RALEIGH, N.C. — With the introduction of artificial intelligence into many schools across the state, teachers and students are figuring out how to navigate the new technology in the classroom.

Math teacher Brenden McMonigle uses AI to get creative in his classroom. He spent hours working with ChatGPT on an AI mystery story with math equation puzzles for his students to solve.

What You Need To Know

  • Generative artificial intelligence can help teachers get creative and save time in the classroom

  • Many students need to learn how to use AI for their future careers

  • Teachers are leading conversations surrounding AI so students will use it ethically

  • Each school district has its own rules for what AI is allowed

“I’m teaching them how to use it as a tutor for themselves,” McMonigle said. “Especially in a topic like math where sometimes it's hard to find tutors or to find extra support you need outside of school hours.”

Generative AI is being used in more industries, and educators are tasked with teaching students how to use it properly.

“We have a responsibility to make sure that everybody knows how to use this technology in a way that not only is good for productivity - it is good to advance outcomes for students - but also in ways that are ethical,” Allison Reid said.

Reid is the senior director for digital learning for the Wake County Public School System. She says AI always gives a response, even if it doesn’t know the answer.

Teachers have to help students develop critical thinking skills and train them to assess AI answers. That way the new technology can be used as a helpful tool, instead of a for cheating or plagiarizing.

“Technology in the hands of a gifted teacher can amplify really positive outcomes,” Reid said. “Likewise, technology in the hands of a teacher who doesn't know how to use it or doesn't know their content, or doesn't know their kids, it can amplify bad practice too.”

Reid reminds educators that AI isn’t a tool that should be used in every situation. When it is used, students and teachers should be transparent about it and learn how to cite AI properly.

“You have to know your students,” Reid said. “You have to be involved with them on a personal level to be able to recognize, ‘does this really sound like this student's voice? Or is this way out in left field?’ And then you have a conversation about it and you talk it through with them.”

Each school district has its own rule surrounding what’s allowed. For example, in Wake County, ChatGPT is allowed for students 13 and older. Other tools with AI are also allowed depending on the students’ age range.

Wake County school officials say the first guidelines for staff using AI came about a year ago, and they’ve already had to update it twice because things are changing so quickly. Teachers say they will continue to grow with, and utilize, new technology and teach beneficial digital literacy skills to students.