CTL implements AI in pedagogy

 Lucas van Binsbergen ’27

In the past year, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant strides globally. EA’s Center for Learning and Teaching (CTL) has recently integrated Flint K12, an educational AI platform designed to support student learning in classrooms. Flint K12, described as akin to ChatGPT for schools, offers teachers access to ChatGPT 3.5 and 4, generating assignments such as exit tickets and homework, while also providing a secure ‘walled garden format’ similar to platforms like Canvas.

When discussing EA’s recent educational advancements, particularly the adoption of Flint K12, Justin Cerenzia, the Buckley Executive Director Chair for Teaching and Learning, offers insights into the deliberative process. He notes, “There is a lot to learn about Flint K12. As the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Mrs. Kelly Edwards tasked me with looking at Flint AI.” Cerenzia’s comments shed light on the comprehensive evaluation and exploration directed by the Center for Teaching and Learning, illuminating the comprehensive review of Flint K12 as part of EA’s educational enhancements. He continues, “As of now, 18 or 19 teachers at this point are using Flint K-12, and there’s not like a wholesale adoption, but teachers are beginning to deploy it in modules and certain assessment types.” 

Flint K-12 can demonstrate a practical and innovative way of leveraging AI to reinforce classroom learning, adding an interactive dimension to the educational experience. 

Cerenzia says that “Mr. Richards used [Flint K12]  in an ethics class in what’s called the conversational quiz model to engage students in sort of one-on-one conversation with an AI expert on virtue ethics. So he took a really traditional and pedagogically sound teaching tactic and used AI in Flint to sort of level it up and make it that much better.” 

However, the question of whether Flint K12 will be able to support subjects like English and the humanities remains. Upper School English teacher Samuel Willis believes, “I think it’s better to look at everything as being beneficial. I don’t think it’s helpful to come in with a scared point of view.” Willis’ open-minded approach aligns with the idea that embracing new tools and technologies with a positive mindset allows for smoother adoption of novel AI technologies.

Adamo Di Carlo ’24 agrees with Willis, saying that “there are pros and cons to AI and it will be interesting to see how this newAI platform will be used in the future in class. It is cool to see how technology is evolving and how EA is taking advantage of various online AI platforms.” Di Carlo recognizes that AI comes with both advantages and disadvantages, demonstrating a thoughtful consideration of the technology’s potential impacts. His curiosity drives him to wonder how technological advancements, like AI, can shape the educational landscape.

Willis adds, “There are definitely pluses and negatives but I think that AI will naturally get smarter over time, as it learns from its mistakes. That will just be something that we will continue to develop as professionals and teachers.”

Over the course of this academic year, Flint K12 will be introduced to more classes and educators. As AI becomes more prominent in the educational world, CTL views the adoption of Flint K12 as a step toward enhancing the technological landscape within a learning environment.