Generative AI is creating excitement, innovation and, well, fear. Fear that it will replace humans, fear of job loss, fear that it will negatively impact privacy and security, fear that it will fuel misinformation and fear that it is disrupting the education system. I recently co-hosted a show on AI in higher ed on In the Hot Seat and wrote about it here. I admit that I’m a little obsessed with gen AI in education for several reasons, including the potential impact of how educators handle gen AI having some big long term implications for how the workforce views AI, and how well equipped students will be for their future career. Now I’m no expert in education, so I’ve continued to research and talk to people about this topic. One educational approach that I recently came across seems to offer some insight into how we might use gen AI in the classroom. It’s called “flipping the classroom” (also associated with “active learning”), and while it’s likely not a new topic for anyone who is an education expert, it was enlightening to me.

"Flipping the classroom" is an educational approach where students first encounter new material outside of class, typically through video lectures or reading assignments, and then use class time to work on problem-solving, discussions, or other active learning strategies. One of the challenges is making the outside the classroom learning experience engaging. The other big one of course, is how to structure the classroom time in a way that it does provide the needed experiences to augment the learning. Generative AI can play a significant role in facilitating and enhancing this approach in various ways:

1. Content Creation: Generative AI can be used to produce tailor-made educational resources such as reading materials, video scripts, or animations. Educators can provide the AI with specific guidelines, ensuring the generated content aligns with the curriculum and the desired level of complexity.

2. Personalized Learning Paths: Generative AI can help in creating adaptive learning paths. Based on student performance on initial assessments or quizzes, the AI can generate personalized assignments or reading materials that cater to individual needs, ensuring each student is challenged at the appropriate level.

3. Interactive Simulations and Labs: Generative AI can create simulations or virtual labs on-the-fly based on topics students are struggling with, allowing them to visualize and interact with complex concepts.

4. Automatic Quiz Generation: To test comprehension of pre-class materials, generative AI can create quizzes or practice questions. This not only saves educators time but also provides students with immediate feedback on their understanding.

5. Discussion Prompts: For in-class discussions, generative AI can generate thought-provoking questions or case scenarios related to the pre-class material, facilitating deeper understanding and engagement.

6. Feedback: Generative AI can be trained to provide instant feedback on certain types of assignments, such as essays or short answers, giving students the chance to understand their mistakes and improve in real-time.

7. Tutoring: Generative AI can be used as an on-demand tutor, answering questions or providing explanations for topics students find difficult. This ensures that students come to class with a foundational understanding, ready for deeper exploration.

8. Translation: For classes with non-native speakers or in multilingual settings, generative AI can help in translating materials or even providing explanations in a student's native language.

9. Accessibility: Generative AI can be trained to create alternative content formats, such as audio descriptions for visuals or summarizing lengthy texts, making materials accessible for students with different learning needs.

10. Automating Updates: One of the challenges with pre-recorded lectures or materials is that they can become outdated. Generative AI can assist in updating content, ensuring that the materials remain current with the latest information or research.

11. Data Analysis and Insights: Generative AI can analyze student interactions with the content, providing educators with insights into which topics are well-understood and which require more in-class time.

When integrating generative AI into the flipped classroom strategy, educators should keep in mind the importance of maintaining a human touch. While AI can enhance and streamline many processes, the personal connection between educators and students remains extremely important for effective learning.

It’s early days as to if and how educators will embrace generative AI. The long term need for students to be more than just “familiar” with gen AI, developing true expertise, will play an important role in the student’s long term employment / career opportunities and success. It has big implications for businesses as well. In the recent Arion Research AI adoption study respondents listed the top two challenges for AI success in their business as “#1 finding and hiring qualified employees” and #2 locating a qualified consulting partner”. The talent shortage is real, and will be a limiting factor for businesses if it is not addressed. My point, it is critical for us to figure out now, how we can ensure that future graduates (higher ed and high school) are prepared to work in an AI augmented workplace. If we don’t, we fail the students, but we also leave businesses struggling to jump start their use of AI, which will be a critical competitive factor going forward.