Is artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom a beneficial innovation? An old saying goes, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,” and this concept can quite aptly be applied to artificial intelligence. When harnessed properly and accompanied by appropriate safeguards, Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize various fields and improve our daily lives significantly. However, like all technological advancements, AI must navigate a necessary growth period, during which its capabilities, implications, and ethical considerations are explored and refined. This journey requires careful oversight and thoughtful implementation to maximize its benefits while minimizing potential risks.
Student Guide: Should I Use AI? 
Ways to Help Students Verify & Use AI-Generated Content
The infographic from AI, data, and digital policy expert Aleksandr Tiulkanov helps us consider using AI-generated content. It says that if we use AI-generated content, we must know how to verify and take responsibility for the output. That means fact-checking, cross-referencing, and validating the content is essential. Innovative educators understand that they must know how to do this for themselves and teach their students how to take full responsibility for the outputs they share.
Here are some ways innovative educators can support students in developing the expertise to verify the accuracy of generative AI-produced content.Â
Understand the Capabilities and Limitations of AI
Generative AI models are powerful but need to ‘understand’ information or ‘know’ facts like humans do. They generate text based on patterns they have learned from vast amounts of data and can’t access real-time or updated information. That means they might produce information that needs to be updated or corrected.
Realize the Output May Not Be Current.
An AI’s training data defines its knowledge—the more current the training, the more accurate the information. When assessing the validity of an AI’s information, consider its last training data update. For example, as of now, a tool like ChatGPT is trained on a diverse range of digital text through 2021. While that will undoubtedly change in the future, it is crucial to be aware that this affects the output we will see and how we interact with this tool. For example, you wouldn’t want to ask about rapidly evolving topics like today’s news or current events.Â
Cross-reference with Reliable Sources
When reviewing any content, it’s vital to cross-reference information with credible sources. That is especially true of AI-generated content. Suppose an AI produces information, especially something critical or unexpected. In that case, verifying this information with trusted news outlets, scientific journals, or websites you’ve come to trust is good practice. Use critical thinking skills and digital literacy to discern credible sources from less reliable ones.
Use Fact-Checking Tools
Many online tools can help with fact-checking. Websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, and Politifact have made it their mission to verify claims and debunk misinformation. Utilize these resources to confirm the integrity of the information AI provides.
Scrutinize for Bias
While AI models are designed to be neutral, they can sometimes reflect biases in their training data and their trainers. Depending on the sources the AI was trained on, they may overrepresent certain viewpoints or underrepresent others. It’s crucial to remain critical of the information you’re consuming and consider whether it might present a skewed perspective.Â
Teach Students Using Lessons & Tools
‘Common Sense Education’ has curated lessons and tools to help teach students about artificial intelligence. They’ve also put together guidance on how to handle artificial intelligence in schools. Become familiar with these lessons, tools, and advice to build your comfort with supporting students using artificial intelligence.
While generative AI has revolutionized how we engage with digital content, it is a tool, not an infallible oracle. As users and educators, we must remain vigilant in helping our students cultivate their digital literacy skills and critically engage with AI-generated content.
By understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations, identifying the source of information, cross-referencing with reliable sources, scrutinizing for bias, and using fact-checking tools, we can help students responsibly navigate this new era of AI content generation. This way, we ensure that we support students in utilizing AI as a helpful tool in their quest for knowledge rather than becoming passive consumers of AI-generated information.Â
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Special thanks to Lisa Nielsen, The Innovative Educator. https://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/ for the source material for this post.
