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Cover Story What are teachers and students saying about AI and education?, pg. 20 GetRuralLeaderMag.com |AUGUST 2023 1
Contents Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com
About Us
Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad. Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.—
7 Six Tips to Help You Spot and Avoid Financial Scams 8 Spotlight on Progress: CDC Shares Community Drug Overdose Prevention Successes in New Resources 11Three ways AI can save small businesses time and stress 12 For a healthy start, add routine vaccines to your child’s back-toschool checklist
14 Small Business, Big Savings: How Small Manufacturers Can Leverage Credit Card Rewards 17 Autumn is coming: Get ahead of allergy symptoms now 18 This free tech tool helps small businesses thrive in the virtual landscape COVER STORY 20 What are teachers and students saying about AI and education?
Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us info@ruralleadermag.com editor@ruralleadermag.com ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com
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Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMag.com—
Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support! Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag
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Six Tips to Help You Spot and Avoid Financial Scams Technology can make life convenient, especially with mobile phones that help us stay connected on-the-go. Unfortunately, today’s scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it more difficult to spot suspicious emails, calls or texts. But the good news is there are ways to identify the red flags of a potential scam if you know what to look for and understand the right steps to take - or not to take - when you suspect you’re being scammed. Once you’ve learned about these techniques make sure to share the information with your friends and family - especially those who may be more vulnerable to these kinds of scams. For instance, start a conversation with older and younger adults who may be more trusting of digital technology. Here are tips to help you and your loved ones be on guard against scammers from the security experts at Bank of America. 1. Didn’t expect it? Don’t click it. Be wary of any message that’s unexpected - no matter who or what company it’s from - especially if it’s about something like a “problem with your account,” “confirmation of an order,” “difficulty delivering a package” or a “virus on your computer.” These messages may come by phone, email, text, direct message or pop-up with a request for personal information or money. Rule of thumb: Never click on a link or open an attachment from any institution or individual unless you were expecting it. If you think the message could be legitimate, take a moment and find the contact information on the company website and then reach out to the institution or person directly and ask if the email, text or call came from them. If not, simply delete it. 2. Be wary of requests that pressure you to act immediately. Watch out for messages that pressure you to act immediately. If a familiar company or someone you know comes to you with an alarming “emergency” or “problem” where time is of the essence, take a breath and recognize that this urgency may be a scam. Scammers know if they can get your emotions or adrenaline high that you’re less likely to think rationally. And don’t just trust caller ID to confirm who’s calling since numbers and voices can be easily spoofed or imitated. Even if it seems to be from a relative or friend, call that person directly at the number you’ve always used to contact them in the past to confirm if the message indeed came from them. 3. Asked to pay in an unusual way? Stop and assess
the situation. Scammers often ask for a payment method that can’t be traced or rescinded, such as through a bitcoin, prepaid debit cards or gift cards - this is a major red flag. If you’re asked to provide payment in an unusual way, stop and assess if this may be a scam. Financial institutions will never ask you to transfer money to anyone, including yourself, and will never ask you to transfer money because of possible fraud on your account. 4. When in doubt, don’t give it out. It’s crucial to safeguard your personal and financial information. Be wary if you are asked to provide personal or account information. Keep in mind that a financial institution such as Bank of America will never contact you via phone, text or email to request personal information or an account verification code. Never provide this information to anyone unless it was you who initiated the call to the company. 5. Tempted to “get rich quick?” Trust your gut. If you receive an offer for a free product, trip, or other “get rich quick” opportunity that seems too good to be true, trust your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also, never cash a check for someone you don’t know personally even if they claim they will pay you extra for the favor. If you authorize a transfer or send money to a scammer, it can be very difficult for you to get your money back. 6. Take your security to the next level. Use upto-date technology to avoid falling victim to scams. You can help protect your online accounts by always using features like two-factor authentication, which makes your accounts harder to access, and activity alerts that keep you updated on what’s going on with your account. Unsure how safe your accounts are? Check if your bank offers security tools to help you. The Bank of America Security Center brings together security features and tools as well as fraud and scam education, making it easy to get the latest info and protect yourself. Security Center in Mobile and Online Banking also includes a security meter that shows you the level of protection of your accounts and information. Learn more about ways to protect your financial security and help avoid scams.—
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Spotlight on Progress: CDC Shares Community Drug Overdose Prevention Successes in New Resources Putting Data into Action-Drug overdoses are preventable, yet more than one million people died from a drug overdose between 1999 and 2021. Every day, almost 300 people lose their lives due to drug overdose. Public health professionals, policymakers and communities all play a role in preventing overdose deaths. Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) is a CDC-funded program that helps state and local health departments, and the communities they serve, to get high-quality, timelier data on nonfatal and fatal drug overdoses and use those data to inform prevention and response efforts. CDC supports OD2A-funded communities in their ability to address drug overdoses by providing access to subject matter experts and tailored technical assistance, and overdose prevention resources. “The impact of this crisis is far-reaching, touching the lives of our families, friends and neighbors in deeply personal and profound ways. By prioritizing successful prevention and response efforts and providing tailored tools and resources, we can help ensure everyone has access to the care and support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives - building stronger, more resilient communities,” says Christopher M. Jones, PharmD, DrPH, MPH (CAPT U.S. Public Health Service), Director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. 8
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Sharing state and local overdose prevention and response strategies-CDC developed the OD2A Case Studies to capture in-depth information from funded jurisdictions about current and emerging practices related to overdose prevention and response. Designed for public health practitioners, these case studies share examples that can be adapted at the state and local levels. Partners on the ground asked for more relevant and applicable strategies, so CDC identified six key topic areas for interviews, analysis and write-ups in these case studies. * Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are preventable, potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). Recognizing the lasting negative effects ACEs can have and focusing on their intersection with substance use disorders, this case study highlights OD2A-funded initiatives addressing ACEs in Louisiana and South Carolina. * Harm reduction is a public health approach that focuses on reducing the harmful consequences of drug use. It can include syringe services programs, naloxone distribution, fentanyl test strip distribution, and community overdose prevention and education. Focusing on the Illinois Harm Reduction Community Linkage Project, this case study describes a novel harm reduction program that funds local organizations.
