What’s the Best Way to Introduce AI Tools to Students Without Replacing Critical Thinking?

AI in Education
1

Hello

I have been thinking about how to bring AI tools into my classroom in a way that supports learning rather than doing the thinking for students.:innocent: For eg; I want to use AI to help brainstorm ideas / generate prompts but I still want students to do the deeper analysis and problem-solving themselves. :slightly_smiling_face:

Are there any models, activities / discussion-based ways to introduce AI that reinforce, rather than override, student thinking?:thinking:

I know some educators are using tools like ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner, pausing to discuss or rewrite AI suggestions instead of just copying them. :innocent:

It would be great to hear practical examples or routines maybe group critiques, one-on-one check-ins, or scaffolded prompts that help students stay engaged with the reasoning behind their work. Checked AI in Education - Code.org Professional Learning Community for reference. :slightly_smiling_face:

Also, while prepping for this, I came across what is Generative AI and wondered if knowing how such systems generate text and images could be a learning opportunity itself. :thinking:

Can we use that understanding to teach students about AI’s strengths & limits, and help them engage more thoughtfully with AI-generated content?:thinking:

Thank you !!:slightly_smiling_face:

2

Introduce it as a tool not an answer machine

brainstorming is a good idea, you can also have it explain troubleshooting steps for students that currently do not have a functioning program it can also explain data structures that they are not confident about and show examples in cases where they are best used if there really stumped they can ask for an answer but make sure they understand why it was not working

You can also state that the tool won’t be available during high scoring tests to add incentive to learning concepts and topics while making other assignments with the tool worth less points