AI Professional Development

About a month ago I found myself in an AI for Teachers PD session. With my teacher bestie right next to me, we listened to the possibilities AI could offer us. When it was time to play with the software, we entered the opening scene of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and asked to get AI’s interpretation of the imagery from that text. The results were nothing short of wild. We watched as AI generated an interpretation that took us to places we’d never imagined—bizarre, dramatic visuals that both amazed and baffled us. It was like having an entirely new lens through which to experience the words we thought we knew so well.

We couldn’t stop there. We continued playing around with the prompts, asking the AI to create even more outlandish and creative responses. It was a blast—an entirely new way to think about the way we could use imagery in our lessons. We could see how this kind of technology could infuse energy, surprise, and creativity into any curriculum. The possibilities felt endless, and for a moment, we were all on the same page, excited about the endless potential for innovation.

The Painful Truth Behind AI

As a lifelong learner bound by skepticism, I started to deep dive into how this technology works as well as the drawbacks- because anything this good has got to have drawbacks, right? Our instructor addressed the obvious teacher concerns like plagiarism, declining work ethic, resistance to learning and more. I listened intently to these real class concerns while I continued my own search for truth behind the scenes.

It took about 30 seconds of searching to learn that AI generators like ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Co-Pilot are nothing more than suped-up search engines that learn at an exponential speed. The speed and accuracy of this type of data comes at a price. A few more clicks on my end to realize that the massive data centers required to house AI processors require not only power, but cooling systems as well. Water is the coolant. And it turns out, a single ChatGPT search requires about 500ml of water. I looked around the room. Collectively, the teachers in this room forced these data centers to consume no less than 10 gallons of water in less than 10 minutes of our PD. There was no mention of the environmental impact in this session.

AI: Take the Good with the Bad?

I’ve been raised to temper excitement with an undercurrent of skepticism. As much as we reveled in the creative chaos the AI unleashed, there was an undeniable tension building in the room. We loved the potential, but we also couldn’t ignore the complexities that came with it. This new tool promised to be both a revolution and a challenge for teachers like us.

This moment encapsulated the love-hate relationship many educators feel when it comes to AI in the classroom. While the technology holds immense potential to enhance teaching, it also stirs up concerns, frustrations, and fears. In this blog, we’ll explore both the exciting possibilities and the challenging realities of AI in education, as teachers navigate the fine line between innovation and control.

I took this opportunity to interview a few teachers who just completed the professional development session in AI and/ or use AI regularly to uncover their thoughts. The love and hate was strong! Here are the summarized results of this informal yet informative interview.

We LOVE AI because…

1. Productivity doubles.

Teachers leverage AI-driven tools to automate administrative tasks from grading assignments, tracking student progress, managing attendance to writing emails and letters of recommendation! (I was shocked to hear that last one, but they say they use it to get the base of the letter and then personalize it. Bottom line- it saves time.

2. Lessons and learning are personalized.

Some teachers are using AI tools powered by AI to adapt to each student’s level and tailor exercises for individual learners. For example, one teacher mentioned her diverse class with 4 multi language learners, several learning support students and students that need to be pushed. She would put her readings into ChaptGPT and ask it to rewrite it for different reading levels. For teachers, this means they can more easily cater to diverse learners, without sacrificing the quality of instruction.

3. Feedback and Resources are instant.

Teachers and students will put a paragraph into AI and ask the data miner to check it for grammatical errors- or to rewrite it using a prompt like, “Can you make this sound more professional?” Students and teachers report that quick feedback helps them stay on track and feel more motivated to learn.

4. Creativity and Engagement increases.

Teachers have asked AI to create a lesson using prompts like, “include physical movement” or “Include a mindful moment.” Almost everyone I spoke with reported they rarely use the exact AI-generated lesson, rather they rework AI’s response and build from it.

We HATE AI Because…

1. We’re becoming too dependent on technology.

Teachers showed concern that these tools will become crutches for students, rather than enhancements to their learning. If students begin to depend too heavily on AI for answers or solutions, they may miss out on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Teachers worry that this shift could ultimately stunt intellectual growth and creativity in the classroom. The same teachers using this tool to double productivity and write letters home to parents see how easy it is to let the computer do the heavy lifting. And we know slippery that slope can be!

2. The Digital Divide keeps growing.

Not all students have equal access to the technology required to take full advantage of these tools. The digital divide remains a significant challenge in many communities, where students from lower-income families lack access to computers, high-speed internet, or even AI-driven educational tools.

3. The lack of control and transparency.

Many of the questions at the end of the presentation revolved around privacy and “how do we know this is secure?” Even after a 45 minute in-service on AI, teachers still see AI as a “black box.” While they might use AI tools to grade assignments or track student progress, the algorithms behind these systems can sometimes be opaque. Teachers feel they have limited control over the content or the methodology used by AI, and they may be unsure about the accuracy and fairness of its decisions.

4. The Environmental Impact.

Full transparency- not one teacher mentioned this as a concern, but I’m putting it out here for two reasons: (1) As the author of this blog, I get to choose what I put in it! (wink!). And I choose to use this space to educate those of us using this technology. It comes at an environmental impact. Like all new technologies, let’s hope this scientists are working on a solution, but regulation and discipline are not really this country’s strong suits! (2) Once teachers know about this impact, the scope of use might change. At least, they will be able to weigh the necessary use of the service. Interested in learning more? Earth.org has a great article on the environmental impact of AI.

The Middle Ground: Navigating the Balance

It’s clear that AI is here to stay, and its role in education is only going to grow. The key for teachers is to find a balance between embracing the benefits of AI and ensuring it complements, rather than replaces, their teaching methods. AI should be seen as a tool that supports educators—not a replacement for human connection, creativity, or judgment.

Conclusion: The Future of AI and Education

The love-hate relationship between teachers and AI is a reflection of the broader complexities of technological advancement. While it’s tempting to fear that AI will disrupt traditional education, it’s more likely that it will work in tandem with teachers, enhancing their ability to do what they do best: inspire, mentor, and empower students.

As AI continues to evolve, teachers will need to stay informed, adaptable, and reflective on how best to harness its potential. The key is not to fear the change, but to educate ourselves and embrace it in a way that ensures it complements the personal touch that makes education truly transformative. After all, AI might be intelligent, but it’s still the human element in the classroom that makes all the difference.

Still curious? Check out The Teacher’s Academy course: AI in Ed (Artificial Intelligence in Education).

The Teacher’s Academy is a company created by teachers for teachers. Our professional development courses have been created by teachers working in the field so they are packed with useful resources and customizable projects so earning hours for license renewal is quick and easy. Browse the course catalog and check out your state requirements for professional development!