AI and Education: Why Teachers Need to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, and education is no exception. As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into our lives, we find ourselves questioning our role as teachers and why it is crucial for us to stay ahead of the curve. Well, it became obvious that AI enables educators to perform a variety of tasks, such as, personalize learning experiences, monitor student progress more effectively, and provide targeted feedback to help students succeed. However, these benefits can only be realized if teachers understand why they need to stay ahead of the curve and how to refine their practices to meet the new teaching norms and requirements. In this article, we'll explore five essential points educators can consider when reflecting on their practices.

Technology's Impact on Students' Brain Development:

The pervasive presence of technology in students' lives is fundamentally reshaping their cognitive processes. Students today are constantly exposed to various technological devices such as cell phones, smartphones, televisions, MP3 players, computers, video games, iPads, email, and social media platforms. According to a 2019 survey conducted by Common Sense Media, tweens aged 8 to 12 spend an average of nearly five hours per day engaged with media, while teenagers aged 13 to 18 spend over seven hours daily immersed in media consumption. This means that adolescents dedicate more time to media use than to sleeping or interacting with their teachers and parents. Consequently, technology has become the dominant influence in their lives, actively rewiring their neural connections due to the brain's neuroplasticity. These findings, as identified by Dr. David Sousa, an international consultant in educational neuroscience, underscore the transformative impact technology has on the developing brains of students.

Teachers as Brainchangers: The Role of Neuroscience:

According to Sousa, teachers play a pivotal role as brainchangers. Their work revolves around shaping and molding the brains of each student they interact with daily. To fulfill this role effectively, teachers must have a deep understanding of how the brain functions. While psychology provides valuable insights into human behavior and learning, delving into the realm of neuroscience is equally important. By grasping the intricacies of the brain's functioning, teachers can employ evidence-based instructional strategies that align with the brain's natural processes, thereby fostering optimal learning and growth in their students.

Understand the why behind the teaching strategies used:

Adopting a convenient teaching and learning approach is necessary but not sufficient for ensuring the effective implementation of teaching strategies. Traditionally, effective teachers have discovered through experience what strategies to use and how to implement them, without fully understanding why they worked or didn't work in various situations. However, the findings from studies in cognitive neuroscience are providing valuable insights into the "why" behind effective teaching strategies. By gaining knowledge of the underlying cognitive processes, teachers can be much more masterful in applying their instructional strategies, improving the quality and effectiveness of educational experiences for children.

Fostering Meaningful Learning: Aligning Curriculum with Brain Function:

In education, a prevailing challenge arises when students develop a dislike for schools and struggle to connect with the curriculum. Renowned neuroscientist Dr. David Sousa suggests that our brains are wired to resist learning that lacks meaning or relevance. This poses a significant obstacle when traditional curricula fail to engage students, resulting in disinterest and disengagement. To address this issue, educators must prioritize the creation of a curriculum that resonates with students and provides meaningful learning experiences. By designing learning materials that align with students' interests, goals, and real-world applications, educators can tap into the brain's natural inclination to acquire knowledge and foster a genuine love for learning.

Equipping Students for the Future:

With the increasing integration of AI in society, the skills required for success in the workforce are evolving. To effectively prepare their students for the future, teachers need to identify and cultivate the necessary skills and knowledge. The latest report by the World Economic Forum in May 2023 highlights the top five skills on the rise: creative thinking, analytical thinking, technological literacy, curiosity and lifelong learning, as well as resilience, flexibility, and agility. Therefore, it is crucial for teachers to update and upgrade their practices and adopt the teaching and learning approaches necessary for building the skills our students need for the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the words of Benjamen Franklin ring true: "Change is the only constant in life. One's ability to adapt to those changes will determine your success in life.

AI is here to stay. And to thrive in a rapidly evolving world, one must embrace the advancements it brings and understand its impact on students' lives. By actively seeking knowledge, attending conferences, joining online communities, and utilizing online resources, teachers can stay ahead of the curve and effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. Remember, the key to success lies in embracing changes and leveraging AI's potential to provide our students with meaningful and impactful learning experiences.