Budget Challenges of Incorporating Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom
I appreciate all the replies to my last blog. As I read through your replies, I got a sense that many of you saw the use of artificial intelligence and its advantages in a new light and maybe even began to see that maybe artificial intelligence is not ALL bad. I think a lot of the time when people discuss artificial intelligence in education they immediately think of robots standing in front of the classroom. This was similar to the thoughts of Cyndi Mancini, band director of Montour school District in Pennsylvania (Rauf, 2020). When she was first approached about introducing artificial intelligence in the classroom she panicked and immediately thought of crazy robots that can think for themselves, however, she was surprised to learn that a web application could allow her to teach music in a way she never could before (Rauf, 2020). I think, in many instances, one of the biggest obstacles facing the implementation of artificial intelligence in the classroom up to this point has been that people have a false sense of what AI is or lack the knowledge of how artificial intelligence can assist them. Thus, it is imperative to raise awareness of what we mean by artificial intelligence and continue to educate teachers on how AI can assist them. All said, it is clear that many educators are starting to recognize the importance of artificial intelligence, but still may not understand exactly how to incorporate it into their classroom.
In a Microsoft commissioned study which explored opportunities for artificial intelligence in education it was determined that over 99 percent of educators believed they needed an artificial intelligence strategy to be competitive (Ayoub, 2020). Additionally, over 92 percent of educators indicate they have started to experiment with the technology (Ayoub, 2020). While its clear that educators understand the importance of artificial intelligence in the classroom, the issue becomes knowing where to start (Ayoub, 2020). That said, I think it becomes increasingly challenging as we consider the budget constraints many districts are now facing as a result of the pandemic. Artificial technology can be expensive, especially to an already financially strapped school district, but the long term benefits will most likely outweigh the costs and keep school districts competitive.
In line with our study this week of the failed implementation of iPads in an LA school district, what are your thoughts about how a school district could effectively roll out artificial intelligence technology while staying within the confines of their budget? Or do you believe implementing artificial intelligence in the classroom, at this time, is something a school district should avoid? If so, what implications could that decision have on the children in the school districts that hold off on artificial intelligence investments in terms of their competitiveness with their peers that may have come from districts that did not delay and invested in artificial intelligence technologies?
References
Ayoub, D. (2020). "Educators today are in agreement: They need an AI strategy. But many institutions don't know how to implement one-or where to start." MIT Technology Review. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/03/04/905535/unleashing-the-power-of-ai-for-education/
Rauf, D.S. (2020). "Artificial Intelligence in K-12: The Right Mix for Learning or a Bad Idea?" Education Week. Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/05/20/artificial-intelligence-in-k-12-the-right-mix.html
Anthony
ReplyDeleteI am an advocate for incorporating AR, VR, and AI into the classroom setting. I do however understand that with the pandemic and its associated cost it is a topic that most likely will have to be a long term plan for a school district. Creating a 5 to 10 year plan will allow a school district to best plan for how to allocate resources and what aspect of instruction would best fit the AI model. The technology changes rapidly and what is paid for today will most likely be obsolete in five years. Waiting is in the best interest of all parties.
Tammy
Tammy,
DeleteThanks for your reply. I agree to effectively incorporate AI, VR, and AR into our classroom setting it will require a long term strategy especially considering the impact COVID has had on district budgets. Just as you point out I believe a 5-10 year plan is a great start. Again, thanks for your reply. Great point.
Anthony,
ReplyDeleteI personally think that all of these systems need to be incorporated together. As you may know I have been blogging about simulations. In my readings I have noticed that many organizations are using the information that is gathered by AI, and putting it into simulations to lay out a plan on how to improve systems. Combining systems like this will produce the best experience in and out of a classroom.
There is definitely no going back because learners now expect these things to enhance their educational experience.
Walt
Anthony,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. With technology growing faster than we can keep up with it, I believe that, as educators, all we can do is just that, try to keep up with it. While many districts simply do not have the financial means to integrate AI in a broad fashion, many do. This creates a disparity amongst learners from across the country and serves to add to the ideas of disenfranchisement that plague our nation. Here in El Paso, the El Paso Independent School District provides a good example of taking the initiative regarding AI implementation. My daughter graduated from this district last year after completing her sophomore through senior years here. My son is a sophomore now and began in this district during his seventh grade year. Within the district, each child is issued a MacBook for school use. Further, interactive smartboards are installed and used in each of my son’s high school classrooms. Not to mention the amount of AI included in the software that the district utilizes. I am sure that the EPISD is not at the forefront of educational technology implementation, but they are doing the best they can with what they have and doing so on a less than ideal budget. I feel that if funding was properly managed and prioritized, most districts could come closer to parity with the technological advancements being used in others. Ultimately, AI is a force multiplier that we must integrate as broadly as possible to ensure today’s learners are prepared to be tomorrow’s workforce. Thanks again for your post Anthony.
-Donny
Anthony, another great post. I do believe that AI has a place in schools. When using AI it provides an intuitiveness that compliments user experience and activity. Tammy mentioned a 5-10 year plan for implementation and I could not agree more that especially makes sense for general education. I think for learners with specialized education needs a 2-5 year plan would work as I do think they show many proven benefits of using AI enhanced programs. Funding is one of those dependent by school district items but I do think AI should be a consideration of all schools. Holding off implementation I think would effect learners with special needs.
ReplyDelete-Mandy
Anthony,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post and insights. As we all know Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world around us and it seems only fitting that it transforms the classrooms as well. I think since Artificial Intelligence needs to be incorporated more in the classrooms to better prepare our next generation of workers and leaders is of the utmost importance. We need to continue to stay competitive and it is going to be paramount for the long-term success of our country. we need to adapt and ensure we are embracing this technology and continue to enhance the learner’s experience and knowledge. Thanks for sharing.
Alex
Anthony,
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent post and I think you pose quite frankly the biggest problem, hurdle, and issue with Artifical Intelligence in the education system. Although I am a huge fan of the concept, I am not quite sure the education systems will ever be able to get there without federal aid. I think the first step is taking advantage of all the free online AI training for educators. I recently read a article on Forbes:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/03/16/the-10-best-free-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-courses-for-2020/?sh=13ffcf16f66d
This site provides many opportunities for free training in the Artificial Intelligence world. Since it is free, that is a first step in helping to institute it within the education system. I would look at mandatory training for all educators to see if we can come up with cost effective ways to get it into our curriculum. Ultimately based on each school district budget, I am not sure many will ever get there. There needs to be a focus of more technology within school systems from the government so that we can sustain our education standards on the global stage. The education of our kids is important for them and our way of life. Thanks for the great post!
Kev
Anthony,
ReplyDeleteI posted in one of the discussion boards about this. I am a hard avoid of any introduction of new and expensive technology. School budgets are already in crisis and while I believe e should spend considerably more on public education we don’t. That being said, we need to spend money on what is most important for young learners and iPads and artificial intelligence just aren’t on the top of my list. I remain especially concerned because these things, much like the deployment of many other school money, would likely benefit the most wealthy school districts and low income districts will never see the benefits. Widening the gap between the haves and have nots.
Mike W.
Anthony,
ReplyDeleteAs the prices for the latest technologies continue to soar each year, I think that there should be some prices regulated if education is involved. I hate that these big corporations can just charge the schools so much money or basically hand them technologies that are somewhat obsolete and call it helping. Corporations need to know that helping the education system is in their best interests as well. How else are they supposed to get quality workers?