FROM CONTROVERSIAL TO COMMONPLACE: Tools once considered as divisive as AI in the classroom

Artificial Intelligence is changing education–transforming how subject matter is delivered, how students complete work, and how performance is evaluated. While it may be tempting to do so, carrying on as if it doesn’t exist only delays how it shows up in classrooms.

Today’s educators and administrators were yesteryear’s students; likewise, several tools that we reflexively use for everyday tasks are the same ones that OUR teachers used to decry as technology that would dumb us down and make us lazy.

For some reflective fun, we look back at some of these tools.

• The Calculator
  • The Controversy Then: A 1975 New York Times article (subscription required to view) references controversy over the use of pocket calculators to perform the arithmetic functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (never mind trigonometry and other higher-level functions).
  • Commonplace Now: While intensely debated by educators at first, calculators are used today to perform mundane functions, from home budgeting to splitting a restaurant bill. Moreover, most high school and college students wouldn’t be able to pursue calculus, statistics, or other advanced courses without that speed offered by modern calculators.
• Spellcheck
  • The Controversy Then: Developed by academic researchers more than 50 years ago, spellcheck programs first appeared as standalone programs in the 1980s. Educators feared usage would make writers lazy and careless.
  • Commonplace Now: Spellcheck functions are integrated in almost any place where prose is required–word processing software, email platforms, and texting apps. While convenient, these applications haven’t eliminated the need for spelling instruction, which is still core to elementary education.
• Grammar Check
  • The Controversy Then: Also first conceptualized more than 50 years ago, similar questions surrounded its usage. If a computer program could correct writing, what was the point of teaching grammar? If students couldn’t self-correct, would they just never learn from their mistakes?
  • Commonplace Now: Those questions seem largely quelled as many recognize that grammar check can automate and speed up feedback, increase opportunity for practice, and promote writer autonomy.
• Wikipedia
  • The Controversy Then: Educators were initially wary of the open platform information source that is editable by virtually anyone with an internet connection, concerned about information accuracy, misinformation, plagiarism, and writing quality.
  • Commonplace Now: An Edutopia article nicely summarizes a more nuanced view of how Wikipedia can benefit students – as a starting point for research, a source of basic facts, and a place that leads to additional sources. While teachers may not want students to solely use Wikipedia, it can serve as an excellent tertiary resource.

Of course, it’s worth remembering that schools didn’t adopt calculators, spellcheck, grammar check, or Wikipedia without guardrails. Over time, educators developed thoughtful policies about when these tools support learning and when they might hinder it.

The same will be true for AI.

Not every AI tool, or every use case, belongs in the classroom, but with clear guidance and intentional pedagogy, AI tools, like CheckIn AI, can enhance learning just as its technological predecessors did, rather than diminish it.