What exactly is artificial intelligence? And what are the best AI tools for K-12 students?

Parents, buckle your seatbelts! Over the past few years Artificial Intelligence (AI) has grown so rapidly that your high school child can now produce an essay for their English class in less than 60 seconds – not with a command to a Genie or some science fiction contraption –  but with one simple visit to ChatGPT. The essay will be well written but may contain a few factual errors. (More on that later.) 

Let’s try to understand exactly what Artificial Intelligence is and what it is not. According to Google, AI is a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to see, understand, and translate written and spoken language, analyze data, make recommendations, and more. A calculator is not AI because the user must input numbers for the calculator to process the result. The calculator will not “learn” from each entry and predict what the user will enter next. AI will.

Like many industries, education is grappling with the presence and disruption of AI. Some schools and/or teachers are prohibiting its use. Other more progressive schools and/or teachers are acknowledging its existence and are embracing its powers to help students learn. 

While there are many viewpoints about AI’s use in educational settings, there are some objective positives and negatives to its place in schools and classrooms. 

Positives of AI in education

• According to Forbes, AI-powered educational tools can analyze data on student performance and provide tailored support to improve their grades.
• AI can also provide instant feedback. For example, AI-powered educational tools can provide students with immediate feedback on their work, allowing them to identify and correct mistakes quickly.
• E-learning Industry says AI can personalize learning by tailoring lessons to individual students’ needs, providing immediate feedback, and offering guidance.
• Gamification or the use of game scenarios that interest the students can provide immediate feedback and boost engagement.
• 24/7 access to technology can meet students when and where they are ready. 
• Virtual Speech reports that some neurodiverse students who may struggle with traditional settings or learning methods thrive in AI powered environments.

Negatives of AI in education

• Forbes shares that while AI can provide personalized learning and instant feedback, it cannot replace the human and emotional support that students need to succeed, and relying too heavily on AI-powered educational tools may impact students negatively.
• Educators Technology states that plagiarism and factuality of information are also two serious concerns underlying the use of AI technologies in education.
• Privacy concerns proliferate the use of AI – or any internet visit – as students’ personal information can become at-risk.
• Cost of implementing AI in schools can be prohibitive for many districts and schools.
• Some teachers view AI as a threat to their job and may not embrace its true power out of fear for their continued employment.

Best AI tools for students

Now that you have your Cliff Notes version of AI, what are some tools that your child could benefit from using? Below is a wide range of AI apps, websites and programs that can support and enhance your child’s progress in school. Perhaps they are already using some these.

Slidesgo creates slide shows out of Google Slides or Power Point from student content. There are many themes and styles to select from that will “jazz up” any presentation, great for the non-artsy student. Best is that it is free.

Otter.ai records lectures and transcribes them into text in real time. It can even join Zoom sessions and record the meeting. There is a free option or paid options with more features.

Duolingo is a researched-backed approach to learning a foreign language. With bite-sized lessons students earn points and unlock levels, like a video game. And it is free.

Girls Who Code- Code at Home Program is an organization that allows girls to learn computer science and coding- and it is free.

Speechify coverts just about any text to speech. Students can choose from over 100 different voices including Snoop Dog. Prices vary.

Knowji is a tool that helps students learn vocabulary words in a fun and effective way. Using a built-in memory coach, Knowji ensures that each word you learn is maintained and stored in your long-term memory. Students preparing for the SAT or ACT may benefit from this program. Price $9.99.

Cognii: is a virtual learning assistant with conversational chatbot replies. They purport personalized deeper learning and intelligent tutoring among some of the features. Students can ask questions and receive immediate responses in a variety of subjects. Pricing not available. 

Plaito is another learning assistant great for homework help and studying. There is a free option.

Hello History allows a user the opportunity to chat with a historical figure or fictional character that responds in their voice and style. It is great for research and learning more about a person. Cost not available.

ChatGPT is perhaps the best known AI tool due to its proliferation in the media. It is a form of generative AI, which means it literally generates responses based on the input. As mentioned at the beginning, ChatGPT can write an essay or tell a joke. There is a free version.

Concluding thoughts

No matter where you sit on the AI knowledge continuum, the education field is being transformed from the various AI applications available to both teachers and students. Like all new and innovative developments, there is a scary element to it along with a wide range of feelings and opinions about it. Positives include the efficiency in which AI can analyze a large set of data and and transform it into recommendations and feedback for student learning. Negatives include the lack of personal connection and emotional support that a teacher or tutor would provide. Whether your child’s school prohibits or embraces AI, these 10 applications are worth reviewing and sharing with your child.

If you have questions about AI or how it could be better harnessed to help your child with their schooling, contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to learn more about these fascinating programs.