This Professor Let Half His Class Use AI. Here’s What Happened


A split classroom scene with a professor in the middle, presenting data. The left side, labeled "GROUP A: WITH AI," shows disengaged students with "F" grades. The right side, labeled "GROUP B: NO AI," shows engaged students with "A+" grades, depicting contrasting outcomes of AI use in a classroom experiment. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
An academic experiment unfolds: Visualizing the stark differences in engagement and performance between students who used AI and those who did not, as observed by one professor. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Gizmodo

Summary

A study by University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Christian Rojas compared two sections of the same advanced economics course—one permitted structured AI use, the other did not. The results revealed that allowing AI under clear guidelines improved student engagement, confidence, and reflective learning but did not affect exam performance. Students with AI access reported greater efficiency and satisfaction with course design while developing stronger habits of self-correction and critical evaluation of AI outputs. Rojas concludes that carefully scaffolded AI integration can enrich learning experiences without fostering dependency or academic shortcuts, though larger studies are needed.

Key Points

  • Structured AI use increased engagement and confidence but not exam scores.
  • Students used AI for longer, more focused sessions and reflective learning.
  • Positive perceptions grew regarding efficiency and instructor quality.
  • AI integration encouraged editing, critical thinking, and ownership of ideas.
  • Researchers stress that broader trials are required to validate results.

Keywords

URL

https://gizmodo.com/this-professor-let-half-his-class-use-ai-heres-what-happened-2000678960

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


Teachers Share More Ways to Engage AI in the Classroom


In a modern, technology-rich classroom, a diverse group of students works on laptops at individual desks. A female teacher stands at the front, gesturing towards a large interactive screen that displays "ENGAGING AI IN THE CLASSROOM: NEW STRATEGIES," along with various visual examples of AI tools and learning scenarios. Other teachers are visible on side screens, illustrating collaborative strategies. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
Educators are continuously innovating and discovering new methods to effectively integrate AI into classroom learning. This image showcases a vibrant educational setting where teachers are actively sharing and implementing a range of strategies to engage AI, transforming teaching methodologies and enriching student experiences. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Education Week (Opinion)

Summary

In this opinion blog, several K-12 English teachers describe practical strategies they use to integrate AI as a learning tool rather than letting it replace student thinking. They treat AI as a brainstorming assistant, prompt critic, or discussion partner rather than writer. Techniques include prompting AI to argue counterpoints, using it to surface alternative interpretations in literature, and setting roles (AI user, evaluator, synthesiser) in group tasks. Districts are also forming AI steering committees, piloting tools, and developing consistent guidelines to guide equitable, transparent adoption.

Key Points

  • AI is used as brainstorming / idea generation support, but students still revise and contextualise its output.
  • Teachers use AI in debate, persuasive writing, literary analysis, historical inquiry, science discussions, and Socratic questioning to deepen engagement.
  • Role assignments (AI user, evaluator, gatherer) help distribute responsibilities and prevent overreliance.
  • Districts should establish AI steering committees, pilot thoughtfully, and build shared understanding and policies.
  • AI should be scaffolded, not standalone; teachers emphasise transparency, critical review, and prompting skills.

Keywords

URL

https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-teachers-share-more-ways-to-engage-ai-in-the-classroom/2025/10

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


Professors experiment as AI becomes part of student life


In a modern university lecture hall, three professors (two female, one male) stand at a glowing, interactive holographic table, actively demonstrating or discussing AI concepts. Students are seated at desks, some using laptops with glowing AI interfaces, and one student wears a VR headset. A large holographic screen in the background displays 'AI Integration Lab: Fall 2024'. The scene depicts educators experimenting with AI in a learning environment. Generated by Nano Banana.
As AI increasingly integrates into daily student life, professors are actively experimenting with new pedagogical approaches and tools to harness its potential. This image captures a dynamic classroom setting where educators are at the forefront of exploring how AI can enrich learning, adapt teaching methods, and prepare students for an AI-driven future. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

The Globe and Mail

Summary

AI has shifted from novelty to necessity in Canadian higher education, with almost 60% of students now using it. Professors are experimenting with different approaches: some resist, others regulate, and many actively integrate AI into assessments. Concerns remain about diminished critical thinking, but educators like those at the University of Toronto and University of Guelph argue that ignoring AI leaves graduates unprepared. Strategies include teaching students to refine AI-generated drafts, redesigning assignments to require human input, and adopting oral assessments. The consensus is that policies alone cannot keep pace; practical, ethical, and reflective engagement is essential for preparing students to use AI responsibly.

Key Points

  • Nearly 60% of Canadian students use AI for coursework, rising globally to over 90%.
  • Professors face a choice: resist, regulate, or embrace AI; ignoring it is seen as untenable.
  • Innovative teaching methods include refining AI drafts, training prompt skills, and oral assessments.
  • Concerns persist about weakening critical thinking and creativity.
  • Preparing students for AI-rich workplaces requires embedding literacy, ethics, and adaptability.

Keywords

URL

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-professors-experiment-as-ai-becomes-part-of-student-life/

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5