by Gerardo S.

Technology has become an essential part of Alamo Heights and continues to grow every year. The use of tools like projectors and Chromebooks for classwork and homework not only saves resources such as paper and expensive printer ink but also benefits the environment. Additionally, this shift helps the school save money, which can be allocated toward other important initiatives.

The Growth of AI in the Classroom

As AI continues to grow year after year, its presence in the classroom is expanding. In the 2023-2024 school year, AI was barely utilized, but by the 2024-2025 school year, it’s being actively incorporated into multiple classes. AI is becoming a more prominent tool, with its integration into subjects like Digital & Print Media and English. As a student at AHJS, I’ve witnessed the increasing role of AI and technology in our education.

For instance, in English class, we recently read The Giver. My teacher, Ms. Zorn, used technology in an engaging way by having us use Chromebooks or iPads to access a link on Google Classroom. The link led us to a wheel spin, which we used to decide how to create a project. In another lesson, we used ChatGPT to find synonyms for words, which we then used to craft a creative poem. Additionally, in Digital and Print Media, Mr. Boylan taught us a method called CRE (Content, Role, and Expectation) to help create podcasts for the school. These examples highlight how technology is heavily relied upon in our classroom.

How AI Benefits Teachers and Students

AI can be a valuable tool for both teachers and students. It can make teaching more efficient by assisting with quicker grading, allowing teachers to focus more on individual students. AI-powered resources like videos and interactive lessons make learning more engaging for students. Furthermore, teachers can customize lessons using insights from AI, streamlining their teaching processes and allowing for more valuable instructional time.

Teacher Perspectives on Technology Use

I interviewed Ms. Zorn to gain insights into her use of AI in the classroom. When I asked if she’s ever used AI, she confirmed that she had, explaining that the topic was brought up in meetings, which encouraged her to incorporate it into her teaching. I also inquired about the technology she considers essential. Ms. Zorn mentioned that post-COVID, the use of laptops has become significantly more prevalent. She shared, “Since the early 2000s, teachers have relied heavily on technology, and today it’s hard to teach in a way that is engaging or appealing to students without it.” She also emphasized, “If we don’t know how to use it, we’ll be left behind.”

When asked about specific tools she uses, Ms. Zorn mentioned ChatGPT and video AI. She uses these tools to create book trailers and introduce new concepts to students. However, she noted that she doesn’t rely solely on technology. “Everybody thinks Google is the source of everything, which is dangerous,” she said. “Like most things, it’s all about balance.”

My Conclusion

From my observations, technology has become an integral part of AHJS. While AI is rapidly growing in importance, it seems that traditional methods, like paper and pencil, will remain a significant aspect of education at the junior school for many years to come.