The AI market is growing everyday, with more tools and programs being developed and added to the space to tackle some issue or hurdle you may be facing. However, most of the conversation around AI tools deals with in-the-classroom educational tools. How can AI tools help to make some of the more mundane administrative tasks less intrusive to give more time back to educators during (and outside of) the school day?
Here we speak with Santi Khairassame, founder and CEO of Project Recess, about how to discern the most efficient ways to employ AI tools in education, how these tools can help to save administrators time, and the best ways to implement AI with a critical eye.
Understanding What AI Actually Does
While many existing tools claim some sort of AI functionality already, having a critical outlook on any new ones you adopt can go a long way in finding what you need and protecting yourself from unwanted outcomes. As Khairassame says, the proliferation of AI tools has been a two-way street.
“One of the things we want folks to walk away with is to try to be as safe as possible when you’re using these tools,” Khairassame says. “You have to really think like a teacher, think like an educator. Be critical. Even now, more than ever, the idea of looking at things through a critical lens is so important because misinformation can be spread so quickly, especially with these tools. It’s a double-edged sword.”
Consequently, one of the best ways to protect yourself, school or district, students, and colleagues is to simply better educate yourself on the tech you intend on using.
The Human Side of AI
The idea of AI giving teachers and administrators time back during their days is a wonderful concept. But there is a real concern about AI taking over to the extent that work loses the human aspect.
“One thing that we really wanted to emphasize is let’s not forget that we’re human beings,” says Khairassame. “We all have a voice. Our schools…have a mission, whether it’s the arts or STEM or what have you. We are trying to remind people that yeah, these things can write text for you, but don’t forget your own voice. Don’t forget who you are and what your school stands for. [It’s] very important to make sure that your voice is being heard and not sterile. Keep yourself in the loop. Keep humans in the loop.”
AI can help answer questions, brainstorm ideas, and set you on the right path with your thoughts, but making sure your voice and tone are present is just as important as it is to work efficiently.
Advice for Educators Looking to Take Advantage of AI
At this point, AI is everywhere, and if you want to effectively improve your school or district with AI tools, there are some things you can do to make that happen.
“There’s a new AI tool every week,” says Khairassame. “I recommend people remember that they can go to the source, meaning that a lot of these tools that are out there are wrappers wrapped around these existing large language models that exist, such as ChatGPT. “
It can be very easy to get sidetracked by shiny new technologies when you’re looking for a solution, so remember that many AI tools offer a solution that can be found in tools you may already have.
“For example, in New York City, it’s approved for them to use Microsoft Copilot,” says Khairassame. “I tell people to go straight to that. Whatever you can do with [another] tool, most likely, you can do it in Copilot. It might even have a better outcome.”
In terms of what types of AI tools to try, start with ones that have already been vetted.
“Use what your district has approved,” says Khairassame. “Because it’s typically going to be one of these larger, recognized companies. You don’t have to pay an extra subscription. You have access to it.”
Finally, know what problem you’re looking to solve when it comes to what kind of AI tool you want to add to your educational space. Doing the research, acknowledging a specific obstacle, and linking that obstacle to an AI solution can simplify your search. You might already have that tool available to you, saving yourself even more work.