Key Highlights
- Nearly 45% of teachers express discomfort with AI technology in their classrooms, according to a recent EdWeek Research Center survey.
- Experts emphasize the importance of educators using AI Training for Teachers and learners to enhance their comfort and proficiency.
As AI training tools become increasingly significant in education, teachers need to learn how to assess and effectively utilize them, as these tools carry both potential benefits and drawbacks.
Significance of AI Training for Teachers and Educators
According to Daniela Ganelin, a Stanford University doctoral student specializing in education data science and co-author of an AI educators’ guide, teachers must familiarize themselves with AI, especially since students are learning about it.
However, the challenge lies in the fact that nearly 45 percent of educators feel uncomfortable with the AI technology they have encountered or expect to engage in their classrooms over the next year.
- This finding comes from a survey conducted by the EdWeek Research Center, which collected responses from 1,301 district leaders, principals, and teachers between June 20 and July 14.
- Only 36 percent of respondents reported feeling comfortable with AI technology.
Need for Comprehensive AI Training
The results indicate a need for more comprehensive AI training and education for educators to help them effectively integrate these tools into their teaching practices.
- In order to increase educators’ comfort with AI, experts recommend that they should have the opportunity to use AI technology both as instructors and as learners.
- This includes having time to experiment with various teaching approaches involving AI tools and collaborating with colleagues to discuss successes and challenges.
As part of the EdWeek Research Center survey carried out during the summer, educators were queried about AI-related professional development topics or methods that they would find beneficial for themselves or the teachers under their supervision. Here are their responses:
FAQs
1. Why is AI training important for teachers?
AI training is crucial for teachers as artificial intelligence tools are increasingly integrated into education, and teachers need to assess and effectively use these tools, which offer both benefits and drawbacks.
2. What percentage of educators are uncomfortable with AI technology in the classroom?
According to a survey by the EdWeek Research Center, nearly 45% of teachers feel uncomfortable with AI technology they have encountered or expect to encounter in their classrooms.
3. How can educators become more comfortable with AI?
Educators can increase their comfort with AI by having the opportunity to use AI technology as both instructors and learners. This includes experimenting with different teaching approaches involving AI tools and collaborating with colleagues to discuss their experiences.
