The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Debate

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of modern education, with many schools and teachers embracing its potential to enhance learning outcomes. However, the use of AI in education has also raised concerns about its impact on student learning, creativity, and critical thinking skills. The significance of Romeo’s suicide in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is a topic of debate among educators. While AI can provide correct answers, the real goal is for students to think critically about the reasons behind Romeo’s actions. “Romeo’s suicide is a pivotal moment that carries profound thematic, dramatic, and symbolic significance,” states the AI answer. “This tragic event not only marks the climax of the play but also encapsulates the central themes of love, fate, and the consequences of impulsive actions.”

However, for Milwaukee Public Schools English teacher Abbey Osborn, the question is not just about recalling facts, but about encouraging students to think deeply about the reasons behind Romeo’s actions. “It’s very easy now to just copy and paste what pops up in Google,” Osborn said. “But the real goal is for students to think about the reasons Romeo committed suicide.”

Since the emergence of AI, teachers have struggled with how to approach the technology. Some argue that AI should be banned, while others believe it should be incorporated into lessons. The Trump administration has taken a stance on the issue, with President Donald Trump signing an executive order called Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth. The order establishes the White House Task Force on AI Education, which aims to teach students and train teachers to use AI to improve education outcomes. The task force will establish public-private partnerships to provide resources for K-12 AI education, both to enhance AI-related education and to better utilize AI tools in education generally. In Milwaukee Public Schools, teachers have been encouraged to use AI tools. Osborn has a subscription to a service that allows her to use AI to create images for her classes. However, Osborn believes that AI can be useful for students at times, but not for writing entire essays. “If you want to use AI to proofread something, I think that’s OK,” she said. “But if you want to use AI to write your whole essay, not so much.”

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released AI guidance for schools and libraries in July 2024. The guidance emphasizes the importance of empowering educators to teach students how to use AI responsibly. “Students are excited about AI, and we want to empower educators to embrace the opportunity to teach students how to use AI responsibly,” said State Superintendent Jill Underly. However, not all teachers are convinced that AI is a positive force in education. Jan Ellestad, a middle school language arts teacher at St. Sebastian Catholic School in Milwaukee, is skeptical about the use of AI in his classroom. Students are taught to use technology for research, typing, and word processing, but Ellestad believes that AI can remove the value of research, editing, and proofreading skills. “I just struggle to see how using AI in the academic setting is going to move any of that forward,” Ellestad said. Ellestad has integrated several practices into his classroom to deter the use of AI, including having students write the first draft of their essays by hand. “My big concern is that students are going to lose some of the creative juices that require critical thinking, that require heavy revision in their writing and editing to make sure that their grammar is correct, their spelling is correct, that their ideas are presented clearly in their own voice,” Ellestad said. In conclusion, the role of AI in education is a complex and multifaceted issue. While AI can provide valuable resources and tools for students, it is essential to ensure that its use is balanced with the development of critical thinking, creativity, and essential skills. Ultimately, the decision on how to approach AI in education should be made by educators, policymakers, and parents, who can work together to create a comprehensive and inclusive approach to AI education.

“AI is not a replacement for human teachers, but rather a tool to support their work,” said State Superintendent Jill Underly.