Best English Podcast - The Impact of AI on Education: Embracing Technological Literacy

Hello everyone, today's episode I bring to you some of my visions along with some readings I have done about the topic.

The accessibility of AI to the general public through online platforms has sparked discussions on its profound influence on education and classroom practices. As a former student and current teacher, I have witnessed the shift from traditional libraries to computer labs, along with computer courses that taught basic software skills. The integration of AI tools into our daily tasks, such as writing emails and creating social media content, calls for a new perspective on computer classes. This text argues the need to expand computer education beyond basic software skills and educate students, teachers, and parents on the responsible use of AI tools.

The emergence of the internet and online libraries raised questions about their impact on education and reading habits. In the 90s, no one could predict the extent to which libraries would need to adapt to the internet. Yet, libraries managed to reinvent themselves and coexist with digital resources. Similarly, in the 2020s, physical school books and libraries are maintain their relevance alongside the rise of digital books. Adapting to these changes has been a matter of necessity. Personally, I recall visiting the library as a 12-year-old to find and hide books for assignments, but once the internet became accessible, I found it more convenient to use online resources. The subsequent introduction of computer labs in schools made physical book searches obsolete. However, some teachers continued to rely solely on traditional book-based research methods.

In today's era, AI has become an integral part of our lives, prompting us to question the content and approach of computer classes. My generation and those that followed have been exposed to the internet, social media, and online tools, but there has been little emphasis on educating individuals about their responsible use. This article argues the importance of providing guidance and instruction on effectively utilizing AI tools. In recent years, educators have faced challenges with students who struggle to differentiate between the entertainment and educational uses of electronic devices. Despite efforts to integrate these devices into the classroom, the results have been less than satisfactory. Additionally, the lack of professional development opportunities for teachers, along with the persistent issues faced by public schools in Brazil, such as inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, underpaid staff, and malfunctioning devices, present further obstacles to embracing AI in education. The absence of a comprehensive computer education syllabus exacerbates these challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to implement computer and technological literacy classes in schools, revamp college courses to address this reality, and encourage schools, both public and private, to support tech courses and provide professional development opportunities for their staff.

The omnipresence of AI demands a fresh perspective on computer classes and the cultivation of technological literacy. As AI continues to shape the future, it is essential to equip students, teachers, and parents with the necessary knowledge and skills to responsibly navigate this evolving landscape. By embracing the integration of AI tools and technology education in schools, investing in infrastructure, and offering professional development opportunities for educators, we can bridge the gap between the potential of AI and its effective utilization in educational settings.