AI in the Classroom - What to do with my AI guilt?
Definition: The feeling you get when you produce something that is quality but AI helped you do it.
Last term whilst talking about AI to a group of teachers, one of them said, "I love using AI for work but I don't know what to do with my AI guilt".
I had that feeling this week when I spent a whole day producing a bespoke digital technology evaluation framework and rubric for schools to self assess and support strategic planning. It took me a whole day (without AI would have taken 2-3 days and probably be poorer quality).
I got timed out of ChatGPT twice from hitting prompt limits. I used a mix of products: ChatGPT, Claude and Canva. I got AI to coach me through, by asking me questions. I constantly iterated, shaping the framework and rubric the way I wanted by instructing AI. I printed the document, read it through, edited it and designed it.
When finished the first two people I showed it to asked, "Did AI write it?" Then the guilt hit....."Yes". (Do I bother explaining the lengthy process I went through working alongside AI with all the knowledge and skills I have accrued over 9 months of research?)
To be honest, I'm comfortable with it now. There is not a day goes by without me using AI to assist me in some way.
I wonder when the day will come though, that the reverse will happen. When you get that quizzical look when you have done something WITHOUT using AI.
Imagine digging foundations for a house and looking to one side at the digger you have parked alongside (one you have spent time training how to use expertly, efficiently and safely) but deciding to use a spade anyway, even though it would take much longer.
I'll still use a spade on the beach, planting in the garden, for exercise, or something more delicate on an archaeological dig, but not for digging big holes.
We spend a lot of our lives digging holes. Time to put down the spade and bring out the digger! I'll always be in the driving seat.
