Leveraging AI in Schools: A Balanced Approach
by Sarah B. Ottow
As we strive to navigate the rapid evolution of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful tool in education. The potential for AI to transform teaching and learning is immense and, at the same time, we need to use it thoughtfully. My stance is clear: AI can enhance education, but it should be leveraged with purpose and equity in mind.
AI can help personalize learning because educators can tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of multilingual learners and other students. Tools powered by AI can provide real-time feedback, suggest scaffolds for language development, and support struggling readers or writers. For teachers, AI can streamline tasks like grading and lesson planning, giving them more time to focus on building relationships and engaging students.
For example, schools I work with directly use AI tools like MagicSchool to get ideas for creating content-based texts, unpacking standards, writing questions using the Depth of Knowledge (DOK) framework and even telling jokes appropriate for the classroom! MagicSchool uses guidelines for usage that I wholeheartedly agree with including always checking for accuracy and bias and not letting AI do 100% of the work!
Educators must have a critical approach on AI integration. AI, like any technology, is a tool and the humans behind the tool are what make it work, or not work. Technology should never replace human connection or critical thinking. Over-reliance on AI risks dehumanizing education, widening opportunity gaps, and perpetuating biases in algorithms. Educators must ask: Who is benefiting from AI, and who might be left behind?
To use AI effectively, schools need professional development that empowers teachers to harness its potential ethically. Educators must remain in control, using AI as a tool to complement—not replace—their expertise. Educator efficacy and professional judgment must prevail over any kind of program or tech, in my view.
In short, AI in schools is not about replacing teachers or automating classrooms. It’s about using innovation to elevate learning, foster inclusion, and create opportunities for all students to thrive. By balancing the promise of AI with the values of equity and human-centered education, we can ensure that technology truly serves our students.