Embracing & Guiding Student AI Use

We should not let GenAI chatbot concerns "stop us from embracing possibilities and fall behind schools and countries who use it to supercharge creativity, solve increasingly tough problems, and accelerate growth" (Coxon, 2023). According to the AI Index Report 2023, eleven countries, including China and South Korea, have responded by officially endorsing and implementing AI curricula across part or all the primary, middle, and high school levels (Maslej et al., 2023). Korean 5th grade students performed significantly better using chatbots for writing practice over a 15-week period than learners who did not. Improved writing with generative AI chatbots resulted from more hands-on writing practice and a less threatening method that reduced the fear of making mistakes or being judged by others (Kwon et al, 2023). Similarly, student writing skills were improved when asked to assess generative AI chatbot responses for misinformation. Learning was also enhanced through practice and retrieval triggering deep engagement, understanding, organized knowledge, and clarified thinking (Mollick & Mollick, 2022). With generative AI, educators have a tool to teach and guide students how to use technology responsibly as they maneuver and discern through distortions, biases, and pitfalls. Teacher guidance and perception are key in student learning and effective use of generative AI chatbots.