In a bid to maintain the integrity of her teaching and foster genuine learning, Chanea Bond, a high school English educator in Fort Worth, Texas, is opting for traditional pen-and-paper methods in her American literature classes. Her decision comes amid growing concerns over the impact of generative artificial intelligence on education, as teachers across the country grapple with how to adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape.
A Return to Basics
Bond’s approach is a conscious effort to keep artificial intelligence at bay, allowing her students to engage deeply with the literature without the distractions and potential pitfalls posed by technology. By rejecting digital tools, she aims to encourage critical thinking and personal reflection, skills she believes are essential for understanding complex narratives and themes.
“I want my students to form their own opinions,” Bond explains, highlighting her desire to cultivate an authentic classroom environment. “When they rely on AI to summarise or analyse text, they miss out on the opportunity to develop their own voice.”
The Challenge of AI in Education
As generative AI tools become more prevalent, educators are increasingly faced with the challenge of ensuring that students are not merely consuming information but actively engaging with it. The ease with which AI can generate essays or provide answers to questions has raised alarms about academic honesty and the quality of learning.
Bond’s decision to go analog is not without its critics. Some argue that technology, when used appropriately, can enhance learning experiences rather than hinder them. However, Bond remains steadfast in her belief that eliminating AI from her classroom will help students engage more meaningfully with the material.
Promoting Authentic Engagement
In a world inundated with information at the click of a button, Bond’s approach seeks to remedy what she sees as a growing disconnect between students and the literature they are studying. By using traditional methods, she encourages her students to explore themes, characters, and the historical context of texts more thoroughly.
She incorporates discussions, group work, and written reflections, all of which foster an environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and questioning the texts. “It’s about building a community of thinkers,” she asserts. “When students write by hand, they take their time, they reflect, and they truly engage with the content.”
Why it Matters
As educational institutions strive to keep pace with technological advancements, Bond’s commitment to traditional teaching methods highlights a significant conversation about the role of AI in education. By prioritising authentic engagement and critical thinking, educators like Bond are not just preparing students for examinations, but for a future where they can navigate a complex world of information with confidence and creativity. This approach serves as a reminder that while technology can be a powerful tool, the essence of learning often lies in the connections we make with literature and with each other.
