AI for Education: Best Strategies for Integrating AI With Learning Objectives

As artificial intelligence (AI) progresses toward mainstream integration, IT managers and administrators are tasked with integrating these technologies into existing educational systems. Although AI offers many benefits, it doesn’t come without challenges.

Since schools have been implementing AI in their classrooms, IT managers must consider data privacy, biases in AI algorithms and the need for security protocols. Guardrails must be established for AI to be effective in educational settings. Considerations involve data security and compliance to address the responsible use of AI, stakeholder involvement and proper training. The key is to align IT capabilities with pedagogical needs to ensure AI supports learning.

By creating a robust framework for AI integration, educational institutions can offer more effective and engaging learning experiences.

After the launch of open source AI tools like ChatGPT, data privacy became even more paramount when integrating AI tools for education. IT administrators must ensure that the environments where AI tools are deployed remain secure and that student data is protected. This involves implementing robust security measures and continuously monitoring for potential threats to safeguard sensitive information.

For AI tools to be truly effective, they must align with the pedagogical goals of the institution. This means that AI should enhance teaching efficiency and support learning without hindering the learners’ cognitive development and critical thinking skills. The West Virginia Department of Education ran a state-specific AI in education survey with results underscoring this notion. In its analysis, nearly 97% of respondents agree or strongly agree that essential learning skills (i.e., literacy, numeracy, research, critical thinking) need to remain a focus of public education and that students should not become overly dependent on AI.

The future of education depends on empowering educators to be successful in the classrooms so that AI can have a positive impact on education and not a destructive one. By aligning AI tools with educational objectives, teachers can focus more on teaching while leveraging technology to aid in instruction.

For example, AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Gemini for Google Workspace offer multiple benefits to aid students and teachers. The question to ask yourself is how can I use AI tools to meet educational requirements? Every district has unique needs and objectives, but here are a few examples of how generative AI-powered assistants can help improve educational outcomes:

• Streamline Administrative Tasks

Gemini for Google Workspace and Microsoft Copilot can significantly reduce the administrative burden on educators by automating routine tasks, such as scheduling, grading and tracking student progress. This allows teachers to dedicate more time to instructional activities and student engagement.

• Enhance Lesson Planning

These tools also enhance lesson planning by providing intelligent suggestions and resources tailored to individual student needs. With advanced analytics, educators can create more effective lesson plans that are responsive to real-time student performance data.

• Support Personalized Learning Experiences

Gemini and Copilot support personalized learning by offering customized content and assessments in the curriculum that adapt to each student's learning pace and style. This level of personalization helps address diverse learning needs and improves overall student outcomes.

Successful integration of AI tools requires buy-in from all stakeholders, including teachers, students, edtech leaders and administrators. Understanding the workflow and needs of each group is crucial for a smooth rollout.

Additionally, training and professional development are essential for enhancing AI literacy among educators. According to a 2024 Education Week report, 71% of K-12 teachers surveyed reported receiving no professional learning about using artificial intelligence in the classroom. Here are a few ways to address this gap:

• Involve the professional development department, instructional coaches, district leadership (campus or regional), heads of schools/principals, students and other adopters to champion the cause.

• Incorporate more informal training, which can also be highly motivating for educators, such as providing badges, certificates and continuing education credits to help keep educators committed to integrating AI in the classroom.

• Grant promotions and other opportunities for advancement to foster commitment.

CDW’s Education Collaborative is a community of K-12 IT administrators dedicated to supporting you in finding solutions to the common challenges faced by IT leaders in education. With a wealth of knowledge on edtech solutions and services, along with expert advice, this collaborative helps you empower your school’s educators while achieving your unique goals.

Already a member? Sign in to stay updated on the latest strategies and resources that will keep you ahead in integrating cutting-edge technology like AI into your school’s learning environment.

Schools often use an overwhelming number of apps — an average of 2,900 different apps. This can be a burden for IT administrators because teachers may just download the apps without considering how these apps can compromise security. A streamlined approach, such as adopting a "single source of truth" policy, is recommended to manage AI tool usage effectively and enhance security.

To facilitate collaboration with educators and ensure the successful integration of AI tools in the classroom, consider establishing a committee following a "train the trainer" model. This committee can use RACI charts to clearly define roles, communicate technical challenges and security concerns in an understandable way, and implement feedback mechanisms to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

To integrate AI tools successfully, schools should follow these steps:

1. Get Familiar With AI: Gain a comprehensive understanding of AI technologies and their potential applications in education and what it means for your district or school.
   
   
2. Define What AI Integration Means: Clearly define the role of AI within the educational framework, relying on feedback from K-12 learners, teaching staff and leadership to ensure that it aligns with pedagogical goals.
   
   
3. Create a Plan of Action: Develop a detailed plan for AI implementation, including timelines, resources and training requirements. IT leaders should evaluate the technical specifications of the AI tools and allow for curriculum and instruction to assess the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
   
   
4. Implement: Roll out the AI tools according to the plan, ensuring all stakeholders are on board. Communicate early and often with everyone involved.
   
   
5. Iterate: Continuously monitor and refine the AI tool usage to ensure it meets the desired outcomes and adapts to changing needs.

CDW offers consultative services and tools to help schools develop effective AI strategies. Our expertise can guide school districts through the complexities of AI integration, ensuring that the tools are used efficiently and effectively while enhancing AI literacy among K-12 learners. We partner with schools large and small to recommend best practices for the responsible and ethical adoption of generative AI so your students can be contributors in an ever-changing world.