The advent of generative AI (GenAI) offers unprecedented opportunities for education, but also raises questions about how we integrate this technology responsibly. The manifesto "The Manifesto for Teaching and Learning in a Time of Generative AI" casts a critical eye on the impact of GenAI and provides a framework for reflection. Herein lies an opportunity not only to embrace technology, but also to rethink fundamental aspects of education.
Opportunities and challenges
GenAI enables more efficient processes, such as automation of administrative tasks and delivery of personalised learning. It also provides opportunities for lifelong learning by making knowledge and skills more accessible. At the same time, it confronts us with ethical challenges, such as bias, digital inequality, and environmental impact. But perhaps the biggest challenge is how we maintain depth and human connection in an AI-driven world.
My vision: learning by doing
To balance the benefits of GenAI with deep learning, we should focus more on authentic assessment. Let students use AI for support, but ask them to prove their knowledge and skills through real-life cases. No more essays or knowledge tests, but real assignments that demonstrate mastery of the material. This approach not only makes learning more relevant, but also more attuned to the demands of practice.
The role of the teacher is changing
GenAI allows teachers to transform their role from knowledge transferor to learning process facilitator. This opens the door for concepts such as flipping the classroom, where students gain knowledge independently and work on guided assignments in class. Schools should respond to this by setting up spaces for collaboration and multimedia, rather than traditional classrooms focused on knowledge transfer.
Access and environmental impact
Ensuring equal access to AI is essential. Schools should invest in school-wide subscriptions so that every student, regardless of background, has the same opportunities. At the same time, we should minimise the environmental impact of AI by encouraging conscious use and embracing green technologies. Convenience serves man, so asking students to use it very consciously and selectively will not be easy.
Encouraging critical thinking
An important task of education is to promote critical thinking. With AI, we can reinforce this by designing integrated assignments. Let students use AI to make analyses from multiple perspectives and discuss them in groups. This creates a collaborative and reflective dynamic, with AI as a tool, not a substitute.
Conclusion
The rise of GenAI is forcing us to redefine education. It is an opportunity to become not only more efficient, but also more relevant and inclusive. At the same time, we must remain vigilant to the risks. By looking critically at how we integrate AI, we can create a future where technology does not take over learning, but rather enriches it. It is up to us to find this balance and deploy GenAI for the best education we can imagine.
