A student uses ChatGPT on their laptop.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most talked-about innovations shaping classrooms today.
From personalized learning tools to automated grading systems, AI is reshaping the educational experience in ways that were once unimaginable, but with these advances come important questions about equity, authenticity and the role of human connection in education.
AI is also changing the way teachers work. Instead of spending hours grading or managing data, teachers can use AI tools to automate those tasks and focus more on building relationships with students.
For example, intelligent tutoring systems, such as Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, can help students practice concepts independently, while educators use insights from AI-generated data to guide classroom instruction.
Senior mass communication student Shani Green sees this as a positive change.
“I think AI is a resource we can use for the better,” she said. “It’s about how we choose to use it, if we use it responsibly, it can make learning more creative and personalized.”
While AI brings exciting opportunities, it also raises several challenges. One of the biggest concerns is overreliance. Carey Bynes-Jones, a Master of Public Administration candidate at Savannah State, takes a more traditional stance.
“I’m more interested in the traditional way of learning and communicating,” he said. “I think too much dependence on AI technologies can take away from real understanding and human interaction needed for concepts to really stick with students.”
Another issue involves bias and access. AI systems are only as fair as the data they’re trained on, and not all students or schools have the same access to technology. This digital divide could widen the gap between well-resourced and under-resourced schools. Educators must also consider ethical concerns, like how student data is collected and used.
Many experts believe that the key to AI’s success in education is finding balance. Dr. Anthony Nixon, an adjunct professor at Wiley University, believes that “AI should complement, not replace educators.”
AI’s rise in education presents both opportunities and challenges. It’s revolutionizing how knowledge is delivered, assessed and experienced.
