Key points:

• Many educators look forward to the opportunity afforded by AI, but few feel ready to use it
• Other educators wonder if they have proper district support for AI use
• See related article: 5 positive ways students can use AI
• For more news on AI in education, visit eSN’s Digital Learning page

A resounding 90 percent of educators in a recent survey said they believe that AI has the potential to make education more accessible. 

Teachers are recognizing that when implemented ethically and with thoughtful consideration, AI can help students with special needs, learning disabilities, and language barriers, for example, and experience more effective, personalized learning methods, according to the 2023 Educator AI Report: Perceptions, Practices, and Potential from digital curriculum solution provider Imagine Learning.

With generative AI emerging as a pivotal element in the dynamic educational landscape of 2023, Imagine Learning conducted the survey to explore the perceptions, current practices, and future aspirations of educators who have already embraced technology in the classroom. The inaugural report showcases a comprehensive exploration of AI’s current and future role in K-12 classrooms.

When it comes to readiness, however, only 15 percent of educators feel “prepared” or “very prepared” to oversee the use of generative AI in the classroom, with over twice that number (32 percent) expressing they are completely unprepared to do so. What’s more, educators indicate a disparity when it comes to the likelihood of using Generative AI in the classroom, with district and school leaders perceived as less likely to embrace new AI tools when compared to educators and students.

On top of this, only one-third (33 percent) of surveyed educators feel that they have the support they need from their district and school leadership to successfully implement generative AI into their teaching.

Other key findings from Imagine Learning’s report include:

• Almost half of educators (44 percent) who have used generative AI believe that its use has alleviated the burden of their workload and made their jobs easier.
• Of the respondents who reported they have not used AI in the classroom, 65 percent cite a lack of familiarity as the primary obstacle to the future utilization of generative AI, with 48 percent also expressing ethical concerns.
• 72 percent of educators are most concerned about plagiarism and cheating due to generative AI, highlighting the need for clear guidelines for students for using AI with academic integrity.

“Generative AI is a blend of promise and prudence. Its transformative potential is undeniable, but the journey forward requires thoughtful consideration,” said Sari Factor, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer, of Imagine Learning. “Learning is above all a human endeavor. With generative AI as a tool to simplify lesson planning, reduce administrative tasks, and enhance personalized learning, we can empower the potential of teachers and students and improve learning outcomes.”

This press release originally appeared online.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — October historically has been a month of notable volatility in the stock market, with historic crashes like the 1929 Great Depression and Black Monday in 1987. These events have given rise to a sense of “Octoberphobia” among some investors. Lessons on these events and others are included in Common Sense Economics from Poptential, a comprehensive and free high school digital curriculum. Click to tweet.

“It’s never too early for teachers to engage students in discussions about the history of the stock market, its impact on economic growth or decline, and how it can potentially empower students to invest in their own futures,” said Julie Smitherman, a former social studies teacher and director of content at Certell, Inc., the nonprofit behind Poptential.

Poptential course packages boost student engagement by using a variety of pop culture media to illustrate concepts, including those taken from sitcoms, movies, animations, cartoons, late-night shows, and other sources. Lessons on the history of the stock market and how to invest in stocks are covered in the new 2023 Poptential Common Sense Economics e-book, including:

Investing for the future: Students can learn about the two broad categories of equity mutual funds—managed and indexed funds—in a chapter on investing. The material covers how a diverse holding of stocks over the long term can mitigate risk and offer attractive returns. This underscores the wisdom of using stock market investments as a retirement strategy.

The stock market is for small investors too: The Poptential November 15 Bell Ringer showcases that Investing in the stock market need not be intimidating. Investing in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offers individuals a pathway to participate in the stock market. A video clip explains the difference between these two investment vehicles.

Understanding stock market crashes: Poptential’s October 19 Bell Ringer explains how companies raise capital by selling stock and underscores that owning a company’s stock allows individuals to participate in the performance of that company, whether positive or negative. A video clip delves into historical market crashes, including their role in the 1929 Great Depression and the global recession of 2008.

Professionals profiting from market collapses: Throughout history, astute investment professionals have capitalized on market crashes. Those who can gauge the fragility of the financial markets and trade accordingly can profit from market downturns. This video clip from the movie “The Big Short,” featured in the Poptential March 16 Bell Ringer, highlights how investment professionals try to predict market swings and discuss strategies for profiting from market downturns.

Poptential course packages include everything instructors need to teach a subject, including lessons, e-books, bell ringers, quizzes, and tests. The curriculum is standards-based and developed by teachers.

Poptential is available via a digital platform that allows students to access lessons even in poor bandwidth environments. Course packages in American History, World History, U.S. Government/Civics, and Economics are available free at www.poptential.org.

About Certell, Inc.

Certell is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering a generation of independent thinkers. With over 100,000 users across the United States, Certell’s Poptential family of free social studies courses has garnered numerous awards, including recognition from EdTech Digest Awards, Tech&Learning, Tech Edvocate Awards, the National Association of Economics Educators, and Civvys Awards. For more information about Poptential and Certell’s mission, please visit www.poptential.org.