Artificial intelligence, though years in the making, had suddenly become one of the top resources in education. With its easy accessibility, advanced knowledge, and speedy response, there seems to be no limit to AI. However, some question whether artificial intelligence is truly healthy for schools around the world.

Many universities, as well as national organizations, have conducted research and investigations regarding the answer of this question: “ How should AI be used in public education?”

When attempting to answer this question, students and teachers must both take into account both the pros and cons from a variety of sources. 

One particular investigation, led by the National Math and Science Initiative, listed the many convincing advantages, saying that artificial intelligence would allow teachers to personalize training and teaching methods depending on the students’ individual learning styles and abilities. 

Using the algorithms, AI would be able to analyze student performance, and could be used for cost efficiency, especially as the need for teachers and staff grows within the school systems. 

This said, some of their studies showed that many of the AI algorithms have the potential to show bias, and give false information. Some researchers expressed their concerns for privacy and security, as well as the temptation to cheat. 

The National Math and Science Initiative also asked the National Education Association and United Nations on their thoughts.  “Recognizing the seismic potential of this technology” said the N.E.A., “ led the Task Force to believe that, like the internet, access to safe, and effective A.I.-enhanced technology should be viewed much like a modern day utility,” they continue.

The United Nations agreed, but said that boundaries would have to be made: ‘“Technology is a transformative force in education. The digital revolution and AI must be pedagogically harnessed by [educators] and integrated through active and human centered teaching and learning methods, and practices.”. 

The American College of Education expressed similar concerns as well as the benefits that AI infused education could bring. They shared that AI could help generate quizzes and lesson plans. It could translate and convert text to speech. A large advantage would be given:  more teachers could focus on student interactions.

The ACE shared a study from Stanford University, where a professor said that “Some tools have been shown to falsify flagged essays written by non-native English speakers as AI generated or plagiarized.”

So how do we know if it’s AI for sure , when algorithms are making the same mistake as teachers? To go even further, a study done by the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence said that their reviews indicated some algorithms were biased for certain groups which could lead to misidentification of learning needs, inappropriate student disciplinary actions, unfair grading, and feedback. 

Further, they also expressed that in order to implement the algorithms, large amounts of data would need to function properly, leaving researchers curious if the cost would balance the fulfillment of understaffing. 

So the question remains, should AI be used in education? Will its benefits of tailored lessons, and accessibility help society, or will students become too reliant on automated assistance? From chalkboards to chatbots, only time will tell.