AI Challenges in Education

As AI tools become increasingly adopted in Australian schools following the release of the 2023 Framework for Generative AI in Schools, they bring both significant educational benefits and complex challenges.

Key Challenges:

• Digital literacy gaps: Many students lack the skills to effectively use AI, such as crafting prompts or evaluating responses, which can deepen learning inequalities.
• Over-reliance on AI: Dependence on AI may reduce students’ engagement, creativity, critical thinking, and resilience.
• Misunderstanding AI: Students often overestimate AI’s accuracy, leading to misplaced trust and confusion with academic sources.
• Bias and misinformation: AI can reinforce stereotypes or inaccuracies, especially concerning in culturally diverse classrooms.
• Ethical issues and integrity: Tools like ChatGPT can facilitate cheating and plagiarism; many students lack clear guidance on ethical AI use.
• Access and equity: Unequal access to AI tools creates a growing digital divide between students of different socio-economic backgrounds.
• Privacy and safety: Students may unknowingly share personal data with AI tools, risking privacy breaches and exposure to harmful content (e.g., deepfake pornography).

Teacher and School Role:

Many teachers are still learning how to integrate AI into classrooms. Until clear frameworks are in place, they must rely on personal judgement. Schools are beginning to create structured guidelines to ensure AI is used ethically and educationally.

Conclusion:

Despite the challenges, incorporating AI into school curricula is essential for fostering digital literacy. Ongoing dialogue among students, teachers, and education systems is crucial to ensuring AI is used as a supportive educational tool, not a substitute for learning.