S1:Episode 3 - Special Report - AI and Teaching Math

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) poses both opportunities and challenges in the ever-evolving education landscape. Let's embark on a journey through the perspectives of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) as we explore their evolving stance on AI and its implications for mathematics teaching.

In November 2023, the President of NCTM addressed the pressing question: "What math should be taught now that ChatGPT will solve equations?" This inquiry underscores a pivotal moment in education, where AI tools like ChatGPT and Photomath redefine the boundaries of mathematical problem-solving. As educators, we're compelled to embrace these advancements and consider their impact on teaching and learning critically.

The President's message emphasizes the inevitability of AI's presence in students' lives beyond the classroom. Rather than resisting its integration, educators are urged to guide students in navigating AI tools responsibly, preparing them for the AI-driven landscape of future careers and academia.

Moreover, AI challenges traditional paradigms of mathematical instruction. If algorithms can effortlessly solve equations, what becomes of the role of educators in fostering deeper mathematical understanding? The NCTM urges a shift towards questions that transcend mere computation, emphasizing the importance of sensemaking and conceptual understanding. Mathematics education must evolve to cultivate students' reasoning and justification skills, preparing them for a world where AI augments but does not replace human expertise.

Fast forward to February 2024, and the NCTM releases a new position statement reaffirming the transformative potential of AI-driven tools in mathematics teaching. By leveraging large language models and machine learning approaches, AI can personalize learning experiences, adapt to student interests, and provide invaluable insights into student thinking.

However, amidst the promise of AI lies the imperative for vigilance. Biases inherent in training data and the tendency for AI to "hallucinate" unreasonable answers necessitate a critical lens from educators. Teachers must empower students to discern AI-generated results, fostering skepticism and guiding them in verifying the correctness of solutions.

Yet, AI's integration is not without its challenges. The historical context reminds us of debates surrounding calculators and answer-generating tools like Photomath. While AI tools can streamline assessments and personalize learning, they require careful consideration to ensure equitable access and mitigate biases.

Ultimately, the NCTM emphasizes the indispensable role of educators in navigating the AI-powered future of mathematics education. Experienced math educators, armed with pedagogical expertise, are essential in harnessing the potential of AI while safeguarding against its pitfalls.

As we delve deeper into the intersection of AI and mathematics teaching, let's heed the NCTM's call to embrace this dynamic landscape with curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to empowering educators and students alike.
Inside the description for this podcast are links to AI platforms for educators.  During the next few weeks, I will field-test these applications and share strategies for integrating AI into mathematics teaching for students who have given up on learning. 

Here is a taste of information about these AI platforms, some new terminology, and another new language. There is too much information to share so that I will place a link inside the Facebook Teach, Lead, and Inspire Group.  You must join the group to access this and other forthcoming information.

 

30 AI tools for the classroom

https://ditchthattextbook.com/ai-tools/#tve-jump-18bad2f3f74