Artificial Intelligence (AI), a rapidly emerging technology, is reshaping today’s work landscape and continues to cast a shadow of uncertainty over its future potential. With AI technologies like ChatGPT and Quizlet’s new AI tools becoming prevalent in online applications, the impact of generative AI is evolving. After nearly a year since the surfacing of AI, teachers are starting to delve into changing their curriculum, teaching style, and policies in order to adapt to this new era.  

Generative AI, distinct from AI, uses generating models and inputs to produce text, images, sound, and other data. ChatGPT is an example of generative AI.

“I think there are a lot of opportunities that generative AI has across the spectrum, not just in education, but really in all industries,” IT director Marissa Green said. “Here, I think we are just now starting to dabble in it. We are starting to explore the possibilities and the use cases.” 

In this new educational landscape, teachers are in need to adapt and evolve alongside their students. Incorporating generative AI in their lesson plans, and revising their curriculums are all necessary in this new age of technology. 

For instance, students in Elizabeth Wilson’s art photography class have already begun to grasp how using AI for image creation and other Adobe products can help them create spooky Halloween photos for AI-generated self-portraits. Applying the AI tool in Adobe, students learned how to generate new images in place of a subject to enhance their images. 

Furthermore, a group of 6th graders used this same technology to help visualize their global studies projects before they started to create them. 

“Whatever path students take, AI is going to be part of it,” Director of Teaching and Learning Jenna Goldenberg said. “I think we need to be focused on how are we supporting students in learning the skills that they need to use it effectively, as well as engaging them in discussions about what it means to use AI ethically. Specifically in ways that support their growth and their work, and doesn’t supplement it.” 

Generative AI demonstrates immense versatility and practicality and has many uses and applications. Understanding how to use these tools properly is fundamental in this new era of increasing technological presence.

AI has particularly benefited areas where educational access is limited and has helped students improve their knowledge and understanding. Its personal and individualized support has aided students in areas they struggle, fostering their growth.

“By not taking part in AI, we also are seeing industries change, the workforce changing, and they’re starting to utilize these tools,” Green said. “So if we don’t start changing how we do things even at the educational levels, I think it does a disservice to how students are going to eventually integrate into those workspaces because they’ll be starting to use some of these shortcuts.” 

The technology and education team of teachers and staff place a strong emphasis on and stress the importance of transparency. Openness, honesty, and proper source citation are essential when utilizing AI for school work. Interestingly, MLA also has a way to cite using ChatGPT and AI. In addition, students are encouraged to be clear about how they’re using these tools and remember that AI should help improve their work rather than replace their own efforts. The Family Handbook has a newly added policy relating to the usage of AI. 

Sometimes, the multitude of emerging AI tools can feel overwhelming. The IT Department recommends using MidJourney for AI image creation, and ChatGPT which is also built into Microsoft Edge’s browser. AI is also built into Grammarly, Khan Academy, Quizlet, and many more applications. It will soon be a part of Google Workspace as well. 

However, it’s important to note that while AI brings transformative potential, it also poses a threat to jobs that rely on human acts. 

“AI has the potential and the capabilities for driving work productivity and creativity and all sorts of positive things for scholars and people across industries,” Goldenberg adds. “But then it’s also any sort of new technology that could have that big of an impact can feel scary, especially for those of us in fields where we really value human voice and human creativity and projects and things like that.”