AI and Relationships in Education: A delicate dance
As we enter the AI era in education, I wanted to pause amongst the barrage of information about AI’s promise in education and focus on maintaining and building relationships among the machines. Many educators and parents are currently dealing with this when you consider the proliferation of smartphones in the hands of students as young as second grade. How do we establish and foster effective relationships if our children and students are locked in and engaged with the screen? How do we foster and establish relationships while students develop relationships with large language models designed to learn and connect with you in myriad ways?
These have always been challenging questions to answer. In the AI era, we actually have chatbots that can communicate and learn with students. But, as with all of my writings about technology, we must first teach and establish relationships with our students and children. Second, we must strike a healthy balance between using these tools rather than simply putting our heads in the sand as if they don’t exist.
Below are some ideas educators and parents can begin using to balance the use of AI and technology in the classroom and also when the technology comes home.
1. AI is a Tool, Not a Teacher
AI can personalize learning, automate tasks, and provide valuable insights. However, it’s vital to position AI as a tool that supports educators rather than as a replacement. Teachers remain the heart of the classroom, fostering meaningful bonds with their students.
Example: An AI-powered learning platform provides students with personalized study plans and real-time feedback, but the teacher leads class discussions, facilitating deeper understanding and critical thinking.
2. Focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-emotional skills like empathy, collaboration, and communication become even more valuable in a tech-heavy world. Schools should prioritize SEL programs that help students develop strong self-awareness, manage emotions, and build positive relationships with others.
Example: A school incorporates SEL into its curriculum, offering regular mindfulness sessions, conflict resolution workshops, and opportunities for students to engage in community service projects.
3. Embrace Collaboration and Project-Based Learning
Collaborative learning environments encourage teamwork and foster real-world problem-solving skills. Project-based learning allows students to work together, strengthening their communication and interpersonal abilities.
Example: Students work on a project to design and prototype a sustainable solution for a local environmental issue, collaborating with experts and presenting their findings to the community.
4. Emphasize Mentorship and Guidance
Teachers play a crucial role as mentors, providing personalized guidance and encouragement. One-on-one mentorship helps students feel seen, heard, and supported, especially when navigating the complexities of an AI-influenced world.
Example: Each student is paired with a teacher-mentor who provides regular check-ins, academic support, and encouragement, helping them navigate challenges and set achievable goals. They also balance this check-in time by incorporating AI assistants and demonstrate effective use of AI prompting to support student work.
5. Leverage Technology for Connection
While it might seem counterintuitive, technology can also enhance relationships. Use video conferencing for virtual exchange programs, online discussion forums for peer-to-peer interaction, and digital tools for collaborative projects — all broadening students’ perspectives and building connections.
Example: A school organizes virtual exchange programs with students from different countries, enabling them to share experiences, cultures, and perspectives through video conferencing and online discussion forums. Students discuss their experience and ideas for leveraging the power of AI.
In the above examples, AI can assist students in their learning journey. Educators should feel confident and comfortable incorporating aspects of AI into their lessons and encourage students to use it ethically and meaningfully. New and emerging technologies do not need to run your class; they should help guide students along their learning journey.
What’s important to keep at the forefront of all AI resources is that AI is simply a tool. Much like an iPad was simply a tool 14 years ago when it launched and soon found its way into many schools and homes. As educators and parents we must keep this at the forefront of our minds and ensure that our students and children have access to this tool, but in a way that is purposeful and meaningful. I have a hammer in my tool bench and it serves a purpose when I use it. What I don’t do is carry my hammer around all day hammering things just because. The same can be said for new and emerging technologies.
