What is Artificial Intelligence

 What is Artificial Intelligence?

Image Source: Mark Tech Post

Before this class, I never really thought about Artificial Intelligence or AI. I knew that people were talking about how AI could write papers, answer questions, and do mostly everything a human could do when it comes to using the internet. I have over heard conversations with others about using it in the classroom like creating lesson plans for specific students or creating comments on report cards. I have never thought about that before. I do think that advancing the technology usage with our students is great, however, these kids especially at a young age need to make connections and relationships with real humans before connecting them to an online human. I have only interacted with a few AI computer systems; one of them being snapchat. Randomly one day, everyone had a friend named MyAI. I had no idea what this was until I went onto Instagram and TikTok and the whole Snapchat population was talking about it. My AI on Snapchat takes pictures, send snaps, answers questions, and ask questions. These computer systems are programmed to answer questions based on patterns and data that was collected before they were used. Recently, my friend sent me a TikTok that was a video of a girl messaging a robot or an artificial intelligence system about her relationship with a boy because all of her friends were sick of her talking about it. Before today, I have had zero interest in learning about AI or using AI especially when it comes to teaching. Teachers tend to stick to what they are good at instead of exploring new ways of teaching. 

Image Source: The Insane App

While I was doing my research for this topic, I realized that most of my daily digital applications have some sort of artificial intelligence. My Alexa to start, I use her almost every day to ask questions, like the weather outside, to set timers, and what time it is. I even ask it to play music. Of course, this is some sort of system that is preprogrammed to complete these tasks. Also, while I am typing this blog when the blog gives me a recommendation on a word that I might be using, that is another form of AI. With my students, I don't think that I use AI really with them. Again, this is because I have not found much interest in using it myself. I do think that when my students sign in on their tablets using their QRCode, is advanced technology for them but not necessary AI. AI is all around us without even realizing it. As a teacher, I need to be better about researching and experimenting with different types of artificial intelligence to keep up with what the students are used to.

Image Source: WBCOM Designs

For this week, I wanted to explore different artificial intelligence tools that could be used in a primary grade level classroom. Below is a list of the resources that I have found to be useful, and I want to start using them with my students. 

Scribble Diffusion: This tool turns students designs or scribbles into an actual picture. This would be perfect for brain breaks and for students to become more confident in their drawings. I could also use this when I need to create a lesson that involves some kind of drawing which I am normally horrible at. 

ChatGPT: This tool helps humans brainstorms different ideas. This could be helpful for my students for spelling, writing, how to explain certain math problems etc. This AI can also have access to a microphone so students can speak their thoughts instead of typing them. It also gives students advice to situations they might be going through that they might not want to share just yet. 

Ideogram: Generates images using a description that is given by the user. This can be used for projects for students and be a resource for our students who might speak a second language.

Pictory: Helps turns scripts or writings into videos. Students can use this to turn their writing into visual work. This will help with the writing process by the students understanding the importance of adding details. The program allows voice recordings and editing. 

Antimatter: Makes activities using memes that is relevant to students lives. This AI makes activities based on what teachers are teaching. Teachers can then assign the activities to the students to see how they are doing. The system differentiates the work based on how the student is answering the questions. 

While I was doing my research, I came across many different websites that gave resources when looking at artificial intelligence in the classroom. There are a ton of systems that teachers and students can use to create a successful experience for everyone. I found AI tutors, quiz makers, project supporters, and so much more! 

Citations: 

DitchThatTxtbk. (2024, September 25). 40 AI tools for the classroom. Ditch That Textbook.

Perez, S. (2023, April 19). Snapchat’s AI chatbot is now free for all global users, says the AI will later ‘Snap’ you back. TechCrunch.