AI in Education: From Denial to Acceptance
AI is changing education as we know it forever. There will be no going back. It’s expected then that schools and educators will go through varying stages of dealing with this upheaval.
As an educator and AI education consultant, I have witnessed firsthand the range of reactions schools and teachers have had to the increasing presence of AI in education. Many of the responses parallel the classic stages of grief as they grapple with this new technology.
Denial comes first. I would say, unfortunately, too many schools and educators are stuck here. Many educators refused to acknowledge how quickly AI was advancing and the potential impacts it could have. Many even ask what AI is! Some clung to the belief that AI will never be able to replace teachers or provide value in core educational areas or that their students are using it. However, as the capabilities of AI continue to rapidly improve, outright denial has become less common, and it’s more vital than ever for schools to move past this stage. Quickly.
Anger and frustration often emerge next as the limitations of denial and the reality of the moment set in. Teachers get upset at their students, at the pace of change, at burdensome new AI-related training and policies. They feel out of control and like their expertise is undervalued. Backlash against AI initiatives grows. And I can understand all of this!
Bargaining and negotiation frequently come after that. Schools want to find ways to selectively implement AI that doesn't overtly threaten the way things have been done or educators' roles. They try to strike compromises about how to catch students using AI, and carve out space for humans and AI to co-exist. However, true integration remains elusive, and it's clear AI will substantially transform roles and tasks.
Depression, a real sadness, may follow as reality crystallizes. Educators begin grieving their traditional roles. Teacher morale sinks, turnover rises. Students are confused and left without guidance. Teachers worry about being replaced or de-skilled. Some disengage, others burn out from trying to keep up with AI capabilities. But we can prevent this! We must prevent this.
Finally, we reach acceptance. Schools realize AI is here to stay and cannot be stopped. They get serious about rethinking curriculum, training, and policies to successfully integrate AI. Schools start listening and providing guidance to students. Teachers begin viewing AI as a collaborative tool rather than a threat. The focus shifts to effectively leveraging AI's strengths in education. This is where we need schools and educators to be! We need to be providing as much knowledge and training as possible to get them here.
While the path forward may feel murky, know that this is a time of opportunity, not just challenge. Reflect on what drew you to education in the first place. What are the core human strengths and roles only you can provide? How can technology free you up to focus on your passions? Your students still need you - your guidance, empathy, creativity, and humanity - even in an AI-powered world. This transition may be difficult, but by embracing a growth mindset and advocating for thoughtful integration, you can help shape an inspiring future of education. Approach AI as a collaborator, not just a disruptor. Be the voice reminding all: teaching is not just about information, but about inspiration. Your leadership and wisdom remain vital. You have so much yet to give.
