Teacher 2.0: Adapting to the AI Age
A perspective on teachers’ day in the age of AI…
Every year on the 5th of September, India celebrates Teachers’ Day, honouring Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a former President of India and a great scholar. His ideas continue to inspire teachers who shape the future of our nation. As we stand at the threshold of the digital era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, compelling us to rethink fundamental questions:
What do we teach?
Why do we teach?
How do we teach?
In essence, what does teaching truly mean in this digital world?
The conversation around Generative AI in education is filled with debate.
Is it a boon or a bane? Helpful or disruptive?
Some schools have already banned AI, reminiscent of the initial resistance calculators and the internet faced. Yet, history has shown that these tools eventually became essential to education. On the other hand, workplaces have embraced AI to enhance productivity…
So, as teachers, how do we leverage the opportunities and challenges AI brings to education?
The Role of AI in Education is inevitable. First and foremost, AI is not here to replace teachers. It is a tool to enhance learning. AI can tailor lessons to each student’s needs, making learning more dynamic and personalized. However, for this vision to become a reality, teachers must upskill and explore how Generative AI can complement traditional teaching methods. Experiential learning -learning by doing — is the way forward. Platforms like Grow With Google offer courses that empower teachers to self-learn and adapt to the fast-evolving AI landscape.
Practically How?
Integrate AI Thoughtfully: Ask yourself -
What kind of workplace am I preparing my students for? This question is key to effectively integrating AI into education. Teachers need to experiment with AI tools, whether in lesson planning, grading, or even communication with students. AI offers tools that can streamline and enrich these processes. But it’s not just about using AI, it’s about reimagining the role as a teacher in an AI-driven world. For example, you can enhance the lesson plans by using resources like the Perfect Prompt or use prompt-library
Rethink Assessment with reflections: Have I adapted my HW/assignments and teaching objectives to leverage AI effectively? This self-reflection is crucial for staying relevant and impactful in the teaching-learning journey. Shifting more work into the classroom, engaging students in hands-on activities, and conducting low-stakes testing under your supervision can curb the temptation for AI-driven shortcuts. This fosters a more interactive and engaging learning environment.
As we move forward, it’s essential to recognize that while AI can handle many tasks, the value of foundational knowledge remains critical. Students must develop strong basic skills that will be relevant, regardless of how technology evolves. The goal of education is to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which can only be achieved by encouraging students to ask the right questions and actively build their knowledge through experience and reflection.
AI also has the potential to make education more accessible. Teachers can create tools tailored to their students’ needs, reducing reliance on external resources. Imagine the possibilities when educators build their own AI-driven tools and share them within a collaborative community. This approach ensures a more inclusive and equitable learning experience for all. For example, consider using platforms like Custom GPT to level up your teaching with personalized AI tools.
As AI rapidly evolves, teachers must commit to continuous learning. Staying informed about AI’s role in education and engaging in professional development are vital. Collaborate with fellow teachers to share insights, successes, and lessons learned. This collective wisdom will help everyone navigate the challenges and benefits that Generative AI brings. Platforms like Teaching with AI | OpenAI can be valuable resources in this journey.
Beyond just using AI, focus on helping students build the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. Teach them to be flexible and ready to adapt and use AI. They will contribute to its development in a meaningful ways once they get started with prompts — crafting…
As we celebrate Teachers’ Day and honour Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s legacy, it is clear that the role of teachers is evolving in the age of AI. By embracing AI as a tool for transformation — not just in the classroom but in our own growth- unlearning, relearning and upskilling — we can continue to shape the future…
Let’s ensure our students are ready to thrive in an AI-driven world…
Make a difference as you do…
Happy Teachers’ Day!
Gayethri Mote is a Teacher Educator and an expert on Learning Skills at Coschool. To learn more, visit www.coschool.ai
