Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 189: AI in Education: Friend of Foe?

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 189 called AI in Education: Friend of Foe.  In this episode, we’ll give you our annual State of Education address as we explore the hot topics in edtech right now.  We’ll also debate the pros and cons of AI in education today, this is another episode you dont’ want to miss,  Check it out.

Segment 1: Triggering conversations from reading articles

 Top 9 Trends in Educational Technology to Watch in 2025 by Dirox

Edtech State in Education

• AI and Personalized learning
• Let’s think outside the box… How can we push the envelope?
• Students automating content, running a business, etc
• Extended Reality (XR) and Immersive Learning
• Virtual field trips to iconic locations
• Google Expeditions
• Interactive VR labs
• Labster
• Training tools
• Interplay Learning, which teach practical skills such as HVAC repair and solar panel installation.
• MicroLearning and nanolearning
• Short attentions spans need bite-sized modules
• Mobile-first learning
• Duolingo
• Edutainment
• Gamification
• Minecraft 
• Roblox Education
• Blockchain and digital credentials
• Academic records are stored

Segment 2: AI in Education Debate

AI in K–12 Education — Friend or Foe?1. AI-Powered Tutoring Systems    

Example tools: Khanmigo, Scribe, ChatGPT as a study helper

Pro (Student Learning): Personalized Learning Support

AI can break down complex topics and adapt explanations to a student’s level. This helps struggling learners feel less overwhelmed and get the help they need outside of class time.

Con (Student Learning): Over-Reliance on AI Help

Some students might use AI instead of thinking for themselves. Rather than trying to solve a math problem, they could just ask the bot for the answer—missing out on real learning.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Less Time Re-Explaining Basics

Teachers can recommend AI tools for practice and remediation, freeing up time to work with students who need more direct attention.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Misalignment with Curriculum

AI-generated explanations might not follow the pacing or methods a teacher uses, causing confusion if students get mixed messages.

2. AI-Generated Writing Support

Example tools: Grammarly, ChatGPT, QuillBot

Pro (Student Learning): Improved Writing Mechanics

Students can get instant feedback on grammar, tone, and structure, helping them refine their writing without waiting days for teacher comments.

Con (Student Learning): Risk of Cheating or Ghostwriting

Some students may copy and paste entire AI-generated essays, which undermines the development of critical thinking and writing skills.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Faster Draft Reviews

AI-written drafts often require less correction for basic issues, allowing teachers to focus more on higher-level thinking in student writing.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Harder to Detect Authentic Voice

It becomes trickier to tell if a student’s work truly reflects their abilities, making it harder to assess growth or identify areas for intervention.

3. AI in Lesson Planning and Resource Creation

Example tools: Curipod, MagicSchool.ai, Diffit

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Saves Planning Time

Teachers can generate slides, quizzes, and differentiated content in minutes, giving them more time to personalize instruction or support students.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Quality and Accuracy Concerns

AI doesn’t always get facts right or adapt to classroom context, meaning teachers still have to double-check and often edit the materials.

Pro (Student Learning): More Engaging and Varied Content

With AI, teachers can easily generate visuals, analogies, and leveled texts to match different learning styles and abilities.

Con (Student Learning): One-Size-Fits-All Feel

AI-generated content may not reflect the specific interests, culture, or experiences of the classroom, making learning feel generic or disconnected.

4. AI for Feedback and Assessment

Example tools: Gradescope, ChatGPT for rubric-based review, Snorkl

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Faster Feedback Loops

AI tools can provide near-instant feedback on writing or short responses, helping teachers keep up with grading and giving students timely insights.

Con (Teacher Productivity): False Sense of Accuracy

AI might misinterpret student intent or nuances in open-ended answers, leading to inaccurate scores or unfair feedback.

Pro (Student Learning): Immediate Feedback Improves Learning

Students can revise quickly based on feedback, reinforcing learning while the content is still fresh in their minds.

Con (Student Learning): Shallow Feedback Can Miss the Point

AI may offer only surface-level comments (like “Add more detail”) and fail to push deeper thinking or skill development.

5. AI Chatbots for Student Support

Example tools: ChatGPT, school-based AI helpdesks

Pro (Student Learning): On-Demand Help 24/7

AI can answer questions about homework, instructions, or even mental health resources when teachers or counselors aren’t available.

Con (Student Learning): Misinformation or Misunderstanding

AI can give wrong answers or misunderstand a student’s question entirely, especially when it lacks specific context or phrasing.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Fewer Repetitive Questions

AI can handle common questions (“What’s the homework?” or “When is the test?”), allowing teachers to focus on higher-level instruction.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Trust Issues with AI Guidance

Teachers may worry about students getting incorrect info, leading to extra work correcting misunderstandings later.

6. AI in Differentiation and Special Education

Example tools: Speech-to-text, reading level adjusters, AI-driven IEP support tools

Pro (Student Learning): Greater Accessibility for All Learners

AI can read text aloud, translate instructions, or simplify readings, helping students with IEPs or ELLs stay more engaged and independent.

Con (Student Learning): Reduced Human Interaction

Some students thrive on one-on-one teacher support, and replacing this with AI can reduce the personal connection and tailored encouragement they need.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): More Efficient Accommodations

Teachers can quickly modify materials or assessments using AI, instead of spending hours rewriting tests or readings manually.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Unclear Boundaries Around Use

It’s not always obvious what counts as “appropriate” AI help versus over-reliance, especially when creating modifications for specific learners.

7. AI and Student Digital Literacy

Example tools: Any AI requiring prompts or critical use

Pro (Student Learning): Teaches Prompt Writing and Critical Thinking

Students learn to ask better questions and evaluate AI answers, helping them develop a new kind of digital literacy crucial for the future.

Con (Student Learning): Confusion About What AI Can and Can’t Do

Some students may think AI is “always right” or confuse its confident tone for truth, making it harder to develop strong critical reading habits.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Builds Future-Ready Skills

Teachers introducing AI intentionally can help students become thoughtful users, preparing them for a tech-driven workforce.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Requires Extra Training and Monitoring

Teachers need to stay up-to-date with AI tools, model ethical use, and teach responsible behaviors—adding more to their already full plates.

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