AI in the classroom: Transforming teaching and empowering students

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in almost every industry, so it’s no surprise that it’s also making its mark in the field of education. In fact, in 2024, 60 percent of teachers had implemented AI in the classroom to streamline their responsibilities — and that number continues to grow.

While some educators and parents have concerns about the use of AI in the classroom, many say this new technology supports and augments teachers rather than replaces them, which benefits students greatly. By helping educators while providing students with highly personalized learning, AI is transforming teaching methods and enhancing the way students take on board information. 

In this article, we’ll answer the question, “how can AI help teachers and students?” and look into the benefits, concerns, and practical considerations of this technology. But first, let’s define what AI is and the role it plays in the classroom.

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What is AI and how does it relate to education?

AI tools simulate human intelligence with the ability to 

• Learn new information 
• Use reason and logic
• Solve complex problems
• Make strategic decisions
• Perceive context in conversations
• Come up with creative ideas
• Act autonomously without human intervention

A core component of artificial intelligence is machine learning (ML), which enables AI tools to learn from each interaction with a user or other machine. Deep learning is another aspect of AI, which enables the tools to “think” like a human. Many AI tools also use natural language processing (NLP) to identify and understand human language in order to communicate with users.

AI tools are used across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, e-commerce, and beyond to support roles such as customer service, operations, administration, sales, and more. 

In education, AI tools are used in admin, lesson planning, creating educational materials, and many other areas. These tools can enhance the way educators teach to meet the needs of 21st century learners, offering highly personalized and relevant information. Artificial intelligence in the classroom has limitless potential to support students and teachers alike.

Key benefits of AI for teachers and students

Virtually all stakeholders — students, teachers, administrators, and even parents — benefit when schools use artificial intelligence. Below are the key advantages of using AI in the classroom.

• Personalized learning plans: Teachers can use AI tools to increase their productivity, particularly when creating personalized lesson plans for students based on their strengths, weaknesses, grades, and other factors.
• Interactive learning experiences: With AI tools like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), teachers can engage students with unique learning experiences that they can’t get from a book.
• Admin support: From grading assignments and tracking attendance to sending reminder emails, teachers can automate administrative tasks with AI so they can spend more time engaging with students.
• Additional student support: Some students need one-on-one time with educators. AI tools like chatbots can provide answers to frequently asked questions, standing in for teachers while they’re busy supporting students with more complex questions.
• Enhanced decision-making: AI tools can analyze large quantities of student data and use predictive analytics to help teachers plan and teach more strategically in order to improve student performance.

When teachers know how to use AI in the classroom effectively, they can increase engagement, improve learning retention, and optimize outcomes for students.

Ethical and practical considerations of using AI in the classroom

As an administrator or teacher, it’s natural to focus on the ways you can use AI for school improvement. However, it’s also important to consider the ethical and practical issues that may arise from its use, including 

• Data privacy: Some AI-related tasks will involve the processing of student data. That means you need to know how student information is protected and who may have access to it. 
• Bias: If the AI tool has been trained using data that contains bias, then its outcomes may also be biased — which can have negative effects on student outcomes. 
• Over-reliance: Educators and parents may also have concerns about students becoming overly reliant on AI tools rather than developing their own critical-thinking skills.

To mitigate these valid concerns, schools need to implement policies around using AI tools in the classroom. Both teachers and students should be trained on how to leverage them effectively and responsibly. Administrators and teachers also need guidance on choosing bias-free AI tools that will benefit their students and keep their data safe.

AI tools for teachers: Implementation roadmap

How can you implement AI tools in your classroom? It’s a process that can take weeks, months, or even years depending on your school, education policies, and the amount of red tape you’ll face. 

No matter the timeline, there are a few steps in the implementation roadmap that you should follow for the best shot at success.

1. Identify classroom needs

Determine areas where AI tools can have the biggest positive impact. For example, could your students benefit from AI-based personalized learning? Or could you use a helping hand with all your admin so that you have more time to spend with students?

