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As the new school year begins, students, parents, and educators across the country are grappling with the role of artificial intelligence in education — from grade school to college-level coursework.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into classrooms, with school districts and even state education departments exploring ways to incorporate the technology into teaching. But while AI can be a valuable tool, experts warn it is also being misused by students who rely on it too heavily.
"But now you have students that are not just using AI for one piece of the paper or their assignment, they're using artificial intelligence to complete their whole assignment and even use it for mathematical equations as well," said Dr. Patrick Dicks, an AI professor and expert.
Dicks emphasized that parents should guide their children toward using AI to enhance — not replace — their learning. He recommends encouraging students to develop critical thinking skills and to use artificial intelligence as a supportive tool rather than a shortcut.
"What parents need to strive and tell their kids is do not use artificial intelligence to do all of your work," Dicks said. "It is there to help you find information faster and more efficiently, and also it is a tool that can give you a better perspective on how things work and how events may happen."
AI is also proving helpful for teachers. With the ability to customize lesson plans, educators can more effectively meet the needs of diverse learners.
"When I was in school, teachers would write their lesson plans for five days," Dicks said. "Now, with artificial intelligence, you can use artificial intelligence to tailor that lesson plan. Let's say, for instance, you have some students that are struggling, or you may have some students that speak a different language. You can use artificial intelligence to tailor the lesson plans to those students."
AI tools can also assist parents who are trying to help their children with homework, offering simplified explanations that make it easier for adults to relearn certain concepts.
Across Alabama, school districts and education programs are exploring ways to bring AI into the curriculum. The state's Department of Education is currently working with the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering to create an AI-focused curriculum for public schools. Dicks said learning to use AI in a healthy and productive way is becoming essential, as artificial intelligence continues to shape everyday life and the future of work.
