Integrating AI in Secondary Classrooms

On January 22, 2025, secondary school teachers gathered for a thought-provoking professional development session led by Mr. Slava Matvejevs. The session, titled "AI Co-Creation vs. Cheating," aimed to equip our faculty with strategies to guide students in using AI tools responsibly and effectively.

Key discussions revolved around the dual nature of AI in education: its potential to enhance learning and the ethical challenges it poses. Participants explored how to address common concerns, such as plagiarism, difficulties in reliably detecting AI in students’ work, and considered effective ways to incorporate AI into classroom activities.

The session underscored the importance of teaching students ethical practices when engaging with AI. Teachers shared strategies for creating assignments that encourage originality and foster transparency in AI usage. For instance, they discussed ways to frame AI as a “writing coach” or a “research assistant” rather than a shortcut to bypass learning.

One highlight was the emphasis on difficulties in using AI detectors and their limitations. Teachers were encouraged to adopt a nuanced approach, combining detection tools with classroom dialogue and other methods to educate students on responsible AI use.

Mr. Matvejevs emphasized the need for transparency as teachers to engage students in meaningful discussions about AI’s role in their education and future, leaving participants with actionable insights and a shared commitment to empower students in navigating this evolving landscape.

Written by Mr. Waldvogel
DAIS Social Studies teacher