AI in Education: The Good, The Bad, & The Unexpected

THE RUCKUS MAKER MONTHLY THEME: EXPERIMENTING WITH AI

AI in Education: The Good The Bad, & The Unexpected

The Good: How AI is Helping Educators

AI is more than a buzzword. And it’s already making a difference in schools.

AI is freeing up time and enhancing the way we teach and lead. It can act as a powerful assistant in the classroom. It can also automate administrative tasks and personalize student learning.

• What AI tools have you explored? Try ChatGPT for lesson planning, Grammarly for writing support, or Khanmigo for tutoring.

• How can AI help differentiate instruction? Use it to create leveled reading passages or adaptive quizzes. Try game-based learning tools such as Quizizz to check students’ understanding of concepts

• Are you leveraging AI for leadership? Data analysis tools can help you make more informed decisions.

AI can enhance our work, but only if we learn how to use it with intent.

Yet, not everything about AI is a win. Let’s talk about the challenges.

The Bad: The Challenges & Pitfalls

While AI offers exciting opportunities, it also presents real concerns. Plagiarism and academic dishonesty are growing issues. AI bias can create unintended consequences. Educators need to rethink how to assess learning. Instead of using AI to generate answers, students need to learn how to develop a deep understanding of what they’re learning.

• Are your assessments AI-proof? How do you shift from fact-based questions to deeper, process-driven tasks? Check out “10 ways to use AI for deeper learning” for some ideas

• How do you address AI bias? Do you discuss with students how AI models are trained? How do you teach the importance of diverse perspectives?

• Are we over-relying on AI? Do we encourage students to see AI as a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking?

Ignoring AI’s downsides won’t make them disappear. But sometimes, the most surprising impacts of AI are the ones we didn’t expect.

The Unexpected: Surprising Ways AI is Shaping Education

AI isn’t just about automation. It’s changing how students learn and how educators lead. Some students are using AI as a study buddy. Others are using it as a brainstorming partner or a way to practice languages. Teachers' roles are shifting, moving from content deliverers to facilitators of deeper learning.

• Have you seen students using AI in creative ways? How do you encourage them to explore AI for deeper learning? Check out this novel example

• How is AI shaping professional development? How can AI-powered coaching and feedback tools help teachers grow faster?

• What could AI mean for the future of education? Could embracing AI thoughtfully help schools stay ahead of the curve? Here are 5 must-have tools for teachers to consider

AI is here. And it’s evolving fast. The question isn’t whether we use it, but how we guide its use in meaningful ways.

What Educators Can Do Right Now

Instead of resisting AI, educators can experiment with it. Small, intentional steps might help teachers harness AI's potential. And help leaders, without feeling overwhelmed.

Here's some ideas:

• Pick one AI tool to explore this week. How might it support your work? Still stumped? Here are 40 AI tools for teachers

• Teach AI literacy. How can students use AI ethically and responsibly? Check out Nearpod to help students grasp how AI works and the societal implications. Or create a gamified activity using Educaide.AI 

• Set clear guidelines. Where is AI helpful, and where should students rely on their own thinking?

The best way to understand AI’s impact is to engage with it directly. The future of AI in education depends on how we choose to lead the conversation.

AI is a tool that will continue to shape education. School leaders need to stay informed. And teachers need to experiment wisely and guide students toward responsible use.

• What’s one step you can take this month to integrate AI into your work?

• How can we support each other in navigating AI’s role in schools?

• What professional learning opportunities do we need to keep up with AI advancements?

AI won’t replace great educators. But great educators who use AI will have a serious advantage. The key is to experiment, learn, and adapt.