The conversation around AI in classrooms is heating up as the new school year kicks off, and Brenda Stoesz from the University of Manitoba nails it with her pragmatic perspective. The trap many fall into is reducing AI to a simple binary—good or bad—which ironically can stunt progress by causing fear or rejection before the tool’s potential is even explored.
Instead of boxing AI into moral extremes, think of it as a versatile power tool in education. Like any tool, its impact depends on how you wield it. This shifts the dialogue from "to use or not to use" to "how to implement effectively." Educators should focus on practical integration tactics that enhance learning, while also acknowledging and managing risks.
The key takeaway? Don’t get paralyzed by apprehension. AI isn’t a magic wand or a villain; it’s a new player in the classroom ecosystem. The sooner schools and teachers embrace it with open eyes and clear strategies, the faster they can innovate learning experiences and prevent students from falling behind in a tech-driven world.
So, rather than fearing AI, let’s get curious, experiment reasonably, and build a future where both humans and machines complement each other in education. After all, the question isn’t whether AI is good or bad—it’s how well we learn to dance with it. Source: CityNews Winnipeg: Educators adapting to increased use of artificial intelligence in the classroom
