AI in the Classroom
“Today’s version of AI is the worst version you will ever use” is a common statement that is shared among futurists and those thinking about the impact that generative artificial intelligence will have on our society—an idea that is supported simply by the level of accuracy that was seen with ChatGPT at this time last year versus it's improved accuracy.
This summer as part of the annual summer learning work that faculty do each year, each faculty member read Matt Miller’s book AI for Educators. The book served to ground our faculty in the work that educators are doing with AI, conversations about how to use it as a tool, and practical guidelines for use. In the book, Matt Miller, while reflecting on his own children (13, 15, and 17 years old) shares “not all of my kids will work in AI. But they’ll likely work with AI in some capacity” (Miller, p. 105).
Miller’s insight about his children mirrors the discussions we are having at Brimmer, where we are focused not just on preparing students to work with AI, but on equipping them with the skills to navigate an AI-powered world. This thinking is driving our conversations and work as a school. Similar norms were challenged with other technology transformations: spell check and grammar check were not allowed by many in schools, but they are now considered a routine part of the writing process; Wikipedia was once rejected by scholars, but is now accepted as a good place to start when conducting research; and math classes regularly rely on calculators now to do routine calculations. History has taught us that we cannot go back once new technology takes root, instead, we are at another inflection point as educators needing to shift our focus towards the future.
The question remains for schools, including Brimmer: how can we help students develop the skills needed to succeed in a future shaped by the rapid integration of generative AI into all walks of life? While teachers engage with AI in different ways in their classrooms, we wanted to create a common language across the school and provide transparency to the different ways one could use AI on an assignment. This summer we developed based on research Brimmer’s Tool for Evaluating AI Usage in Assignments. The tool also allows teachers to be specific about expectations, and give specific guard rails for students.
For example, in a history class, students might be assigned a research project where the teacher allows them to use AI for brainstorming or generating ideas that can help guide them toward better research. Using Brimmer’s Tool for Evaluating AI Usage in Assignments, the teacher can clearly specify these guidelines. Students would understand that while AI can support their creative process, they must ultimately use their voice and analysis in their writing. This provides a structured way for students to engage with AI without it undermining their learning or personal expression.
One of my fun reads this summer was Kara Swisher’s Burn Book, where she chronicles her decades of covering the internet and tech companies since the early 90s. With her extensive experience and close relationships within the tech world, Swisher offers a unique perspective on the rapid changes we’re seeing today. Reflecting on the rise of AI, she notes that regardless of how we feel about this technology, "vast swaths of work will be gone, across information industries this time, but it will open up the avenue for humans to focus on what is creative” (Swisher, p. 295).
As we navigate this new era of rapid technological change, our goal at Brimmer remains the same: to equip students with the skills they need to succeed while staying true to their voice and creativity. By integrating AI into our classrooms in thoughtful, transparent ways, we aim to help students not only utilize AI as a tool but also develop the critical thinking and ethical understanding required to make informed decisions in their future careers. Throughout this year, we will continue to share how students are incorporating AI into their learning, with a focus on how it can enhance, rather than replace, their ability to express their unique perspectives and ideas.
Brimmer and May School
69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.