Patriot Perspective: Artificial intelligence in education and at Pequot Lakes schools – Pine and Lakes Echo Journal

Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science focused on making computers as smart as humans.

It involves tasks like learning from data, understanding language and recognizing patterns. AI enables computers to perform tasks that require thinking, such as decision-making or understanding speech.

The goal is to create systems that can mimic human behavior, potentially impacting various areas, including education.

As AI technologies continue to develop, we are still learning how they will integrate into the education sector and how they will affect critical issues like ethics, equity and data safety.

In education, AI has immense potential for transformation. Imagine having a virtual tutor available 24/7, providing immediate feedback and guidance on assignments.

Adaptive learning platforms can analyze students’ strengths and weaknesses to offer personalized learning experiences, ensuring engagement and progress for each student.

When AI is mentioned, ChatGPT often comes to mind. ChatGPT can write a term paper or provide detailed answers to complex math problems in seconds.

Therefore, teachers need to reconsider their teaching methods and lesson plans, aiming for lessons that will blend content with the personal creativity of their students. Teachers recognize the need to help students learn to write AI prompts to flip AI from a source of cheating to a tool of productivity.

AI encompasses much more than these capabilities. Pequot Lakes teachers use AI in education with integrity in several ways to enhance the learning experience for students:

• Search lesson ideas that correlate with Minnesota standards.
• Rewrite texts at varying reading levels so all readers can access materials.
• Accommodate spelling and grammar errors with predictive text, allowing students to focus on ideas and content.
• Give students agency in how they access research materials.
• Receive instant feedback on accuracy and, if incorrect, access to how to correct their error.
• Word pronunciation. 
• Simulations and other educational games.

Looking ahead, the integration of AI in education offers endless possibilities. Virtual reality field trips, AI-powered writing assistants and intelligent tutoring systems adapting to student learning styles are just the beginning.

AI is not a distant dream but a tangible reality that enriches education.

Embracing AI technology opens new avenues for personalized learning, creativity and innovation within our school community.

At Pequot Lakes Schools, we aim to prepare our students for life beyond our doors, and AI is a tool we are teaching them to effectively leverage.

Travis Raske is director of teaching and learning at Pequot Lakes Schools.