Can AI Transform CTE
It was inevitable that reality would catch up with science fiction. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which educators (and everyone) experienced disruption and had to alter their goals and expectations, some are skeptical about embracing new technologies. However, artificial intelligence (AI) can offer tremendous benefits for career and technical education (CTE). Let’s dig into it. Can AI Transform CTE?
First, how do we know that the AI we’re using is trustworthy? We evaluate it. Dependable AI systems are “valid and reliable, safe, secure and resilient, accountable and transparent, explainable and interpretable, privacy-enhanced, and fair with harmful bias managed” (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2023).
Enter the modern age of artificial intelligence.
There are three different types of AI currently recognized:
Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI): Focuses on completing tasks and helping when asked. Examples include image or pattern recognition tools, spell check, remote assistants like Siri, and even ChatGPT. ANI cannot apply reason or solve problems.
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): Extends machine learning into the realm of machine intelligence — wherein machines “truly understand human emotions, beliefs, and thought processes rather than just imitating them” (Klingler, 2024).
Sentient Intelligence: Still the work of fiction. Sentience indicates awareness of the physiological self and an ability to experience sensations, not merely compute them (Li & Etchemendy, 2024).
AI can help educators develop high-quality curricula. I have been traveling around Texas for the past few years training CTE teachers to use artificial intelligence to help formulate written curricula. At first glance, this might seem dangerous. However, we must look at our current situation and circumstances. As CTE programs face significant staffing challenges, more educators are entering the classroom without traditional teacher training. And it is this that makes AI ideal for use in a CTE classroom.
Non-CTE educators are more likely to have participated in a teacher preparation program in college or before entering the classroom. On the other hand, CTE teachers are typically industry professionals that come into the classroom to teach. CTE teachers are experts in their fields, but they often need coaching related to classroom management, student engagement, pedagogy, and curriculum development. This is where AI comes in.
TIP: Consider using AI tools to suggest new strategies, conversation starters, or project ideas. This is brilliant because it creates starting points for further exploration and professional development. The instructor can vet the instructional quality of the suggestions provided while easily incorporating relevance and practical application for students.
Individualize instruction
The most successful teachers are ones that establish a strong foundational culture of respect and knowledge-sharing in their classrooms. Instruction that is engaging and effective must be tailored to each subject and course and to each group of learners.
AI tools can help new and experienced CTE educators organize curricular materials in a format that can be adapted to meet student needs. It uses the vast supply of information available on the internet to offer suggestions and provide support for educators who want to explore complex topics with their students, differentiate instruction, and develop high-quality, project-based learning assignments.
TIP: Develop exercises and assessments meant to gauge students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Cengage, 2023). This might include asking engineering students to ideate a construction project or asking culinary arts students to propose a solution for food insecurity in their communities.
Conclusion
AI can assist with all the elements of a strong curriculum. But creating meaning in knowledge is an inherently social act. It falls on the CTE teacher to vet the resources, as they are the subject matter expert, and to inspire students to learn the skills and knowledge to be successful.
J.J. Ayers, Ed.D., has more than 25 years of experience in education using technology to develop experiences. He is currently the CTE coordinator at Little Elm Independent School District in Texas. Ayers holds a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction, a Master of Education in secondary education, and a Bachelor of Arts in technical theater. He has presented at many industry conferences and will appear at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. https://about.me/jjayers
Source: Can AI Transform CTE
Association of Career & Technical Education