How AI is changing the work of teachers in the classroom

With the rise of artificial intelligence , advocates say it can be a helpful tool for kids and teachers — but others say it discourages students from critical thinking.

Many educators have been teaching themselves how to use AI. For Jerome Ong, a 5th grade teacher in Ridgewood, New Jersey, AI has changed the way he approaches teaching. He now uses AI tools every week in his classroom .

"You have to find what works for your students," he said.

Ong not only teaches his students what AI is — but also where it falls short.

"If you keep at it and say, 'no, you're wrong. You're wrong' — eventually AI will say, 'I'm sorry, I was wrong.' Doing that with your class can show you that AI isn't really as smart as you think it is," Ong said.

Training teachers to use AI

This summer, Mi