How AI is Changing Education: Insights from a Baltimore Tech Founder
Artificial intelligence is becoming a major part of education, prompting many educators and parents to ask: what does this mean for the classroom? The next generation’s learning environment is evolving quickly, and technology plays a central role.
AI in the Classroom Today
Education looks very different from what many adults experienced. Students now use laptops, tablets, and AI tools instead of traditional pencils and paper. Seventh-grader De'Aria Johnson from City Springs Elementary sums it up well: "It's a new thing to me, but it's super fun and cool."
Brandon Phillips, founder of Future Think Hub and creator of AI software, puts it bluntly: "AI is coming whether you like it or not. The best thing we can do is get in front of it."
Personalized Learning Through AI
The Future Think Edge summer program at City Springs Elementary offers a look at how AI can tailor education to individual students. Phillips developed software that acts like a personal teacher, adapting to each child’s learning pace and style.
- The software teaches subjects like math, science, and coding through interactive, game-like lessons.
- It engages students in problem-solving and critical thinking by learning their strengths and areas for improvement.
"Even if I were a special needs or gifted student, I would still get the same amount of attention," Phillips explained, highlighting the software’s ability to fill gaps where traditional classrooms may fall short.
De'Aria appreciates having an AI tool she can turn to anytime: "If I don't understand something in class, I can go on Future Think and get a clearer explanation."
School Leadership Sees the Value
Rob Summers, Assistant Principal at City Springs Elementary, stresses the need to prepare students for future economies, not the past. AI tools assist teachers by providing one-on-one support tailored to each student’s needs without replacing the teacher’s role.
Phillips adds, "The teacher still has their lesson plan and pushes the student, but the computer assists to ensure the best outcome."
Online Schools and AI Integration
Dr. Aileen Hawkins, CEO of Inspired Online Schools USA, shares how her institution leverages technology to offer flexible, personalized learning. Students can attend live classes from anywhere and interact with peers globally.
Augmented reality tools bring lessons to life, from virtual museum tours to exploring the human heart in a digital lab. This kind of technology helps students grasp complex concepts in engaging ways.
Dr. Hawkins believes every school will eventually adopt AI and related technologies. She compares this shift to the way calculators became essential tools in classrooms, emphasizing that AI helps students build critical thinking and creativity skills needed for future jobs.
Facing the Future with Open Eyes
Traditional classrooms with chalkboards and textbooks may become rare as AI tools become commonplace. Experts warn against resisting these changes.
"If we bury our heads in the sand, outcomes won’t be helpful," Summers said. Phillips echoed this, urging educators to take control of AI’s role in education rather than being controlled by it.
Despite AI’s growing presence, a survey by Junior Achievement reveals that 64% of teens feel their schools or teachers do not encourage using AI as learning tools. This gap highlights the need for more proactive integration of AI in education.
For educators looking to understand AI’s potential in learning environments, resources like Complete AI Training's latest AI courses offer practical guidance on implementing these technologies effectively.
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