KBLOG 68: The AI Elephant in the Classroom (Part 6) – Practical Use of AI for Teaching Students
Introduction: Navigating AI in Education
In previous posts in the "AI Elephant in the Classroom" series (KBLOG 38, 26, 21, 20, 19, 18), I explored the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI). Back then, tools like ChatGPT were emerging, and today, AI has become an integral part of education, both as a resource and a concern. As educators and parents, our focus is to maximize AI’s benefits for learning while addressing its potential
Addressing the Challenge
This post offers practical insights into using AI in the classroom. Below, I highlight three important papers by Dr. Ethan Mollick and Dr. Lilach Mollick, co-directors of the Generative AI Lab at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. These papers provide actionable ideas and examples to help teachers and parents implement AI effectively, using prompts to facilitate learning.
The Mollicks' research provides a strong foundation for educators looking to incorporate AI in their teaching. The papers listed below include ready-to-use prompts, demonstrating how AI can be used in various educational settings. These resources can serve as starting points for educators to develop their own techniques for integrating AI into their lessons.
Example AI Prompts for Student Learning
Here are two example prompt sequences inspired by the Mollicks’ work. Try these prompts with AI tools like ChatGPT for interactive student learning experiences.
Scenario 1:
Prompt: Can you help me understand what it’s like to be a scientist?
Follow-up prompt: I’m currently a high school student being homeschooled, and I’m interested in becoming an engineer. Can you help me design an experiment?
Scenario 2:
Prompt: I’m struggling with gas laws in chemistry. Can you provide two simple gas law practice problems for me to solve?
Follow-up prompt: Can you also give me two slightly more challenging gas law problems?
Key Resources for Educators
The following resources, developed by Dr. Lilach Mollick and Dr. Ethan Mollick, provide educators with examples and practical strategies for using AI in classrooms. Each paper includes prompts and guidance on how to adapt AI tools for specific teaching objectives.
1. Assigning AI: Seven Approaches for Students, with Prompts
This paper outlines seven practical approaches that illustrate how AI can be used as an educational tool. Each approach includes prompts and examples, highlighting both the benefits and risks of using AI.
2. Using AI to Implement Effective Teaching Strategies in Classrooms: Five Strategies, Including Prompts
Learn five immediately usable strategies for integrating AI into teaching. This paper emphasizes that AI should be used cautiously, with an evidence-based approach to maximize its impact on student learning.
3. Instructors as Innovators: A Future-focused Approach to New AI Learning Opportunities, With Prompts
Explore a variety of AI-driven exercises designed to personalize learning for students. This paper encourages educators to create their own AI exercises to meet the specific needs of their students.
For more inspiration, check out these 21 AI exercises with prompts that can be tailored to your classroom.
Conclusion: Maximizing AI’s Potential in Education
AI holds incredible potential for transforming education, offering personalized and interactive learning experiences. By leveraging resources like those from Dr. Ethan Mollick and Dr. Lilach Mollick, educators and parents can use AI thoughtfully, carefully and effectively to enhance student learning. As you continue to explore AI in the classroom, use these prompts, strategies, and resources as a starting point to innovate and improve your teaching practices.
Image by Vanessa Loring
