Is There Room for AI in Elementary School?
Growing up I watched Saturday morning cartoons. Two of my favorite families were the Flintstones and the Jetsons. At the time, I enjoyed the humor and funny antics. Looking back, I marvel at the stark contrast of their time periods. They were both living their best lives in the stone age and the future. Sometimes our schools are like these families; either living in the past or have already adopted newer technologies. While both claiming that it is what’s best for education, each school is trying to function within the constraints of funding, mandates, and circumstances.
A recent article in Education Week surveyed teachers about the use of AI in the classroom. Many educators responded that they lacked professional development or support from their district. It should also be noted that there were some that had no understanding of this technology at all. As a stakeholder, the schools you work with will span the spectrum of Stone Age to cutting edge technologies. Regardless of your experiences it’s important to understand the fundamental parts of AI including uses and benefits in the elementary setting.
Background
Before jumping right to the activities, it’s important to understand what exactly is meant by AI. Artificial intelligence is basically computer software or an application that learns patterns over time. It takes tasks and automates responses based on data. There are simple and complex functions that can be performed through the use of AI programs.
Activities
Students in elementary grades are learning how to be in school. However, there are ways that the use of AI can support learning and teach responsible use. From helping students receive individualized instruction to supporting students construct written responses, AI is all around them. Students can utilize an AI tutor to fill critical gaps. Spelling, grammar and sentence completion are simple ways students can begin to see the value of AI in elementary classrooms.
One common concern is that students lack the ability to be critical thinkers.Yes, this is a valuable skill and many students have not developed it enough to be able to evaluate information at an elementary age. This concept needs to be explicitly taught and supported throughout each grade level. However, using AI does not mean you completely disregard this concept. Students need constant reminders and encouragement to be a responsible consumer. In upper elementary grades students should be taught how to integrate newer technologies to help them be producers and collaborators of information. Educators that encourage their use need to be creative in their delivery. By offering professional development to educators, you can help them see the advantages of this technology. If students aren’t taught about them, then they will find and use them without our permission.
Conclusion
While you may interact with schools and districts functioning in the “Stone Age” there will also be districts that have adopted these cutting edge programs that may have been used by the Jetson family years ago. By understanding AI and its use in the elementary classroom, you can better meet the diverse needs of your clients at every stage of the implementation process.
Langreo, Lauraine. “Most Teachers Are Not Using AI. Here’s Why.” Education Week, Education Week, 8 Jan. 2024,
Written by: Teresa Marchant
School Librarian at LOCKWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 26
Teresa has been an educator for over 25 years. She holds a Master’s in Educational Technology with an emphasis in Online Instruction from Montana State University as well as a certificate in School Library Media from the University of Washington. Over the years she has served in many capacities at the state and local level. Highlights include being the Vice Chair of the Certification Standards and Practices Advisory Council to the Montana Board of Public Education, a member of the School Leadership Team and Chair of the Professional Development Committee for her school district, and a member of the Montana Library Association board. She loves learning and enjoys helping others!
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