Youth Perspectives on AI in the Classroom

As with any media, AI triggers a range of concerns, including issues relating to ethics, creative ownership and integrity. However, we must not let cultural panic around AI prevent us from the benefits of healthy practice. Among students, discussion about AI in schools comes with fears of plagiarism allegations. This fear often leads to the consequence of deteriorating trust between students and educators, creating a difficult environment for healthy AI use for students and educators alike.

We believe the positives of AI use in schools are often overshadowed by educators who may be hesitant, unsure, fearful or intimidated by the potential AI use carries. As a youth council, we would like to encourage students and educators to embrace opportunities to take advantage of new and emerging AI technology to develop creativity, tailor curricula to meet individual students’ needs and help us keep pace with the modern world.

Can Students Use AI in a Healthy Way?

Absolutely! When paired with media literacy skills — defined by the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create and act using all forms of communication — AI can be a powerful learning tool. In the resource below, explore ways teachers across the U.S. are incorporating AI into the classroom, inspired by youth council experiences.

Source: Personal Reflections from NAMLE’s Youth Advisory Council