2. Explore the AI tools available

Based on the problem you want to solve with AI, explore the tools that might be a good match. For instance, if you’re bogged down with admin, Jotform’s Education AI Agents can take over many workflows for you, such as conducting student surveys, making online quizzes, or registering students for courses.

3. Evaluate the best tool for your needs

There are lots of tools available, so you’ll need to carry out detailed research and read a few teacher reviews of the various technologies. It’s also important to speak to colleagues about their experiences using such solutions so you can learn from their mistakes and successes. 

Many AI tools, such as Jotform’s Education AI Agents, come with free plans (and hundreds of choices available) so you can experiment with them without making a financial commitment. 

4. Get your school on board

If you need to get administrative approval before you can implement new tools in the classroom, be sure to follow your school’s process and go through the right channels. 

Ensure that the tool aligns with the existing curriculum and school policies. Determine what, if any, training might be needed for other teachers and students. And for the sake of transparency, decide how to inform students and parents that you’re going to be using an AI tool.

5. Experiment with the AI tool

Now for the fun part: Try out the tool and explore its capabilities. You’ll need to learn the ins and outs of the solution so you can effectively apply it to your use case. 

For example, if you need support in creating lesson plans, give the Jotform Key Stage Lesson Plan AI Agent a test run. It streamlines the development process so you can create lesson plans more quickly. Whatever the tool, try the AI in the classroom here and there and evaluate how well it worked with students.

6. Continuously improve your outcomes

Set realistic goals for the implementation and consistently monitor key performance indicators to determine if the AI tool is having the desired effect. These could include time saved on admin, improvements in grades, or increased participation in class. 

Consider ways you can enhance outcomes for students using the AI tool, and regularly adjust or alter your approach for the best results.

Addressing common challenges and overcoming barriers

Keep in mind that the road to implementation may contain some challenges and barriers. However, most can be overcome with some good planning and creative thinking. Be prepared for potential setbacks around

• Securing funding: Consider whether your school has the budget for a new tool and whether your ideal choice falls within that budget. If not, look for community and nonprofit organizations that offer grants for educational institutions. Keep in mind, too, that some vendors (like Jotform) offer discounts for teachers and schools.
• Ensuring equal access: Will every student have access to the AI tool? If students don’t have their own devices (laptops, computers, and phones) on which to use it, consider launching a borrowing system to encourage equitable access for all.
• Managing varying technical skills: Not all students and teachers will be familiar with the tool or AI in general. Provide training and resources to support and encourage continued use. Consider taking some professional development courses to enhance your own technical skills as well.
• Navigating willingness to change: Some teachers, students, or parents may not be comfortable using artificial intelligence in the classroom initially. Before rolling out the technology, slowly introduce the concept and inform the community about what it means to use AI in an educational setting. This may help to get people on board and excited about it.

Future outlook: AI and continuous improvement

Some 60 percent of educational professionals believe that AI will be used more widely in the classroom in the years to come, but not as a central component. This means that AI will continue to help and augment the role of teachers and administrators but will not replace them. These professionals will always take the lead in educating students, supported by AI technology.

Improvement science — a methodology around making continuous forward progress — is one that can be applied to the use of AI in the classroom. Educators can use data-driven decision-making with AI, analyzing information to determine how best to enhance certain processes to benefit students and the school community at large. After all, AI is a tool for iterative progress and not a one-off solution.

Teachers can continue to find new ways to innovate in the classroom with AI, such as when creating lesson plans, developing personalized learning strategies, marking assignments, and providing constructive feedback to students. School administrators and teachers can also enhance other processes with AI, like setting up tutoring appointments or conducting parent satisfaction surveys. 

How will you use AI in the classroom?

Teachers and administrators like you will shape AI’s success in education. As this technology evolves, it’s up to educators to keep trying new ways to enhance the learning process and to embrace AI responsibly. So, how will you use AI in your classroom?

If you’re looking to enhance communication, make the educational journey more efficient, and free up time to focus on your students, check out Jotform AI Agents for education. You can start using it for free today.

Photo by: Yan Krukau