Rebecca Koenig Interim Senior Editorial Director | EdSurge Research
When Dr. Carolina Gutierrez's high school physics students used artificial intelligence to solve problems, they often received incorrect answers. Rather than causing frustration, these errors led students to question the results, adjust their prompts, and develop critical thinking skills beyond simply finding the right answer.
Educators are increasingly interested in using AI as a tool to deepen learning and engage students in real problem-solving, rather than as a shortcut for efficiency. Jessica Garner, senior director of innovative learning at ISTE+ASCD, explained: "We try to move past AI for efficiency. That's a great place to start, but we focus on how AI can help make education what it should be for students — transforming the learning experience." Garner leads GenerationAI's Communities of Practice, which brings together educators from diverse backgrounds and roles to explore responsible use of AI in teaching.
A recent EdSurge webinar moderated by Carl Hooker featured members of these communities discussing practical strategies for implementing AI in K-12 classrooms. The panel included Garner; Dr. Craig Perrier, a high school social studies specialist from Virginia; Hannah Davis Ketteman, a digital learning coach from Texas; and Gutierrez herself.
Davis Ketteman highlighted the importance of supporting teachers who may feel hesitant about using AI: "As a digital learning coach, a big part of my job is teaching teachers how to use these tools. The spectrum of AI literacy among teachers can be surprising. Empowering teachers will ultimately empower students to become AI literate." She noted that starting with simple platforms like MagicSchool or SchoolAI helps build confidence before moving on to more complex tools.
Dr. Perrier described his focus on personalization and adaptive learning in Virginia schools: "For me, it’s personalization and adaptive learning. In Virginia, students earn verified credits for graduation, often through curriculum-embedded performance assessments based on the Inquiry Design Model." He explained how AI tools such as MagicSchool and ChatGPT have been used to modify texts for accessibility or summarize articles when primary sources are too difficult for students' reading levels.
Gutierrez shared her approach in AP Biology classes: "For me, it’s about critical thinking and problem-solving... We use Gizmos... I combine that with guided work using AI to generate prompts... When my physics students used AI... that led them to ask why and learn how to adjust prompts or parameters."
Panelists agreed that hands-on work combined with guided use of AI fosters engagement among all learners—including those who are emergent bilinguals or typically less vocal in class.
Davis Ketteman added: "At the core, my work is really about critical thinking and problem-solving... Many teachers are wondering how to navigate a more boxed curriculum while maintaining autonomy." She described projects where students analyze outputs in context rather than just focusing on computation.
The panelists also offered advice for educators interested in adopting AI:
Gutierrez said: "First, keep an open mind about the tools you use... Learn to pivot when challenges arise... If we guide students responsibly, they can navigate it safely."
Davis Ketteman advised: "I have two pieces of advice. First, start where you are... Second, just do it. Opportunities come when you put yourself out there..."
Perrier commented: "This falls under self-awareness. You need to be aware and comfortable that you can’t keep up with everything in AI..."
Garner responded positively: "This makes my heart happy. The ways they are working with AI are exactly what we want to see!"
GenerationAI is an initiative by ISTE+ASCD along with six coalition partners aimed at helping educators examine generative AI's impact on education and consider its responsible implementation through collaborative cohorts both virtually and in person. More information about this ongoing effort can be found at https://generationai.org.
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