High School Students' Mixed Feelings on AI Tools in English Classes

As an experienced educator with over 20 years in the field, I have consistently explored innovative ways to enhance student learning and engagement. Recently, I conducted a study at Atlantic High School, where I currently teach, to understand high school students' perceptions and attitudes towards the use of generative AI tools in their English studies. The findings reveal a nuanced perspective that can guide educators, policymakers, and technology developers in effectively integrating AI into educational settings.

The Study and Its Purpose

In our increasingly digital world, AI tools are becoming a significant part of educational practices. These tools can offer personalized feedback, assist with writing tasks, and even spark creativity. However, their effectiveness and the ethical concerns surrounding their use in high school education needed closer examination. My study aimed to address these gaps by investigating how students perceive the benefits and drawbacks of generative AI tools in their English classes.

Key Findings

1. Enhanced Writing Skills: A significant portion of students (74.3%) believe that AI tools can significantly or moderately improve their writing skills. This is consistent with existing literature that highlights AI's ability to provide immediate, structured feedback, which can help students refine their grammar, vocabulary, and overall writing quality.

2. Mixed Impact on Creativity: The study found diverse views on AI's impact on creativity. While some students appreciated AI for helping them overcome writer's block and generate new ideas, others felt that over-reliance on AI might stifle their original thinking. This dual perspective underscores the importance of using AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human creativity.

3. Ethical Concerns: Ethical issues were a significant concern for many students. There were worries about plagiarism, the authenticity of AI-generated content, and the potential dependency on AI tools. These findings highlight the need for clear ethical guidelines and educational programs to ensure responsible use of AI in education.

Implications for Educators and Policymakers

The insights gained from this study are crucial for developing effective strategies for integrating AI in education:

• Balanced Integration: Educators should aim for a balanced integration of AI tools, using them to complement traditional teaching methods. AI can handle repetitive tasks and provide immediate feedback, freeing teachers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of teaching.

• Ethical Guidelines: Schools and educational authorities must develop clear policies to address ethical concerns. This includes educating students about the risks of plagiarism and the importance of originality, as well as ensuring data privacy and security.

• Professional Development: Teachers need comprehensive training to effectively incorporate AI tools into their classrooms. Professional development programs should cover both the technical aspects of using AI and pedagogical strategies to enhance learning outcomes.

Conclusion

The integration of AI in education presents exciting opportunities but also significant challenges. As educators, it is our responsibility to navigate this landscape thoughtfully, ensuring that AI tools enhance rather than detract from the learning experience. By addressing ethical concerns and leveraging the strengths of both AI and traditional teaching methods, we can create an educational environment that prepares students for a rapidly evolving digital world.

For those interested in the detailed findings of my study, I invite you to read the full research paper, still in draft format [here]. Your feedback and thoughts are welcome as we continue to explore the best ways to integrate technology into our educational practices.

About the Author

James D. Brauer, Ed.D., is a high school teacher and educational leader with extensive experience in K-12 settings. He holds a Doctor of Education in Education Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has a strong background in fostering inclusive environments and employing technology to advance student engagement and success. Currently teaching at Atlantic High School, Dr. Brauer has also held significant roles in curriculum development and educational innovation.

For media inquiries or further information about the study, please contact me at [email protected]