How Can You Use AI in Education? 4 Examples of Why AI Matters to Teachers and Professors

Artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm. From business to medicine, professionals across various industries are working tirelessly to identify best practices and potential uses for AI. However, what role does AI play in education?

By taking advantage of powerful AI tools, teachers can transform their workflow and improve their students’ learning experiences. Keep reading to see examples of how AI is a game changer in education.

Key Takeaways:

• In the realm of education, AI-powered tools are transforming both teaching and learning.
• AI integrates personalized learning materials and tutoring options, improving student engagement and success without sacrificing academic integrity.
• By familiarizing themselves with AI, educators can not only improve their workflow but also build skills and become more marketable.

Why AI Matters in Education Now 

While artificial intelligence (AI) dates back to the 1950s, generative AI began making waves in the 2020s. These types of AI are “deep learning models,” which means that they’re capable of creating original content based on user prompts. All generative AI begins with a foundational model trained on large quantities of varied online data. After that, users play a role in further training the AI algorithm. Prompting AI and evaluating its responses for accuracy also improves its ability to handle complex concepts.

The most common uses of AI tools, broadly speaking, include automating routine tasks and streamlining processes where possible. If you can save time on “busy work” by having AI perform it for you, then you can devote more time and energy to complicated projects. That isn’t to say there aren’t any downsides to AI. In its earliest iterations, users have had concerns about data risks or AI tools providing inaccurate information. However, as AI tools become increasingly sophisticated, the benefits far outweigh the limitations.

4 Examples of How AI Benefits Teachers and Professors 

Now that you understand AI’s general uses, let’s look at how professionals in a specific industry can utilize it. For example, how can educators make the most of these advancements in AI?

Although it is still a new phenomenon, cutting edge generative AI tools are transforming learning environments already. Here are four examples of AI’s powerful capabilities in the classroom:

1. AI for Personalized Learning and Tutoring
2. Streamlined Administration and Grading Tools
3. Generative AI-Enhanced Instruction and Creativity
4. Trending AI Use in Schools, Universities, and the Workforce

1. AI for Personalized Learning and Tutoring

Tutoring is an important part of making sure students understand and retain what they learn in class. However, in recent years, tutor shortages have caused many schools to struggle to provide this to all students who need it. Situations like this create a need that AI-powered applications are able to fill. Drawing from the cognitive sciences, computational linguistics, and AI, intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) offer an AI alternative to human tutors.

While every AI tutoring application is different, many of them match a human tutor’s abilities. For example, an AI tutor can create learning paths personalized to students—and since generative AI is always learning, over time it will further tailor its methods to the student’s needs. This way, more students can access tutoring services without worrying about availability or high costs. Khanmigo, a popular AI application, offers a tutoring service where students can receive 24/7 feedback and study help.

2. Streamlined Administration and Grading Tools

Many AI applications aren’t just helpful for students—they’re also a game changer for teachers. Making time for grading, curriculum planning, and teaching is a delicate balancing act. For teachers and professors, being able to automate tasks that are administrative or tedious in nature leaves more time for working with students.

Luckily, AI-enhanced tools lessen this burden on instructors. For example, platforms such as Gradescope utilize AI to streamline the grading and feedback process. Teachers also receive free access to Khanmigo, which acts as a powerful AI assistant. Tasks that might’ve taken an hour can now be accomplished in a matter of minutes. This allows educators to focus more on students and less on busy work.

3. Generative AI-Enhanced Instruction and Creativity

While AI is invaluable for administrative tasks, what many teachers don’t realize is how it can assist with every facet of their job. AI now makes it easier than ever to create engaging, multi-modal teaching materials for students. Say you want to create lessons that are more interactive. With ClassPoint, instructors can easily create presentations with built-in quizzes, games, and more.

But it doesn’t stop there. Dozens of AI-powered tools focus on generating lesson plans, grading rubrics, digital flashcards, study games, and more. It’s still in the hands of teachers to bring these materials to the classroom. Even so, AI sparks new ideas and acts as a catalyst for creativity. Think of AI as a springboard: AI-generated content gives educators a jumping off point, helping them serve their students.

4. Trending AI Use in Schools, Universities, and the Workforce

While AI is useful to teachers directly in the classroom, it’s also an integral part of the broader educational landscape. College and university leaders must navigate the evolution of AI and what it means for their institutions. Higher education professionals have particularly honed in on AI’s capabilities, pitfalls, and relevance to students.

According to UPCEA, a higher education association, AI literacy should be top of mind for college instructors and administrators. AI is no longer just a tool that benefits students and individuals; now, being able to effectively use AI is an important area for professional development. With this shift in the workforce, universities have the responsibility to make sure their graduates are well-versed in AI. This trend will likely continue as AI tools become more varied, sophisticated, and accessible.

Want to Increase Your AI Knowledge? Take the Next Step with UC Today!

AI is here to stay, so it’s crucial to use it to your advantage. If you want to increase your AI knowledge through a degree or certificate program, then the University of Cincinnati has options.

Our online Artificial Intelligence in Business Graduate Certificate is just one of many flexible AI-centered programs. Geared toward working professionals, these certificates equip you with essential skills in AI that can be used across industries—including in the classroom!

Are you ready to learn all about AI education at UC? Then it’s time to talk to an Enrollment Services Advisor. Whether you’re a current teacher or just want to learn more about AI, our dedicated online team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can we use artificial intelligence in education?

AI-driven educational tools can transform student learning by making it more efficient and accessible. Optimizing administrative processes and introducing AI technologies allows teachers to focus on what matters: teaching students.

What is the best AI tool for education?

This all depends on the specific needs of students and teachers. For students, AI resources like Quizlet, NotebookLM, and Grammarly can be invaluable learning aids. Teachers may find tools like Magic School, Gradescope, and Khanmigo most helpful.

What are some examples of how AI can be used in school?

AI systems can be used by teachers to streamline grading and create lesson plans, syllabi, and other teaching materials. AI-powered teaching assistants even can help students one-one-on through tutoring and study aides.

Can AI replace teachers?

Absolutely not! While AI can be a powerful tool, it is first and foremost a tool that teachers and students alike can utilize. An important step in widespread AI implementation is combating the misconception that it can “replace” humans.