Navigating the Educational Horizon: Insights from the FERA Conference on the Role of Generative AI in Shaping the Future of Learning

Kennedy joins panel discussion on Generative AI in education.

This week, I had the privilege of being one of the featured panelists at the Florida Educational Research Association (FERA) conference, where we explored the future of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Joining me were esteemed individuals: Dr. Hailey Kuang, Dr. Nate Turcotte, and Pete Martinez. Together, we delved into the history of AI in education, shared insights into current applications, and discussed our visions for the future, covering best practices, potential utilities, challenges, and ethical considerations.

Our conversation began by reflecting on the historical attempts to integrate Generative AI into education, drawing lessons from early endeavors and examining examples that paved the way for the evolution of AI’s role in education.

We discussed the current applications of Generative AI in education, covering personalized learning, assessment, and administrative tasks. Dr. Kuang shed light on AI’s impact on research and its role in individualized instruction. This diverse range of perspectives highlighted the multifaceted ways in which AI is currently shaping the educational landscape.

A significant focus of our discussion was on the future trajectory of Generative AI in education. I shared my vision, emphasizing the role of policy development in school boards and government. I underscored the vital support AI provides to students facing learning challenges, advocating for its integration into educational practices.

We didn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges and potential risks associated with widespread Generative AI adoption in education. Dr. Turcotte emphasized the importance of transparent and customizable coding, highlighting ethical considerations. Our conversation delved into identifying best use-cases for Generative AI and navigating potential unintended consequences.

Pete Martinez passionately conveyed the industry’s demand for a workforce proficient in Generative AI. He emphasized that AI won’t replace people as much as those without AI proficiency may find themselves at a disadvantage in the evolving job market. This viewpoint underscores the urgency for educational institutions to equip students with AI skills to meet industry demands.

Dr. Turcotte’s emphasis on the ethical use of Generative AI added a crucial dimension to our discussion. As generative AI becomes more integrated into education, ethical considerations surrounding transparency, fairness, and accountability must guide implementation. We collectively agreed on the need for ongoing conversations and frameworks to ensure the responsible use of AI in educational settings.

In my contribution, I discussed the impact of Generative AI on policy development and its potential to support students with learning challenges. Respecting Dr. Turcotte’s call for transparency and customization, I emphasized the importance of ethical and responsible use in educational technology but also stressed the significance of moving forward with the incorporation and integration of Generative AI in education.

The FERA conference provided a platform to collectively accept that Generative AI will undeniably shape the present and future of education. As a panelist, I contributed from my perspective, emphasizing the responsibility of preparing the educational landscape for Generative AI integration. These discussions serve as a compass, guiding us towards a future where technology enhances the learning experience for all students, ensuring that no one is left behind.

In a wider perspective, a 2018 report by the Institute for the Future (IFTF) underscored the possibility that up to 85 percent of the jobs anticipated for students in 2030 either do not exist currently or will undergo substantial transformations. This insight provides a crucial lens through which we can understand the evolving landscape of education and the pivotal role that proficiency in using and adapting to Generative AI will play in preparing students for the jobs of the future.

Established in 1959, the Florida Educational Research Association (FERA) stands as a distinguished professional association dedicated to advancing the exploration, research, and discourse surrounding educational challenges and issues within the state of Florida. Its diverse membership encompasses university professors, school district administrators, graduate students, state education administrators, and teachers, fostering a collaborative environment for the exchange of insights and knowledge. Notably, Dr. Scott Hebert, the Assistant Superintendent of the Citrus County School District, plays a pivotal role on the Executive Board of Directors, contributing to FERA’s mission of promoting excellence in educational research and addressing the evolving landscape of education in Florida.

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