I spent many years as a Microsoft Learning Consultant training teachers and administrators on Microsoft tools and programs. Even in my current position as the Microsoft Partner Marketing Specialist at Connection, I occasionally get to visit schools to talk education with impassioned and impactful teachers, and I love it. Can you guess what topic gets brought up the most overall? Take a wild guess—it’s AI. Of course it’s AI! Is there anyone currently that does not have an opinion about AI in any industry? But when we are talking about the education system, it is an entirely different set of circumstances that often brings up a mixed bag of emotions. As we head into back-to-school season, the discussion around AI in education and classrooms is paramount to ensuring a successful year for school administrations, teachers, and students alike.
At the core of ethical AI use within education is a well-structured policy, which serves as a safeguard against potential biases in AI algorithms. When a policy is introduced prior to AI use, it ensures that AI technologies are used in ways that promote inclusivity and fairness, especially in educational settings. This policy not only sets expectations for the development and deployment of AI systems but also provides a basis for ongoing assessment and improvement, ensuring that AI continues to support equitable opportunities and positive outcomes for all students.
Addressing Fears and Misconceptions
Where do you start when creating a policy? The first step is addressing common fears and apprehensions around AI in the classroom. The common thread in the many conversations I have had with educators is the fear surrounding AI—namely that it will replace teachers, and students will cheat and stop learning the necessary reading and writing skills. Having open conversations with teachers and students on using AI as a tool rather than an end-all is key here. Educating teachers on the benefits of AI to simplify their work, create learning materials, grade student work, analyze data and trends, and brainstorm new content are just a few examples of learning to view AI as an assistant rather than a replacement.
Another genuine concern is digital equity. If schools prohibit the use of generative AI in classrooms or on school devices, students with personal devices and home access will continue to explore AI capabilities. In contrast, those who depend on school-issued devices will lag behind their peers in developing AI skills, which experts predict will be essential for the workforce in the near future. Teaching kids how to use AI responsibly in the classroom will set them up for success in a changing world. Ignoring or banning the use will only create confusion in the long run. Using it to start conversations that engage students in the classroom is a great way to approach this.
I have a 10-year-old son and the amount of fun I have had with him using tools like ChatGPT as a stepping off point for creative endeavors is ridiculous. I am talking rolling on the floor laughing at the rap song about bananas we made after many prompts, ideas, and edits. Not only are we having fun and connecting, but I am also teaching him the art of prompting and then editing, and being thoughtful in your approach, thereby reinforcing that AI is a tool to use as a starting off point and not a replacement for your own creativity. I try not to adopt that mentality of “back in my day, we didn’t have _______ and had to work harder” and embrace my children where they are in our ever-changing world. The same approach can be done in the classroom. Yes, it is different, but it can also be amazing (or progressive). Imagine the possibilities of using AI to get students engaged with subject matter while also fostering their own creativity and teaching them the limitations of AI and then guiding how they engage with it.
When it comes to the cheating conversation that a lot of educators and parents have in the back of their minds, the simple answer is that you’ll know. If you’re a parent or a teacher, you intimately know the work and capabilities of the child. If there is a sudden discrepancy in those capabilities, you will know and need to address it. Don’t underestimate your knowledge and be clear with your students about what the standards are. Again, the key here is transparency and teaching the use of AI as a tool, not to do the work for you.
Involve Everyone to Create Thoughtful Policies
Once fears and misconceptions are addressed, it is important to develop a policy that considers everyone involved. Begin by initiating an open conversation around the AI policy with key stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, school staff, the IT department, and students. It’s also essential to engage the broader community—parents, local education authorities, and even industry experts—to gather a wide range of perspectives.
AI use must be grounded in purpose. Determining how an educational institution wants to impact communication, productivity, and collaboration with AI, and then actively listening to all voices can significantly streamline the process of creating an effective AI policy. This inclusive approach helps identify specific concerns, needs, and expectations from different groups, ensuring the policy is thorough and balanced. It can also foster a sense of ownership and commitment among all parties, making it easier to implement the policy proactively and effectively.
Regular workshops, informational sessions, and feedback opportunities are an easy way to keep everyone informed and involved throughout the policy development process. This continuous engagement helps demystify AI technologies, building trust and confidence in their use. Ultimately, a collaborative effort not only simplifies the creation of an AI policy but also enhances its acceptance and practical application in the educational environment.
