Empowering Student Voices in AI Decisions: A Teacher's Guide

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the integration of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has become increasingly prevalent. As educators, we are constantly faced with the challenge of harnessing the potential of AI while ensuring that it serves the best interests of our students. However, amidst discussions about the use of AI in classrooms, one crucial voice often remains unheard—the voice of the students themselves.

If you're familiar with my work, you know that involving students in decisions that impact them is not a new concept for me. Recently, I had the opportunity to hear experts discuss the use of AI in education. What struck me was how students are not just encountering AI in their academic lives but are actively using it to complete assignments and tasks. Yet, are these uses truly beneficial to students, or are they creating unintended consequences?

So, I did something seemingly simple but profoundly impactful—I asked students.

In this blog post, I want to share the insights gained from engaging students in conversations about AI use in education. More importantly, I want to highlight why it's essential for us, as educators, to actively involve students in decisions regarding AI.

Why Empower Students in AI Decisions?

Students are not just passive recipients of AI technology; they are active participants in its utilization. Here are some key insights from students about how they are using AI:

1. AI for Assignments: Students are using AI to write papers and complete assignments, a trend that has raised questions about academic integrity and the nature of learning.

2. Control and Appropriateness: By engaging students, we can understand how they perceive the use of AI and guide them in evaluating its appropriateness. This empowers students to make informed decisions about AI use in alignment with academic standards and ethical considerations.

The Importance of Student Perspectives

When we make decisions without consulting the very individuals affected by those decisions, we undermine the effectiveness of those decisions from the outset. Students are not just consumers of education; they are active contributors to the learning process.

Collaboration Over Dictation

Rather than dictating rules about AI use, invite students into the conversation. Let them teach us how they are using AI and how it can enhance their learning experiences. By involving students in decision-making, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning journey.

Building Curiosity and Collaboration

Embracing technology requires us to embrace curiosity and collaboration. As educators, we must not only adapt to technological advancements but also empower students to navigate these advancements responsibly. Create opportunities for students to explore AI's capabilities, evaluate its impact, and collectively determine what constitutes appropriate use.

Strengthening Relationships Through Empathy

By dropping our guard and being vulnerable with students, we foster empathy and understanding. Students are more willing to engage with us when they feel heard and valued. In a world that often dismisses their voices, acknowledging and incorporating student perspectives strengthens our relationships and promotes mutual respect.

Action Steps for Teachers

I've developed an activity for teachers to facilitate discussions about AI with students:

1. Understanding AI Use: Start by exploring how students are currently using AI in their academic work.

2. Evaluating Appropriateness: Guide students in evaluating the appropriateness of AI use based on academic standards, ethics, and learning outcomes.

3. Collaborative Decision-Making: Facilitate discussions where students can collectively determine guidelines for responsible AI use in the classroom.

Remember, we don't have to have all the answers. Embrace curiosity, ask questions, and collaborate with your students. Together, we can navigate the evolving landscape of education and empower students to thrive in a technology-driven world. Access the full activity (and more of my resources) here.

Let's continue this conversation and ensure that student voices remain at the forefront of AI decisions in education.