HOUSTON — Teachers are turning to artificial intelligence to enhance the learning experience.
We spoke with an AI expert on how it is being used and why Houston ISD is jumping on the trend.
With a tech-savvy generation starting another school year, teachers are finding new ways to adapt including the use of AI.
“When I think about AI in 2024 and AI in teaching, I'm mostly thinking of a generative AI system. So either large language models or various image generating models, are the two main kinds,” Peter Salib, assistant professor of law at the University of Houston, said.
Salib said AI can be useful when developing lesson plans.
“Generative AI systems, things like Chat GPT, can be really useful in generating stuff and producing prompts for essays or ideas for activities in the classroom,” he said.
When using AI to teach, Salib cautions it's not a replacement for humans.
“It's important that the teachers use their own expertise to verify that the thing in history in fact happened," he said.
This year, HISD is incorporating AI into teaching. We reached out to the district for comment, and a spokesperson said, "Houston ISD is taking a measured approach to artificial intelligence, seeking to ensure our students and educators have the skills and opportunities to succeed in a rapidly changing world."
HISD is also launching an AI elective at certain high schools for 11th- and 12th-graders. The course focuses on how to use AI safely and ethically.
The district also says it's investing in teaching staff about how AI can support their instruction and enhance learning.
Salib said it even has the potential to impact tutoring in the future.
“You can have a conversation with, like we are right now, using spoken words instead of typing,” he said. “The possibility that students in the future are gonna have access to essentially free, unlimited, infinitely patient, high-quality tutors, I think could be really exciting.”