(TNS) — Matt Miller, a part-time teacher in Parke County, Indiana, and a full-time education consultant, is traveling across the country to discuss educational technology, particularly the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms. His interactions with educators reveal a common struggle: balancing the benefits of AI with potential risks, particularly regarding academic integrity.
In the state, some districts are proactively integrating AI, seeking grants for pilot projects, while others are more hesitant, focusing instead on preventing student cheating. “It’s a wild west for kids. They just use what they’ve heard from friends and saw on TikTok,” Miller noted, identifying both opportunities and concerns associated with AI in education.
Miller believes AI can substantially alleviate teachers’ workloads, an aspect increasingly vital given the current national teacher shortage. AI has the potential to generate creative teaching ideas, develop practice questions, and assist with grading. In his Spanish classes at Parke Heritage High School, Miller has successfully used AI-generated images and conversational AI chatbots to enhance language learning.
However, he also cautions that AI can simplify tasks to an extent that undermines meaningful learning. “If you don’t design learning carefully, AI can make the work a little too easy,” he said, emphasizing the importance of challenging students to promote deeper understanding. Concerns about AI also extend to issues like inaccuracy, data privacy, and inherent biases within AI models, underscoring the need for students to develop AI literacy in order to navigate these complexities.
Schools must engage students in discussions about AI, Miller insists. “Kids are using it already,” he pointed out, which makes it critical for educators to understand and address its presence. He advocates for comprehensive teacher training, arguing that without proper knowledge of the technology, educators may struggle to effectively manage AI’s role in the classroom.
Reflecting a broader trend, a report by EdWeek.org reveals that the percentage of teachers using AI tools nearly doubled between 2023 and 2025. In 2023, just over a third, or 34%, reported using AI in their classrooms, a figure that surged to 61% by 2025. Professional development and the integration of AI into educational tools have been key drivers of this growth, allowing educators to save time on labor-intensive tasks.
However, a global study by the Brookings Institution raises alarms about the risks associated with generative AI in education, suggesting that its drawbacks currently outweigh the benefits. It warns that over-reliance on AI can jeopardize students’ fundamental learning abilities and affect their emotional well-being, trust in educators, and safety.
In West-Central Indiana, the South Vermillion School Corporation has been leveraging AI tools in classrooms for a few years. Jenny Fossi, the district’s director of instructional technology, noted that both teachers and administrators have participated in workshops to learn how to effectively incorporate AI into lesson planning and data analysis. While teachers are currently permitted to utilize AI for instructional purposes, students are not yet allowed to do the same. An AI Acceptable Use Policy is under development, aimed at guiding future student use responsibly.
In the Vigo County School Corporation, discussions about AI integration are ongoing. Superintendent Chris Himsel stated that the district is preparing to incorporate AI in a manner that is intentional, ethical, and data-informed, emphasizing the need for both teachers and students to become adept at using these technologies responsibly.
Olga Scrivner, an assistant professor at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, has been conducting workshops for K-12 teachers to help them understand AI as a tool for enhancing learning. “Concerns about students misusing AI are valid, but blanket bans usually don’t work,” she explained, advocating for teachers to become familiar with AI tools in order to guide student use effectively.
Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner addressed AI’s role in education during a U.S. Senate committee testimony, asserting that the state is intentionally leveraging AI to enhance educational outcomes. This includes focusing on one-on-one tutoring and ensuring that educators are central to the decision-making process around AI use. Grants from the Indiana Department of Education have been made available to assist schools in implementing AI responsibly.
As discussions around AI continue, the Indiana State Teachers Association is calling for the establishment of state-wide guidelines to address the use of AI in schools. President Jennifer Smith-Margraf highlighted the necessity for a framework that ensures student protections, privacy, and ethical usage of AI. “We need to make sure students are taught how to use AI ethically, critically, and responsibly,” she said, emphasizing the importance of ongoing conversation about acceptable and unacceptable uses of the technology.
As schools navigate the evolving landscape of AI in education, the balance between leveraging its advantages while managing its risks remains a critical focus for educators, administrators, and policy makers alike.
See also
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
Ghana’s Ministry of Education Launches AI Curriculum, Training 68,000 Teachers by 2025
57% of Special Educators Use AI for IEPs, Raising Legal and Ethical Concerns
