Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: A Reality in German Schools

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a topic in science fiction films, but is increasingly finding its way into our everyday lives – and also into classrooms. A recent survey by the digital association Bitkom shows: Every second teacher in Germany has already gained experience with AI in the school context. Whether for lesson preparation, individual support or the creation of exam tasks – the possible applications of AI applications in the field of education are diverse and are being recognized by more and more teachers.

Diverse application possibilities of AI in the classroom

The use of AI applications such as ChatGPT, SchulKI or FieteAI in the classroom is no longer uncommon. According to the Bitkom survey, 28 percent of the teachers surveyed stated that they had already used such tools in class and planned to continue doing so. Another 28 percent were interested in using AI in the classroom in the future. The applications range from imparting knowledge to creating exam tasks and checking homework. For example, 81 percent of teachers who already use AI in class stated that they use AI to impart knowledge, especially to explain AI itself (59 percent). Another 30 percent created exam tasks using AI, and 29 percent used AI to support them in checking tasks.

Opportunities and challenges in dealing with AI

Despite the growing interest in AI in education, there are also critical voices. For example, 39 percent of the teachers surveyed believe that AI has no place in school. Interestingly, however, even among these skeptics, 79 percent were in favor of students acquiring AI skills. This highlights the ambivalence in dealing with the new technology: On the one hand, the potential benefits of AI for teaching are recognized, but on the other hand, there are also concerns and uncertainties regarding its use.

The uncertainty in dealing with AI is also evident with regard to the assessment of homework. Only 9 percent of teachers said they could reliably tell whether homework had been created using AI. 37 percent even explicitly forbade their students from using AI when doing their homework.

Call for a Digital Pact 2.0

The digitalization of schools is progressing, but there is still catching up to do. The current Bitkom survey showed that 92 percent of teachers consider follow-up funding for the Digital Pact for Schools to be important. 93 percent were in favor of a Digital Pact 2.0 also including funds for licenses, learning materials and training courses. After all, for the effective use of AI in the classroom, in addition to technical equipment, the necessary skills of teachers and students are also crucial.

Competent handling of AI as a central challenge

The increasing spread of AI presents the education system with new challenges. It is important to prepare students for a life in a digitalized world in which AI will play an increasingly important role. In addition to teaching technical skills, this also includes promoting media literacy and critical thinking. This is the only way to ensure responsible use of AI.

In order to meet these challenges, efforts are required on the part of both politicians and schools. In addition to providing financial resources and promoting training opportunities for teachers, it is important to initiate a social discourse on the opportunities and risks of AI in the field of education. Because one thing is clear: AI will lastingly change learning and teaching.

Bibliography

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