AI in the Secondary Classroom: Good Idea? Bad Idea?

 There has been recent concern about the use of AI technology in the classroom. As an educator in a science middle school classroom, I try to incorporate technology as much as I can with my students. However, if AI is being used, I make sure to explain appropriate and inappropriate usage. Thoughts on this? How do you use AI in your classroom? 

Comments

  1. M. AjoDecember 4, 2025 at 10:47 AM

    I love that you frame AI as a tool rather than a shortcut. I feel that when students understand why AI is helpful (not just how to use it) they become far more intentional and ethical in their choices.

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    1. Elizabeth WaldrepDecember 4, 2025 at 6:33 PM

      Two Words: Digital Citizenship
      Here is a reference for you: https://iste.org/standards/students

      Delete
  2. Mrs. SDecember 4, 2025 at 11:05 AM

    It has been a challenge to keep up with the ever progressing AI tools myself this year. We have spent time discussing how to use them productively this year and I know many parents have enjoyed utilizing it to create new challenge problems or help explain a difficult concept they don't feel confident explaining. I am hopeful to get more professional development opportunities to figure out how to help us utilize it productively in the classroom as it continues to development.

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    1. Elizabeth WaldrepDecember 4, 2025 at 6:36 PM

      It is hard. I get this. The biggest thing that I have taken away from my IDT 7419 class is that "we got this" we just have to have the proper training and policy. I have found this website helpful: https://iste.org/generationai?&utm_source=Display&utm_medium=Paid&utm_source=googleads&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=ISTE+Gen+AI+-+Search&utm_term=professional%20learning%20for%20educators&hsa_acc=6526687640&hsa_cam=22138861370&hsa_grp=176685235114&hsa_ad=729612511160&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-1751039401806&hsa_kw=professional%20learning%20for%20educators&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22138861370&gbraid=0AAAAADkKcVYSOF3nZrID_ALgYHVI-HJb8&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8TJBhDNARIsAPX5qxQ5mroGghdJ602ONHOHEByCrQoucMhiwsKyG0Wv2gQIbZhlwYhWQ1UaAoTqEALw_wcB

      Delete
  3. Mr. GDecember 4, 2025 at 12:56 PM

    In school is the best place to show proper usage of AI because I feel most other ppl outside of educational institutions are just showing how to use AI for shortcuts or to just "get the answer". Showing them to appropriately use it and to showing how it can lessen the workload but not having it do ALL the work for you is vital. AI isn't going anywhere so showing them the appropriate usage will be very beneficial to them,

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    1. Elizabeth WaldrepDecember 4, 2025 at 6:41 PM

      Hey Mr. G. So in the beginning of my IDT 7419 program I was very standoffish with AI. But you are absolutely correct, its not going anywhere and it could be beneficial, if "they use it in the right way". Your points are very valid and hopefully soon we can come up with proper usage policies! Until then, rock out the usage of AI like its 1999...man I'm dating myself!

      Delete

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