How to become a teacher in the age of AI, ML?

Each new breakthrough in technology, that has potential impact on teaching and learning, presents greater challenges to our educators, who are already overworked and under-appreciated.

Yet another breakthrough has been achieved, and in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the role of teachers is undergoing another transformation. As AI and ML technologies become more prevalent in educational settings, educators must adapt and embrace the opportunities and challenges they present. It is crucial to understand the impact of AI and ML and equip yourself with the necessary skills to thrive in this new era.

However, amidst this wave of innovation, it is vital to uphold the essence of education. The human connection between teachers and students remains irreplaceable. Teachers play a crucial role in nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and the development of essential skills. It is therefore essential that we use AI and ML as tools to enhance and complement these aspects rather than replacing them. Below are some ideas and thoughts that provide insights into how educators can enhance the learning experience of students and hence better prepare them for success in their future endeavours by effectively leveraging the power of technology and the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Clarify your motivation and purpose

Begin by delving deep into your motivation that inspires you to be a teacher. Reflect on your passion for education, the impact you wish to make. They are important as new developments keep happening in any field, our purpose becomes the compass that navigates us through the challenges and opportunities that each new development brings with it.

Develop a strong pedagogical foundation

It is then crucial to be well versed with latest research and material with the field of pedagogy, educational theories and instructional strategies. Staying student centric in all your approaches is crucial to using any new development effectively, it will in turn better enable you to develop individualized learning experience. Such in depth understanding will enable you to recognize how AI and ML are revolutionizing these pedagogical principles, enabling personalized learning experiences, adaptive assessments, and data-driven decision-making, and thereby enabling you to choose the optimum approach for you and your students.

Foster meaningful student connections

Recognize the enduring importance of human connections in the teaching profession. Emphasize the development of social-emotional skills, empathy, and cultural competence. It is important for students to understand that while advancements in technology will keep happening, human emotional skills are going to be hard to replicate, and for students to succeed they have to be aware of these facets and be able to apply them effectively. It is crucial for students to understand the potential of AI and ML in enhancing personalized learning, adaptive instruction, and student support, and also understand its limitations, so that the teacher is able to use them effectively to create inclusive and supportive classroom environments where students feel valued, engaged, and empowered.

Foster creativity and innovation

While AI and ML technologies offer powerful capabilities, human creativity and innovation remains indispensable. Teachers should always strive to create learning environments that encourage students to think creatively and solve complex problems. Project based Learning and other collaborative pedagogies are very effective in challenging students to solve problems in a creative manner.

Another effective way is to use problem statements and the potential solutions by ML or AI, and then ask students to add onto the solutions that technology solutions can come up with instantaneously. It will display the power of value addition that a human brain can have on outputs by technology solutions.

Embracing technological fluency

As an educator in the world of AI and ML, it will go a long way in helping each teacher to better understand how these technologies work and also to develop technological fluency. Familiarize yourself with the foundational concepts of AI and ML, including algorithms, data analytics, and neural networks. Stay updated on the latest advancements and emerging trends in educational technology. Engage in professional development activities, attend conferences, and participate in online communities to enhance your technological literacy and integrate AI and ML tools effectively in your teaching practice.

Hence, to embark on a teaching career in the world of AI and ML, it is crucial to grasp the transformative potential of these technologies. Explore how AI and ML can enhance teaching and learning experiences, such as through personalized instruction, adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and data-driven insights.

Gain practical experience and mentorship

Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in educational settings. Volunteer, intern, or work as a teaching assistant to observe and learn from experienced educators. Collaborate with mentors who can provide guidance, feedback, and support. Reflect on your experiences, refine your teaching skills, and continuously improve your practice through ongoing professional development.

These broad points will be critical to achieve a greater balance between our expectations of our current and future educators and their ability to deliver effectively on the deep desire that I am certain that every educator possesses, the ability to impact their students' lives in the most positive and enduring manner.

(The author is CEO of Uplift Inc.)