Part 2 Fireside Chat with Sal Khan and Hadi Partov

Educators need to evolve in what we think about as "homework". As mentioned in the video, much of the homework that is assigned to students now can easily be done using ChatGPT or other AI sites. Instead, teachers need to think more creatively in what we assign so that students can actively be working on something that generative AI cannot totally assist with. Additionally, I liked what Sal Khan was talking about with Khan Academy, where a student can ask their AI chatbot for help with writing a paper, but it requires the student to give the "plan" for what they want to write and then assist them through the writing process, rather than writing it. Overall, AI is not going anywhere, and students will likely be interacting with it in their real-world jobs. Therefore, teachers must teach students how to use AI appropriately so that they can see it as a tool, not a "cop-out," and something that we can use long-term. 

Almost all the tech I use lately for the classroom has AI built into it. Even just doing a basic Google search gives a generative AI response to help with a topic or teaching point that I am developing a lesson on. Even in using Canva to create classroom docs or presentations, Canva AI pops up as an option to help me create a visual or generate text that would go along with the topic that I am teaching. I've been using ChatGPT for a few years to help tune up some lesson plans that I already had or to create an assessment based on a reading passage. AI has been extremely beneficial to my teaching and planning process. Since ENL does not have a set curriculum, it has helped me to create some ideas and unit plans to teach my ELLs. I am then able to modify what AI gives to better suit the students in my classroom and make sure I am hitting the specific goals I need all my students to reach. 

AI is so beneficial in the classroom for both teachers and students! What we are asking students to do will shift to combat cheating. Perhaps looking at several phases of the process of the assignment may be necessary as opposed to just looking at the final product. Teachers might allow students to use AI acknowledging that they probably will anyway- but ask them to use it in specific ways- maybe provide the prompt they used and how they made it their own. Students may produce 3 different versions of an assignment using AI and synthesize the info into one final product. 
I have already used chatgpt- way too much! It has taken so much of the busy work of teaching off my plate. It helps so much with data analysis and planning next steps of instruction based on research based practices. 
I love having the ability to use chat to lighten my load. When I can't find the right words- I look to chat. I have also used Magic School AI- I especially like the rubric generator. Canva's AI is incredible - the instant ability to write code to create games to focus on the skills I am trying to teach in incredible. 
 

1. Educators can combat cheating with AI by revolving questions more around student reflection and more personal prompts that connect to the subject matter. This would make it more difficult for students to use AI. Also, it is important to show students how they can use AI as a tool rather than to cheat. This way, students will probably use AI in a more "favorable" way. 

2. I often use the AI Overview that Google shows after a search. However, I also make sure to look at other sources just to make sure that information is correct. A lot of times, there are links attached to the AI Overview, which is very helpful in determining whether or not something is true. 

Educators can combat cheating in their classroom by teaching students the proper ways to use AI.  Unlike their teachers, students are growing up with the use of AI.  I remember being taught in high school the difference between plagiarism and copying someones "ideas."  We need to do the same as educators and teach the students the difference between using AI to assist with assignments verses to complete the assignments for them.  Once they know the difference, they can use AI to assist in learning material instead of it completing their homework for them.  I grade my student's homework based on effort, not accuracy, for this exact reason.  
I have used a site called SchoolAI and I have found it pretty helpful.  I teach my core math classes, Desmos curriculum, and then one period of math lab.  During math lab, I create additional work practice using this site.  I can type in the standard that I am teaching and it can create a unit, lesson, warm up, exit ticket, activity, independent work and so on.  I use it to create additional practice based on the NYS Next Gen Standards.  The worksheets look well made and easy for students to follow. 

Educators can combat cheating by focusing less on traditional “copy-and-paste” assignments and more on creative, personalized, and process-based tasks. For example, as a health teacher I might require students to show reflections, about the content and how it pertains to their lives, which makes it harder to rely solely on AI. I can also ask them to compare the content to current events or come up with a personal goal on how they want to make changes to their lives or the world around the. This would even make it ok for students to use AI as a tool for brainstorming, feedback, or skill practice while still holding them accountable for original thought.

