Instructional coach advocates appropriate AI use for school

Movies depict a dystopian future in which AI takes over the world, driving out humans, and controlling everything. In reality, AI is not that powerful. However, we are starting to see more and more of it popping up in our daily lives, with one of the most notable examples being ChatGPT. Kenton Engels, Instructional coach at CFHS, argued that AI is not as evil as it is made out to be.

“It definitely has a place in schools,” Engels said. ”I think students can use it as a thinking partner.” Engels explained that while AI can be used for the wrong reasons sometimes, it can also be a helpful tool for struggling students. He proposed using AI as a “thinking partner” rather than an “answer machine,” asking it to help you understand a question rather than just asking to solve it.

A popular argument against AI is that if we rely on it too much, we will lose our ability to do anything on our own.

 ”We don’t want to develop a dependence on it,” Engels said, acknowledging that fear. He said that while we run the risk of overusing AI, the right amount can be very beneficial.

“It really helps to be more efficient and expand our current position.”

Finally, Engels also said, “I don’t think ignoring it is the solution.” He said that while some teachers are afraid of it, it is here to stay and only improving. “This idea that it might be a fad or maybe we can wait it out… it’s like the internet. It’s here forever now.”