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Episode details

Discover the nuanced debate around AI’s role in education through an in-depth conversation with science teacher and author, Adam Boxer. We explore both the exciting potentials and significant pitfalls of AI tools in teaching, assessment, and resource development.

Talking points

1. AI in Classroom Practice: How AI tools impact teaching techniques, student engagement, and assessment accuracy.
2. Teacher Workload and Resource Development: Can AI streamline lesson planning and reduce teacher burden without compromising pedagogical integrity?
3. Assessment and Feedback: Opportunities and pitfalls of AI-assisted marking and performance analysis.
4. Long-term vs Short-term Implications: The potential short-term benefits versus the risks to long-term teacher development and student learning.
5. Ethical Considerations and Trust: The importance of trust, transparency, and ethical use of AI in education.

Video:

Mentioned in the podcast:

1. The Wolfram Alpha explainer: How Large Language Models Work (70,000 words)
2. Follow blogs of AI sceptics such as Gary Marcus and Melanie Mitchell for balanced views on AI development and ethics

Links from Adam

1. On Twitter Adam is: @adamboxer1
2. Adam and Amy’s podcast is They Behave for Me
3. Adam’s blog is: achemicalorthodoxy.wordpress.com
4. Adam’s book is: Teaching Secondary Science: a complete guide
5. Find out more about Carousel Learning here: carousel-learning.com, and for Carousel Teaching click here: carousel-learning.com/teaching

New stuff I have been working on:

1. My Tips for Teachers Guides to… series
2. My updated mrbartonmnaths website.

My usual plugs

• You can help support the podcast (and get an interactive transcript of this episode) via my Patreon page at patreon.com/mrbartonmaths
• If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of the show, then please visit this page
• You can sign up for my free Tips for Teachers newsletter and my free Eedi newsletter
• My online courses are here: craigbarton.podia.com
• My books are “Tips for Teachers“, “Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain” and “How I wish I’d taught maths”

Written summary:

The Role of AI in Education: Insights from Adam Boxer

Meta Description

Explore how AI impacts education through the eyes of science teacher Adam Boxer. Learn the pros and cons of using AI tools in classrooms and their effect on learning.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both excitement and concern among educators. When I sat down with Adam Boxer, a science teacher and advocate for effective teaching methods, we delved into his personal journey with AI in education, exploring its potential, limitations, and the ethical considerations that come with its use.

About Adam Boxer

Adam Boxer is a dedicated science teacher at Totridge Academy in London, where he spends three days a week fostering student learning. In addition to his teaching role, he is involved in school improvement work and is a key contributor to Carousel Learning, a platform that promotes retrieval practice and continuous professional development (CPD) for educators. Adam’s unique perspective on AI in education stems from his firsthand experience as a teacher, making him an ideal guest to discuss the implications of AI tools in the classroom.

The Personal Journey with AI in Education

Adam’s relationship with AI began when ChatGPT was launched in 2022. As an early adopter, he was eager to explore its capabilities in enhancing his teaching processes. “I was using it immediately as a teacher,” he recalls, experimenting with AI-generated questions, marking schemes, and even constructing graphs for student projects. However, Adam quickly discovered that while AI could generate creative outputs, it struggled with the accuracy needed for educational applications.

The Limitations of AI in the Classroom

Adam emphasizes that AI tools often fall short in providing reliable educational support. “It was really bad at that. And not just that, it was bad at everything,” he explains, highlighting the challenges of using AI for tasks that require precision, such as marking student work. His research, which involved a peer-reviewed paper on AI’s ability to accurately assess student responses, revealed significant limitations. Although AI showed some promise in marking short answers, it was not consistently reliable enough for high-stakes assessments, leading Adam to question its role in the classroom.

The March of Nines: Understanding AI Accuracy

A key concept discussed during our conversation was the “March of Nines,” which refers to the diminishing returns of effort required to improve AI accuracy. According to Adam, reaching a basic level of accuracy (90%) requires less effort than achieving higher levels (99% or 99.9%). This principle is crucial for educators considering the implementation of AI tools. Adam notes, “If you want an LLM to do something to say 100% perfection, you have to do X amount of work to get it to be 90% good at that, but then you need to do even more work to push it from 90 to 99%.”

Ethical Considerations in AI Use

The ethical implications of AI in education are a major concern for Adam. He argues that while AI can provide immediate solutions, it may compromise essential learning experiences for students. “What about in five years’ time? What happens when we’ve got a generation of teachers who have never written resources for themselves?” he asks. Adam believes that reliance on AI could diminish critical thinking and resourcefulness among both students and educators.

Key Takeaways from Adam’s Insights

• AI’s Limitations: While AI tools can assist with basic tasks, their accuracy and reliability remain significant issues in educational contexts.
• The Importance of Self-Assessment: Encouraging students to self-assess their work fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Long-Term Implications: The overreliance on AI tools could lead to a decline in the quality of education and critical skills among future educators.

In conclusion, while AI has the potential to enhance educational practices, it is crucial for educators to approach its integration thoughtfully. Adam Boxer’s insights serve as a reminder to balance the benefits of technology with the need for personal engagement and critical thinking in learning environments. As we navigate the future of education, it’s essential to prioritize pedagogical integrity and ensure that AI serves as a tool for enhancement rather than a crutch for convenience.