Some common tools with AI built in include Grammarly for writing suggestions, Snapchat with AI photo generation, and even Google that now generates AI summaries. My experience with these tools has been positive overall. They save time, catch mistakes, and help spark ideas when I’m stuck. At the same time, I’ve noticed they work best when I treat them as assistants rather than the final product. I still need to check, edit, and make the work sound like my own.

Many everyday tools already use AI, often without us realizing it. Spell check and grammar suggestions in Google Docs or Microsoft Word, autocorrect and predictive text on smartphones (which is horrible most of the time!), and search engines like Googlea ll rely on AI to improve accuracy and efficiency. My experience has been great so far except for auto correct on smart phones.  I love when spell check just changes the word for you instead of just placing the squiggly line under it so you have to go back and fix it.

Teachers can combat “cheating” with AI by shifting focus from just final answers to the learning process, requiring drafts, reflections, and personal connections that AI alone can’t provide. By teaching students how to use AI responsibly—for brainstorming, feedback, or practice—teachers turn it into a supportive learning tool rather than a shortcut.

To prevent cheating, educators should focus on teaching students how to use AI responsibly rather than banning it. This includes showing them how to use AI for brainstorming, research support, or editing—not just copying answers. Teachers can design assignments that require personal reflection, class discussions, or step-by-step processes so it’s clear when work is original. Using tools like AI detection software can also help monitor misuse, but building a culture of integrity and learning is even more powerful.  AI detection tools can be inaccurate.  Furthermore- why would you not want students yto use these tools to help them?  The key is to to not seek opportunities to "catch" students using AI.  In my opinion, it would be smart to use AI as an assistant to enhance their work.  We need to teach students how to use it responsibly and ethically.

Khan Academy is one tool I have used with students.  It is a wonderful!  It adjusts to student skill levels.  It analyses their answers to provide appropriate skills to adapt to their skill level.  Also, it reteaches them from their incorrect response.  It is like a tutor.  Then, it gives them another problem, similar to the one they were misunderstanding before.  In this way, students have another opportunity to apply their new understanding.  I have recently begun exploring ChatGPT & Canva.  I am simply amazed at the variety and specificity that these AI supports provide for teachers and students.

In my classroom, assignments are set up to ensure that students aren't focused on just memorizing facts instead I work to have students better prepared for the real world by ensuring that lessons are project-based and focused on developing critical thinking, demonstrating problem-solving and communication. I want my students to understand that while AI is a powerful we will need to better understand how they can use it in everyday life to enhance their work. In a prior AI course I learned that putting more focus on the process, not just the final product it allows students to demonstrate their thinking process, not just a finalized AI report. Use of in-class debates, presentations and discussions would allow students to articulate their understanding of concepts and defend their ideas (this would allow for genuine back-and-forth conversation that students wouldn't be able to "fake". Lastly including more open-ended business case studies/simulations will allow for my students to not only apply the learned concepts but to think creatively and to justify their choices as AI can only assist - not replace the human aspects. Each semester I take time to review my class policies regarding academic integrity, cheating and use of AI and what is acceptable vs. unacceptable use of AI. 

The tech tools that I have already used are: ChatGPT, MagicSchool.ai, Brisk Teaching, Diffit, Gemini, SchoolAI, Perplexity, Grouper, Canva Magic Studio, EduAide.ai just to name a few. I'm all about embracing new technology that can allow students to learn and better understand content. Initially stepping into the world of AI, can be overwhelming as there are just so many options - setting realistic goals about adding AI into the classroom routine. I made a list of what I felt that I was spending "too much" time on. From there I took time to find the right AI tool to help with that one issue. Early on I signed up for a few AI platforms and spent sometime getting comfortable with the functions that if offered. There was trial and error as not all prompts I wrote generated what I was seeking and as a result it took additional time to get the final product I was seeking. It has been great in automating some of the tedious tasks like revisiting rubrics, creating quizzes and review worksheets, and drafting communications. It allows me to save time and become more creative.

There are various ways to create assignments and use A.I. for learning in the classroom.  Educators may need to redesign assessments to require more individual critical thinking. It is now necessary to teach AI literacy and have students use it transparently to complete assignments.  A.I. will evolve quickly and it is here to stay.  Teachers need to continue to change with the times. Some of the tools that I currently use that utilize A.I. are Google workspace, Microsoft office, Quizlet, and Edpuzzle.