AI+education

First, we all — not just students — must improve our ability to think critically and make sound judgments concerning both how we use AI and the value of what it produces. AI excels at content generation, churning out memos, designs and apps. However, does this content actually address our core questions? And what is its inherent quality? These questions require human judgment. I have been in too many meetings where “AI slop” is shared before being carefully vetted by the presenter to see if it makes sense. Relying on AI for a first draft can also anchor our thinking, making it harder to reach truly original conclusions.

Additionally, we must judge whether the tasks we assign to AI make sense. With “vibe coding,” it is now trivial to create redundant or useless applications. We must be clear on the “why” behind these efforts and their consequences. Given the high environmental impact of AI, its use is never truly free.

Second, we need to reemphasize effective collaboration. The ability to produce an endless supply of content and tools in isolation doesn’t render group work obsolete; rather, the dreaded group project is now more valuable than ever. We will only realize the potential of AI — and move society forward — by working together. We need diverse voices in policy development, infrastructure planning and education. Sewer systems, foreign policy and disease prevention will not happen in a vacuum of individual contributors.

Third, effective communication remains essential. Although AI can draft our emails and papers, it cannot replace the ability to communicate as an individual or a teammate. We shouldn’t simply offload our thoughts, ideas and emotions to a technology that has the power to subtly or not so subtly alter them. To do so would be to surrender a key part of our humanity and allow technology to guide us, rather than the other way around.

Fourth, in a world in which AI can automate much of our thinking and doing, creativity becomes a top-tier skill. Students must learn to anticipate and adapt to change, solve problems based on lived experience, explore ways to use new technology and connect with others through creative pursuits. While AI can stifle creativity, it can also unleash it. A fundamental shift is occurring now in which students are no longer limited by their technical proficiency. Every student can now use AI to create, solve and build, not just those enrolled in AP computer science.

Students will not develop these skills in a vacuum; they need teachers, not technology, to guide them. Indeed, the role of the teacher has never been more important. For years, teachers have been preparing for this moment as they have transitioned from “content deliverers” to “facilitators of learning.” AI is simply accelerating this movement. 

Before long, every teacher will have an agentic assistant to handle administrative tasks, identify learning trends, provide real-time insights and offer other help. These agents will work for the teacher, not replace them. The result will be more time for teachers to connect meaningfully with each student — helping them develop the critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity skills required for success in school, work and life. This enhanced human connection is exactly what students need, what teachers want and what AI, paradoxically, can help provide.

Patricia Love is a member of the San Mateo County Board of Education. Views are her own.