Vargas (2023) explored teacher perceptions of AI use in the classroom. She found that teachers weren’t necessarily against using AI, but wanted effective professional development to help support teachers and students. I can relate to this personally. As an English teacher, I have typically stayed away from the idea of using artificial intelligence in the classroom. In my experience, students have used it to take short cuts on their short answer responses or whole essays. However, I would like to find a way to be more open to embracing this change that is not going away.

In a world that is rapidly changing in terms of technological advances, it's crucial that students are prepared to enter adulthood with the skills needed to be able to navigate this. In a public education system as big and as varied as the United States’, it’s so important that all students have access to technology in order to adequately prepare them for their future. Kalantzis and Cope (2012) note the importance of investing in education and “new learning” to be able to create equitable access to education and resources for all students. It’s imperative that all students, not just students in affluent areas or private schools, receive the tools and education needed to prepare them for the ever-changing technological world we live in.

Tatar (2023) suggests that English Language Arts (ELA) teachers introduce students to AI, as only 51% of U.S. high schools offered computer science classes in 2021. A gap between those who attend affluent or specialized schools and those who do not will continue to grow without AI being introduced to students in core classes, such as ELA. Through my project, I will explore the issues of equity as related to AI in education and the use of AI in English Language Arts Classes.

References: 

Cansu Tatar. (2023). Rethinking English Language Arts Classrooms with Artificial Intelligence Education: Teachers’ Confidence and Views. In ProQuest LLC.

Kalantzis, M., & Cope, B. (2012). New learning: Elements of a science of education. Cambridge University Press. Chapter One.

Nicole Vargas. (2023). Secondary ELA Teacher Perceptions of the Use of Artificial Intelligence as an Instructional Tool. In ProQuest LLC.