AI in education, especially large language models (LLMs), is a topic I think about a lot. Aside from my consulting work, I’m also the professor of Advanced Media in Residence at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where I teach Advanced Media Business Management in the grad school. Between that and what I do for a living, I end up talking about AI with students, teachers, and executives all the time. Not to put too fine a point on it, I am also the author of Generative AI for Brand Marketers, a free online course designed to help executives get started with AI. I guess you could say I spend a lot of time thinking about how AI fits into teaching and learning, which brings us to today's most interesting story.
OpenAI has introduced a free online course for K-12 educators, developed in collaboration with Common Sense Media. The program, ChatGPT Foundations for Educators, consists of nine modules covering AI basics, generative AI, and practical applications of ChatGPT in classrooms. According to OpenAI, early deployments in schools, including those in Arizona and California, have been well received, with 98% of participants reporting new ideas and strategies for teaching.
A spokesperson from OpenAI stated, "Schools across the country are navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI in education. This course is a proactive approach to help educators prepare for the transformation AI can bring to classrooms."
I completed the course last night. It's very basic, but it's a well-crafted starting point for K-12 teachers.
Despite a generally positive reception, some educators have expressed concerns about the ethical implications of integrating AI into teaching. These include potential issues with data privacy, unclear ownership of content generated through AI tools, and the risk of over-reliance on AI in pedagogical processes. There is also skepticism about whether AI can adequately address critical teaching needs without compromising the learning experience.
These are all valid concerns, but they should not stop anyone from becoming educated about basic use of AI. Sadly, adoption of AI in education remains slow. Surveys indicate that many educators are hesitant to use AI tools, citing questions about effectiveness and ethical implications.
Twenty-five years ago, many educators banned Google, extolling the virtues of library science and sending students to wrestle with card catalogs and microfilm. Today’s hand-wringing over AI is just history repeating itself. Like it or not, generative AI (and upcoming agentic systems) are the Google of this generation. Challenge them. Improve them. But if you ignore them, you’re not protecting students—you’re failing them.
As always your thoughts and comments are both welcome and encouraged. Just reply to this email. -s
P.S. CES® 2025 is around the corner. We've got big plans. There are a few executive briefing and floor tour slots still available on Thursday and Friday, and you'll also want to request your invitations to our exclusive events. Visit ces.shellypalmer.com for more info.
ABOUT SHELLY PALMER
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.
