Navigating the Intersection of AI and Education with Dr. Chris Dede

 School district leaders gathered at the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center’s Harrison campus Oct. 20 to kick off the Technology Leadership Institute's 2023-2024 series of keynote lectures, conferences, and workshops. The highlight of the event was a presentation by Dr. Chris Dede, a renowned figure in the field of educational technology and a Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

The topic of the talk, titled "If AI is the Answer, What is the Question: Thinking about Learning and Vice Versa," explored the intersection of generative AI and education. Dr. Dede opened by discussing the concept of Intelligence Augmentation (IA), a synergy of human and machine intelligence. Drawing a parallel to "Star Trek," he highlighted how Captain Picard's judgment was complemented by Data's reckoning skills. In a world rapidly integrating generative AI, Dede examined what students need to prepare for IA interactions in the workforce and how educators can leverage AI without compromising academic integrity.

Dr. Dede touched on several key aspects during his presentation, noting that in the realm of education, "it's not just about reaching the destination; it's about the entire learning journey."

He provided clarity on large language models (LLMs) like GPT-3, explaining their remarkable ability to generate human-like text based on the input provided. Furthermore, Dr. Dede emphasized that human languages are inherently influenced by culture and context and discussed how AI can serve as a powerful tool in providing students with the cultural and contextual information needed to enrich their understanding of diverse subjects.

To reinforce the crucial points in his presentation, Dr. Dede used numerous metaphors to unravel the intricate nature of LLMs. By comparing them to "digital parrots" devoid of human experiences and equating them to "a brain without a mind," he illustrated the profound distinctions that set these AI systems apart from human cognition. Another of his compelling metaphors, that "human knowledge is sunlight, but an LLM is like moonlight," shed light on the evolving digital landscape, where flawed products of generative AI find their way into the training data of LLMs. The metaphors formed a backdrop for the complexities of integrating AI into the world of education and helped attendees gain a deeper understanding of this transformative technology.

Throughout the keynote address, breakout sessions allowed participants to discuss the current status of AI in their respective school districts. Educators shared their experiences, with some expressing concerns about AI's potential misuse for cheating but also recognizing its positive applications.

"For staff, there are so many advantages to get time back in their day from composing parent letters to developing lesson plans," said Joseph Catania of the Washingtonville Central School District.

Catania's insight underscored the dual nature of AI's impact on education—careful consideration is necessary, but the advantages for educators are evident.

Scott Staub from the Lakeland Central School District also shared his perspective on the topic. "Some believe AI and ChatGPT are synonymous, while others avoid AI altogether because they say they are 'not techy',” said Staub, noting the diverse range of attitudes towards AI in educational settings.  

Christopher Keogh of Tuckahoe adopted a proactive approach, stating, "I provide a weekly digest to inform staff about tech and AI." Keogh's dedication to keeping his colleagues informed exemplified the ongoing conversation and education surrounding the integration of technology and AI in schools.

Dr. Dede wrapped up the talk by encouraging educators to demystify AI, create experiential learning opportunities, and provide resources for their districts. He stressed the importance of teaching judgment, not only focusing on how to use AI but also on what it should be used for.

"A balanced approach is essential to prepare students for a future where generative AI plays a prominent role in the workplace," Dr. Dede remarked. “In closing, I encourage educators to take their time and be thoughtful in implementing AI in education. In the ever-evolving landscape of public education, it's clear that AI is here to stay, and educators must adapt. The challenge, as I see it, lies in teaching judgment and ensuring that AI enhances, rather than replaces, the learning experience."