe the multitude of
different ways that updated technology can be taken to the
next level, whether that be through robotics, text/speech, or
machine learning.

3. DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
• Disruptive technology can be defined as a technological
method or advancement that provides a breakthrough and
brings about a change for peoples lives. One example of
disruptive technology is the lightbulb.
• I believe that AI could absolutely be considered disruptive
technology, as it has completely changed the way that we as
humans see and use this type of technology. AI has
revolutionized the technological world, showing that computers
are capable of thinking and adapting, much like the human
mind.

4. AI IN THE K-12
CLASSROOM
AI in the classroom can be extremely
beneficial for students as well as teachers.
AI can provide more specialized and
individualized goals for students that can
adjust on their own based on student
interaction and growth. It also can help to
provide teachers with up-to-date data
about student progress and what they
might need to provide more instruction
on.
However, some ethical concerns for using
AI could include allowing the teacher to
have control over decisions the AI has
made and using human decision-making
skills to decide if the AI needs to be
altered in some way. Also, being able to
use AI effectively while also protecting the
student's privacy.

5. AI IN THE CLASSROOM
(CONTINUED)
AI education has the capability to be much more
equitable in its delivery of content to students, being able
to move at a pace that works for all types of students
with varying performance levels, providing a less stressful
means of learning. These methods of teaching and
learning are also inclusive to all students of varying levels
and allows students to feel less pressure that they are
falling behind as well as feeling like they are bored
because the content was too easy.
AI education could also provide learning barriers because
as students continue to work through various parts of
curriculum, the AI technology could put them into a box
and not necessarily allow them to have a large jump in
success. Also,

6. TEACHING, LEARNING, AND ASSESSING
WITH AI
TEACHING
- Consider that AI is a great tool
for teachers to use to help
keep track of where all
students are so that their
individual learning needs can
be met, but teachers shouldn’t
necessarily be relying on the
technology to do the teaching
for them.
- Consider that AI could be
helpful as a tool for teacher
reflection, as it helps to show
the students knowledge and
LEARNING
- Consider that while AI does
help students to achieve the
“write answers”, it does not
always allow students the
opportunity to grow in their
perseverance when they might
experience struggles in
learning.
- Consider that the “teachable
moments” that come from a
human teacher are going to be
much more possible, as
students are exposed to
varying topics and opinions
ASSESSING
- Consider that while AI is a great
tool to use for assessing student
understanding, there are some
concepts that need a live person
to assess, such as writing
prompts, giving opinions on
different topics, and some written
out math problems.
- Consider using AI to help assist
in pointing out the students who
are really working hard on a
subject but are not necessarily
making any progress and provide
help and feedback for those

7. RESEARCH CONCERNS
• The use of AI within different aspects of the classroom can have
drawbacks, such as those discussed in “Study on Potential AI
Applications in Childhood Education” from the International Journal
of Early Childhood Special Education. They state that “digital
feedback systems for learning situations have a number of
drawbacks, including creating negative emotions (discomfort,
boredom, irritation, doubt, and a want for confirmation) in students”
(pg.3). This shows that if AI is used, it either needs to used in
addition to teacher interaction and encouragement, or the technology
needs to be updated with the capabilities of providing that in the
moment feedback that students are craving.

8. MY THOUGHTS ON AI
In my opinion, I believe that there is a place for AI in the
classroom. There are multiple benefits to its use, especially in
the assessment process. However, as a music teacher, I would
not be one to want to use this type of technology in my
classroom every single day. I believe that even though
technology has made leaps and bounds within the last 25
years or so, there is also something to be said for being
taught by a teacher who has taken the time to hone their
craft. As a teacher, I love to see the “lightbulb” moments, as
they are called, where you see students just get a concept
and you see the connection being made in the moment,
which then can lead to more connections being made by the
teacher and other students. You don’t get that moment with a
computer. So, while AI technology is important, I don’t think
it should take the place of amazing teachers doing amazing
work.

9. REFERENCES
• Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning. (2023). Office of Educational
Technology.
• Study on Potential AI Applications in Childhood Education. (2022). International Journal of Early
Childhood Special Education, 14(3).
• Winkler, Rainer and Roos, Julian, "Bringing AI into the Classroom: Designing Smart Personal
Assistants as Learning Tutors" (2019). ICIS 2019 Proceedings. 10.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2019/learning_environ/learning_environ/10