Can AI Help Higher Ed Strike the Perfect Balance Between Tech and Teaching?

AI has become the new “best friend” of every classroom. It enhances the way learners learn and teachers teach. From personalizing lessons to sparking creativity, AI is opening up exciting possibilities in education.

However, as this partnership evolves, it also raises important questions. How can AI be used to support learners without overshadowing the human touch? How can educators strike the right balance between using technology and maintaining critical thinking?

The integration of AI into classrooms is not without its challenges. Ensuring proper use, adapting to change, and avoiding overreliance all need careful planning. However, it also provides an opportunity to change education into a more dynamic, engaging, and welcoming experience.

This blog draws insights from a recent conversation with Dr. Dax Parcells, Ed.D., Chair of Education, Psychology, and Sociology at Palm Beach State College. In our discussion, Dr. Parcells shared his firsthand experience integrating AI into higher education, exploring its impact on teaching, academic integrity, and critical thinking.

 

Teaching AI to Learners Through Discovery-Based Learning

At the heart of a good AI curriculum is a method called discovery-based learning. This focuses on curiosity and hands-on engagement instead of just rote memorization. Rather than, only teaching the technical details of AI through lectures, this approach encourages learners to explore AI tools and see how they can be used in real-life situations. The goal is for learners to learn about AI by doing, so they can understand how it works and how it can be applied in different contexts.

For example, learners using this approach can create their own recommendation systems, commonly used by platforms like Netflix or Amazon. These systems, which might seem complicated and hard to understand, become much clearer when learners are given the chance to build them. By working on these projects, learners not only learn how algorithms work but also tackle challenges like data bias, user behavior, and fairness.

While this approach has its challenges, like learner resistance or the need to adjust to different learning styles, it brings many benefits. Focusing on hands-on learning helps learners understand AI in a deeper way, beyond just memorization. They are encouraged to think creatively and use AI to solve real-world problems. This method prepares them to engage with AI in a meaningful way and equips them with the skills needed for the future.

 

Encourage Critical Thinking with AI

Apart from automating tasks, AI offers a great chance to enhance one’s critical thinking skills. In the classroom, learners can be encouraged to challenge AI’s outputs, testing its limitations and questioning its reliability. This approach helps learners develop a deeper understanding of how AI works and why it’s important to think critically about its results and not just blindly believe in it.

One exercise involves using AI tools like ChatGPT to summarize difficult academic papers. While AI can provide summaries quickly, learners quickly notice that it often oversimplifies or misses important details. By comparing the AI summaries with the original texts, learners learn to spot mistakes and gaps, helping them improve their ability to think critically and evaluate information.

In these exercises, learners don’t just accept what AI gives them. They are encouraged to ask questions like, “What did the AI miss?” “Could bias affect this summary?” “Is this summary accurate?” These questions help learners think more critically, showing them that while AI can be a helpful tool, it still needs human judgment to fully understand its results.

 

Bridging the Gap Between EdTech Products and Classroom Needs

Education technology often struggles to meet the real needs of educators and learners. These tools generally follow a one-size-fits-all design, ignoring diverse teaching methods and classroom needs. Some platforms are complicated, leaving them to spend more time figuring out the technology than using it effectively. Others don’t work well with AI systems, making it harder for learners to benefit fully from AI-powered learning.

This can be overcome by working directly with educators during product development. This helps edtech companies understand what they truly need in the classroom. It could mean creating tools that adapt to different teaching styles or making platforms simple and easy to use. These tools should also work well with AI, so educators can smoothly use AI to improve their lessons and support learners in learning. When this balance is achieved, AI can support them, improve classroom learning, and help prepare learners for the future.

 

Takeaways for Educators

Starting small is a practical approach. Educators can start with simple tools like AI quizzes for assessments or virtual assistants for admin tasks. These tools are not meant to replace traditional teaching methods but to add value by saving time and offering personalized insights.

As they get comfortable, educators can try more advanced uses, like creating interactive lessons, offering personalized learning, or giving quick feedback on assignments. The focus should be on improving learning without making it complicated. Also, patience is key for both educators and learners. Using AI can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners. Starting with simple, easy-to-use tools helps everyone adjust step by step. They can also work with learners to explore these tools, creating a supportive environment where both can learn about AI together.

The success of AI in the classroom depends on how well it meets the needs of the course and learners. Educators should regularly check what’s working, and what isn’t, and make changes as needed. Staying curious and willing to try new things helps create a better, more balanced learning experience.

AI has huge potential in education, from creating personalized learning paths to helping generate content. But with this potential comes responsibility. Educators must ensure AI is used fairly and with care, always keeping the human aspect of learning at the forefront.

EdTech developers should focus on making tools that make it easy for educators to use AI. Simple, flexible platforms that encourage experimentation will be key to helping AI become a regular part of the classroom. Magic EdTech is leading the way by offering solutions that meet these needs. Their tools are easy to use, help improve learning, and support educators in using AI responsibly. Magic EdTech is the perfect partner for schools looking to embrace the future of education. If you want to know more about our services, visit our website today.