Provide Training and Resources
Once the policy is decided upon, providing training and resources for educators is critical in the success of adoption. Connection is a proud member of the Microsoft Global Trainer Partner Program, with Professional Development Specialists who are Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEE) to deliver training for educators on behalf of Microsoft. Our highly skilled and inquisitive specialists bring years of experience both in and out of the classroom, providing them with a deep understanding of the educational landscape. They speak the language of educators and approach training from an insider’s standpoint, which helps them build the trust necessary to effectively engage with schools. By integrating AI training into their sessions, Connection can help educators harness the power of AI to further enrich the learning experience.
There are already several AI-powered features built into Microsoft programs—such as Designer in PowerPoint, or the prediction feature in Forms—that educators might not realize they are already using. These features enhance efficiency and effectiveness of both teaching and administrative tasks. For instance, Designer in PowerPoint helps create visually appealing slides with minimal effort, allowing educators to focus more on content rather than design. The prediction feature in Forms can streamline the process of creating quizzes and surveys, offering smart suggestions based on the context of the questions being formulated.
These built-in AI tools provide an excellent starting point for educators to explore the broader potential of AI in education. By recognizing and leveraging these existing tools, educators can begin to appreciate how AI can simplify routine tasks, personalize learning experiences, and improve student engagement.
Starting with familiar tools that already incorporate AI can help demystify the technology for educators who might feel overwhelmed by the concept. It serves as a practical introduction, showing how AI can be, or already is, integrated into their daily workflows. This familiarity can then open the door to broader discussions about the potential of AI in education, such as adaptive learning systems that tailor content to individual student needs, AI-driven analytics for identifying at-risk students, and virtual teaching assistants that can provide support outside of regular classroom hours.
Engaging with existing AI-powered features can spark curiosity and inspire educators to explore additional AI tools. Having these conversations helps educators collaborate on thoughtful and ethical AI integration to enhance the educational experience. Recognizing and utilizing built-in AI features serves as a steppingstone, building confidence in technology, encouraging innovation, and fostering continuous improvement in the evolving educational landscape.
I leave you with the epic banana rap my ten-year-old crafted with the help of ChatGPT. Now, imagine doing this activity with a class of ten-year-olds to introduce the structures and rhythm patterns of poetry. Maybe task them with rewriting it as a sonnet or sestina. If you want to get really crazy, challenge them to reworking it into iambic pentameter. What started as a silly activity that guarantees a lot of giggling in the classroom suddenly becomes a series of memorable writing exercises and lessons that hold engagement and feels like less of a slog. And that? Well, that’s just poetry.
(Verse 1) Yo, listen up, I got a story to tell
‘Bout a fruit that’s yellow and you know it so well
It’s the king of the jungle, let me introduce
The one and only banana, it’s time to break loose
(Chorus) Banana, banana, so sweet and so fine
Peel it back, take a bite, let the flavor unwind
Banana, banana, it’s a tropical treat
From the Caribbean islands to the city streets
(Verse 2) You can find it in the morning, have it with your flakes
Banana pancakes, goodness, that’s all it takes
Potassium-packed, it’s a natural boost
Gives you energy, no excuse for the snooze
(Chorus) Banana, banana, so sweet and so fine
Peel it back, take a bite, let the flavor unwind
Banana, banana, it’s a tropical treat
From the Caribbean islands to the city streets
(Verse 3) Yellow and curved, it’s got that unique shape
Easy to hold, no mess, no need to scrape
You can freeze it, blend it, make a creamy delight
Banana smoothie, take a sip, feel the delight
(Chorus) Banana, banana, so sweet and so fine
Peel it back, take a bite, let the flavor unwind
Banana, banana, it’s a tropical treat
From the Caribbean islands to the city streets
(Bridge) Now let me tell you ‘bout the banana’s appeal
It’s not just the taste, it’s how it makes you feel
A smile on your face, a little burst of joy
From the youngest to the oldest, every girl and boy
(Chorus) Banana, banana, so sweet and so fine
Peel it back, take a bite, let the flavor unwind
Banana, banana, it’s a tropical treat
From the Caribbean islands to the city streets
(Outro) So next time you see a banana in your sight
Remember its power, its natural delight
A versatile fruit, it’s a superstar
Banana, oh banana, you’re the best by far!
Makayla Mota
Makayla Mota is a Partner Marketing Specialist at Connection with a background in educational technology training on Microsoft solutions in the classroom. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, antiquing, hiking, and watching movies.
