Artificial Intelligence is one of the most highly debated forms of technology in today’s world. Some herald it as the future of science and technology, while others fear that we are about to enter the Matrix. Whether you live in terror of the AI uprising or not, no one can deny that it is becoming more and more prominent in today’s world. EAST makes it our duty to keep up with the technological advancements of today’s world, and so we too have begun to incorporate AI into our work.

Carman Owens, the EAST facilitator at International Studies Magnet School, shares her experience and insight about using artificial intelligence in her EAST program.

“It’s an incredibly powerful tool for both facilitators and students,” she says, explaining what she sees as the best thing about AI. “It can make classrooms more efficient, spark creativity, and support deeper problem-solving.”

Carman has started using AI as a tool to keep her EAST program running more smoothly. Her students use it to help them generate ideas for projects, teach them how to use a difficult tool or software, and double-check the work that they’ve been doing.

“Often, AI serves as a starting point…a way to get their brains moving. It’s especially helpful when teams hit a roadblock. Instead of staying stuck, they can use AI to explore options and regain momentum,” Carman explains. AI doesn’t do the thinking for the students, rather, it gives them different directions in which to think.

However, like everything else, AI does have its drawbacks. Those awaiting the Matrix have a point when they say that we all rely too heavily on artificial intelligence. According to Carman, the most dangerous thing about using AI in an EAST program is when students want to use it for everything. 

AI is a wonderful tool, but like any tool, it can be misused. When students begin to think that the only way to succeed is to ask the bot, they start to lose the critical thinking skills that EAST is meant to highlight. We start to surrender the autonomy that EAST is meant to give us. It isn’t self-directed learning if everything we do is designed by ChatGPT, that’s just ChatGPT-directed learning.

Thankfully, this isn’t the inevitable end result of using AI. It is easily countered by careful guidance and teaching. Carman constantly reminds her students that AI is only as smart as the person using it. 

“You have to give it quality input to get quality output,” she tells them. “It can’t read your mind, and it can’t do the thinking for you.”

By teaching students to write strong prompts, ask thoughtful questions, and apply critical thinking when using AI, we can harness the power of artificial intelligence without losing ourselves to it. The machine uprising may be coming, but it won’t be coming today. Instead, by utilizing it carefully, EAST can use AI to propel us toward even greater things.