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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — March 27th marks National AI Literacy Day, a day dedicated to preparing educators and students for the advancements in artificial intelligence and its integration into education.
A recent NBC poll indicates that 57% of Americans believe the potential risks of AI surpass its benefits.
This past Friday, News10NBC interviewed local education students and educators at Roberts Wesleyan University’s AI symposium, discussing strategies for adapting to this evolving technology.
Education Professors Prepare
Dr. Maryanne Barrett, an assistant professor of education at Roberts Wesleyan, highlighted the need for education students to cultivate a critical perspective on AI technologies. She stated, “The first step for education students is to develop that critical lens. They must comprehend both the benefits and risks associated with these tools and understand their intended purpose. Our mission is to guide our students in grasping the complexities of AI. From that foundation, they can decide whether or not to utilize these resources.”
Joy Pansari, another assistant professor of education, added, “Emerging educators are now creating lesson plans and activities, engaging with AI for instructional purposes, and formulating questions. It’s a significant opportunity for hands-on experience.”
Encouraging Caution
Matt Altobelli, a psychology professor at RIT and Chief Science Officer at the bias detection AI platform, CogBias, expressed concern for the future of students and teachers. “I have reservations about how AI is being used today,” Altobelli noted. “AI should primarily serve as a tool, with humans remaining at the helm. It’s crucial that students retain control over their learning experience rather than ceding it to a technology that can sometimes be unreliable.”
Student Reactions
Jenna Rivera, a junior studying education who intends to teach grades 5 through 12, shared her thoughts: “As we began our college journey, AI started to emerge in our field. We’re learning to navigate its effects not just on us as students but also on our future students, giving us a unique dual perspective.”
Rivera and fellow student Zoey Chandler concurred on a crucial point — AI cannot replace the human touch that teachers provide. Chandler expressed, “[AI] may attempt to mimic teaching, but it lacks the humanistic qualities that educators bring to the classroom. The compassion, care, and understanding that great teachers possess is irreplaceable; AI cannot replicate that.”
As educational institutions adapt to the integration of artificial intelligence, collaboration between educators, students, and technology becomes increasingly important. Emphasizing critical thinking and maintaining the human element in teaching can ensure that the advancements in AI complement rather than replace traditional educational values.
