AI in Classrooms: Debunking Myths & Enhancing Learning

​​Education is evolving, and the role of AI in classrooms has become a topic that sparks curiosity, excitement, and sometimes, hesitation. Kasey Chambers, Community Manager at SchoolAI and a dedicated educator, recently led a session at CMX Connect, exploring how AI is reshaping education.

Before getting into the details, here are a few numbers that capture just how much things are shifting:

• Almost half of teachers (48%) and students (47%) have seen improvements in learning experiences when technology helps personalize the approach.
• Colleges and universities are seeing retention rates climb by up to 30%, with graduation rates improving by 12%.
• Around 90% of students using tech to study say it works better for them than more traditional methods.

Debunking Common Myths

During our session with Kasey, we have identified three main myths that persist among educators, particularly in the K-12 system, which often has a strict structure that can make it challenging to implement new technologies:

1. "AI makes students stop thinking"

One of the biggest concerns is that students will become passive and rely on AI instead of their own thinking. However, as Kasey pointed out, “Cheating instances have not increased since AI has come out.” In fact, AI can actually spark deeper inquiry and encourage more thoughtful engagement.

"AI can really encourage critical thinking," Kasey shared, using an example to show how these tools can help students dive deeper into subjects, prompting them to ask better questions and engage more meaningfully with the material, rather than just skimming the surface.

2. "AI will take over teaching jobs”

There’s a common fear that AI might replace teachers, but as Kasey made clear, "AI is not here to replace teachers, but to empower them." Rather than diminishing the role of educators, these tools are designed to enhance the teaching experience.

"The human element of teaching is more important than ever," Kasey emphasized. AI can help lighten the administrative load, freeing up teachers to focus more on what truly matters—connecting with students.

"AI can make classrooms more engaging and connected," Kasey added, showing how these tools can encourage more collaboration and interaction among students, creating a richer learning environment.

3. "Students don’t need to learn about AI”

Some believe that students don’t need to learn about AI, but Kasey reminded us that "Sixty-five percent of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that don't even exist yet." This reality makes it crucial for educators to prepare students for a future where AI will play a major role.

"We have a duty as educators to show students what AI looks like," Kasey explained. By introducing AI into the classroom, we’re not just teaching technology—we’re equipping students with the skills they’ll need for future careers in a rapidly evolving world.

AI has the potential to encourage critical thinking, reduce the administrative burdens teachers face, and most importantly, prepare students for an automated future. Kasey emphasized that by embracing AI in education, we are helping shape students who will be better prepared to navigate and succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.

Practical Applications of AI in Education

During the session, we have learned several practical ways that AI can support both teaching and learning in meaningful ways:

• AI can encourage higher-level thinking and deeper inquiry when used effectively, prompting students to ask better questions and engage in thoughtful discussions.
• It can save teachers significant time by generating lesson plans, quizzes, worksheets, and other resources, allowing them to focus more on connecting with students and providing support where it's needed most.
• AI offers valuable insights that help teachers identify students who may need additional support, enabling a more tailored approach to teaching.
• By reducing the workload related to administrative tasks, AI can help alleviate teacher burnout, giving educators the time to address the gap between what they know their students need and what they can provide in a single day.

Kasey stressed that AI isn’t a replacement for great teaching—it’s a tool that enhances it. By integrating AI thoughtfully, teachers can amplify their impact, reach more students, and create more engaging and dynamic learning environments.

Banning or avoiding AI in the classroom, she argued, isn’t the way forward. Doing so can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Instead, by teaching students about AI—its capabilities, limitations, and responsible use—educators can prepare them for success in a world where technology plays an ever-growing role.

Kasey’s session was a refreshing look at how technology can support education when used with intention. By addressing common concerns and showcasing real-life benefits, she encourages educators to see these tools as a way to enhance learning, spark critical thinking, and create stronger, more meaningful connections with students.

Couldn’t attend the session? No worries! Hit play on the recording below to catch up on everything you missed. For a deeper dive, you can also explore the slides, which highlight key takeaways and insights from Kasey's session.

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