Hello friends,

Welcome to another edition of AI for the Rest of Us.

We’re back with Part II of our series on AI and Education. In Part I, we explored how AI is reshaping our education system. Now we’re zooming in on what this means for students and parents and how they’re navigating this brave new world.

Whether you’re a parent looking for advice, a student trying to figure out where to draw the line, or neither (this is still for you because of how the system affects us all in many ways), my hope is that you’ll learn more than you knew yesterday, and understand what you need for tomorrow.

Here we go...

– Kyser

P.S. If you’re a new member and new to AI, I highly recommend you read Editions #2 and #3 - both of which answer the question, “What the heck is AI, anyway?”

The GOAT of Math Homework
There I was, staring at my 4th grade son’s double-digit multiplication homework.

48x19= ___.

I pulled out a piece of scratch paper. I sketched out the problem. I was so ready to solve it and show my son how it’s done.

Then it happened. My mind went blank. I kid you not, I forgot how to do double digit multiplication. Mrs. East, if you’re reading this, I’m so sorry. It’s not you, it’s me.

That’s when I pulled up my ChatGPT app. “Please help me teach my son how to do double digit multiplication.”

Its response: “Teaching double-digit multiplication to kids can be fun and approachable! Here’s a step-by-step method to teach your son.” At least one of us was enthusiastic.

Within seconds, it took me through six steps, from reviewing place values to recommending visuals. It gave me multiple ways to explain the concept, even incorporating packs of gum. My son got it. I was named the GOAT of math homework. And nobody’s education was harmed in the process. [If you’re interested in seeing the chat, click here and you should see my exact chat in your ChatGPT.]

That’s the thing about AI in education right now – it’s not the villain some make it out to be, but it’s also not the magic solution others claim. It’s a tool. Sometimes a really helpful one (like when it’s turning parents into the GOATs of math 😉). Other times it’s a shortcut that can rob students of real learning opportunities. The tricky part? Knowing the difference.

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It’s Play Time

Newcomers [AI is new to me]

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Explorers [I’m comfortable with AI]

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And that wraps up Part II of AI Goes to School. I hope you’ll join us in two weeks for Part III: AI Goes to School, and Teachers and Administrators Have Something to Say About It

We hope you enjoyed this one, and as always, please share feedback if you’ve got it!

Until next time (and on Instagram between then)...