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“Be wary of Greeks bearing gifts” is a well-known saying used to warn when an act of virtue is thought to hold a hidden threat, like the story of the Trojan Horse.
Our society is at a crossroads with artificial intelligence (AI), with its ed-tech advancements juxtaposed with the potential for unethical actions and potential threats to humanity.
Indeed a watershed moment. In a recently released documentary called “Killer Robots”, engineers and AI technologist experts provide explicit examples of the possible misuse of AI, from autonomous military weapons to computerized formulas of deadly warfare chemicals.
I can attest, as a professional educator for over 25 years, it’s an understatement to say that the AI trajectory will forever transform how educators teach and students learn. No matter how innovative AI exploration becomes, significant limitations and ethical concerns arise around humanism. Why? AI won’t teach our kids how to build a long-lasting relationship with their teachers or resolve a conflict with another classmate.
The COVID pandemic has accelerated AI’s optimization, centered around automation and augmenting eLearning instruction using non-traditional remote teaching methods, including call-center operations, virtual chatbots and virtual assistants to offer 24/7 “on-demand” remote tutoring.
I recently worked for a software-as-a-service (SaaS) ed-tech company that invested thousands of dollars in an AI language tool to replace experienced tutors. Yet, amongst all the hype, I observed first-hand minimal student engagement. And what was most desired and beneficial — Zoom one-to-one sessions — could not yield profitability based upon the scalability requirements necessary to achieve desired results.
AI cannot keep up with increasing demands to help children develop soft skills and support their social and emotional well-being. Although ChatGPT can help someone solve a physics problem, it cannot teach anyone the fundamental concepts behind a topic nor provide the personalized, authentic, and meaningful feedback students often need.
AI can’t teach our kids the principle of determination and perseverance of personal achievement, and the value of a strong work ethic. Recently, during a vacation to the heartland of Iowa, my kids stood in awe at how my 80-year-old neighbor spent a day pulling thistles from the prairie to preserve its natural habitat, a rare site these days. How can AI teach that kind of perseverance to our children?
Although there will be many future educational advancements with AI, it’s important to remember that these efforts must be regulated and monitored. AI cannot build confidence for that shy child, who may struggle to articulate and express what they may need help with, nor sympathize with that kid who suffers from test anxiety for an upcoming final that looms ahead.
I urge every parent to stay well-informed as new technologies and educational practices intermingle and move through uncharted waters.
At the end of the day, AI is just a tool. AI will never replace the human element of teaching our children values of moral conduct, ethics and love, which must prevail above anything else in molding the future of our kids’ learning experiences!
Editor’s note: Kelly Mokashi, who is in her third year as an elected trustee of the Pleasanton Unified School District, has written this Guest Opinion reflecting her opinion as a parent, education professional and resident of Pleasanton. She said any statements within this Guest Opinion do not represent her views as an elected PUSD trustee, nor are they intended to express any views on behalf of the PUSD Board of Directors.
Editor’s note: Kelly Mokashi, who is in her third year as an elected trustee of the Pleasanton Unified School District, has written this Guest Opinion reflecting her opinion as a parent, education professional and resident of Pleasanton. She said any statements within this Guest Opinion do not represent her views as an elected PUSD trustee, nor are they intended to express any views on behalf of the PUSD Board of Directors.
“Be wary of Greeks bearing gifts.” I would add that another oft-used aphorism is “Never say never.”
You appear to be that rare educator who is also well-versed in technology and steeped in emergent trends of the same, so I was surprised to read you speak in absolutes such as “AI will never ….”
How can we know that? History is littered with comments such as these which, in retrospect, were unequivocally incorrect. Napoleon said steam-powered ships would never replace wind-powered ones. Thomas Edison said no one would “ever” use alternating current (AC). Lord Kelvin declared that flying machines “heavier-than-air” are “impossible.” Darryl Zanuck said television wouldn’t when it first appeared on the scene.
Saying things like “AI cannot keep up with the demands of…” or “AI can’t teach our kids ______” when we are just at the beginning of the AI revolution seems short-sighted to me; I’m also an educator and I have many questions of my own about AI, but I also think that the hallmark of knowledge, learning, and language is the fact that the more we learn, the more we realize how much we don’t know (to paraphrase Einstein).
I understand the point of this piece was to mollify the concerns of well-intentioned parents, educators, and others. However, to me it still seems to carry an undercurrent of fear and denial. I agree with you that “the AI trajectory will forever transform how educators teach and students learn,” but I also think it may be in ways that we don’t consider possible today, and that would make us uncomfortable to accept. But that’s ok.
Chief Joseph at the end of the Nez Perce War “I will fight no more forever.”
In the 80’s I worked with Lotus and occasionally worked with a non-computational software. A peer was involved with setting up that non-computational software, date entry storage, (DES). I happened to mention to a colleague that DES software cannot hold a candle to Lotus.
My colleague passed on my comment to that peer, that peer complained to my supervisor, that I was disparaging his program. My supervisor called me in asking why I was discrediting my peer’s software. I explained Lotus has Artificial intelligence (AI). That DES software does not.
My supervisor asked what do you mean artificial intelligence? I explained, Lotus will perform computations, DES software cannot. I never heard another word on this issue again.
AI is not transparent, it requires trust, in that AI can simulate intelligence by taking information from its surroundings.