* Linkage to care is the process of connecting people at risk of overdose to evidence-based treatment, services and support. Access to care and services is critical to addressing the overdose epidemic. Using an example from Massachusetts, CDC shares practices specific to improving linkage to care in non-public safety settings. * Public safety-led post-overdose outreach can help identify people at higher risk of overdose by linking them to care and other overdose prevention and harm reduction efforts. Two case studies describe successful public safety-led post-overdose outreach initiatives in West Virginia and Franklin County, Ohio. * State and local health departments are uniquely positioned to respond to the drug overdose crisis, with the authority to enact policies, deploy resources and coordinate various partners. State and local integration activities engage health departments, community organizations, coalitions and community members in working together on prevention. The case studies presented on this topic illustrate what successful state and local integration looks like in Rhode Island and California. * Reducing stigma at multiple levels and creating a culture of change is important to helping people at risk of overdose. Stigma occurs when people with certain social identities are labeled, stereotyped and
devalued, leading to discriminatory behavior and internalized shame that can negatively affect access to health care and other support services. CDC shared two examples of state programs addressing stigma related to people who use drugs, from Vermont, Motivational Interviewing and Compassion Training, and Stigma/Harm Reduction Training. Helping communities put effective practices to work-When people’s lives are on the line, integrated data and effective programs help communities take action to protect people from drug overdose and related harms. The overdose crisis requires prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction efforts that are tailored to promote optimal health for all. Communities are demonstrating innovation in reducing overdose and are sharing compelling examples of collaboration and teamwork. CDC is showcasing these so that communities can learn from each other. Beyond promoting the critical work that continues nationwide, tools and resources like the OD2A Case Studies encourage applying solutions that work to help communities that need it most. For additional OD2A resources or to learn more about how CDC is working to prevent overdoses and substance use-related harms visit: https://www.cdc. gov/drugoverdose/od2a/index.html/.—
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Three ways AI can save small businesses time and stress Generative AI is creating an extraordinary amount of buzz, and it’s catching the interest of people wondering how to take advantage of what it has to offer. If you’re a small-business owner, you’re likely curious about how it can help you grow and succeed, especially as your business becomes more complex. Beyond the initial start-up phase, there are some clear indicators that your business is beginning to scale. For example, you may be expanding your online sales channels or in-person locations, hiring more employees, and increasing your inventory - all of which demand more of your time. It’s critical to prepare yourself with the best tools and technology for continued success. Turning to AI tools that are in products like Intuit QuickBooks can help automate tasks that would otherwise need to be done manually - freeing up your time to focus on what really matters to you. Work smarter, not harder. Almost all small-business owners note that they are turning to AI to help them automate low-level tasks, according to a recent Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Survey. They plan to adopt AI to help with marketing and content creation, analyzing customer trends and behaviors, and customer service support. Another 28% plan to adopt AI tools for managing cash flow and 24% say they want to use AI to automate low-level tasks. “The number one question I’m asked by our customers is ‘How do I ensure the success of my business?’” said Kelly Vincent, a VP of the Small Business Group at Intuit. “The short answer is, know where to invest. If ever there was a time to tune in and understand how AI and technology can help your business, it’s now. AI can help reduce the operational burden and automate low-level tasks, leveling the playing field for businesses by giving owners more time and resources to focus on what really matters.” Saving time and streamlining tasks are top reasons why small-business owners adopt AI. Wondering where to start? Here are three examples of how small-business owners are using AI to their advantage:
1. Inventory management. Making sure you have enough inventory at the right time is challenging and time consuming. AI can help analyze your inventory and make recommendations including how often to restock popular items, what items to put on sale to move more product, which items may be worth eliminating and much more. 2. Bookkeeping. Financial management is essential to a business’s success. However, most small-business owners don’t have a background in accounting or the resources to hire a dedicated accountant. In fact, 47% of small businesses wish they could automate financial reports. Fortunately, the AI features in QuickBooks can automate several accounting and bookkeeping data entry tasks as well as generate reports to inform important business decisions. 3. Marketing. A business can’t succeed without customers. Getting and growing customers is equally important to the product or service you offer. Nearly 30% of business owners would like to automate customer engagement and communications, like email marketing and customer support. Intuit Mailchimp has rolled out generative AI capabilities that help small businesses design on-brand marketing content faster, get copy ideas and inspiration, and test variants to deliver more personalized and engaging content to their customers. The future is bright. AI helps small-business owners save time so they can focus energy on other key areas of your business like developing more products and services or finding new ways to reach customers. Services like QuickBooks Online Advanced leverages AI to help streamline operations and provide financial management and helpful insights to drive your business forward. For more than a decade, Intuit has been driving AI innovation to help its customers solve their most important financial problems and drive durable growth for small businesses. To learn more about how the company is empowering small businesses with enterprise AI, visit the blog at Intuit.com.—
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For a healthy start, add routine vaccines to your child’s back-to-school checklist
It is the season of “back-to-school” checklists, and there is one task that is important to cross off: a checkup to ensure your child is caught up on their routine vaccinations. After a summer of fun, routine vaccines can help make sure your child’s immune system is well prepared to protect them from serious diseases like measles, polio and chickenpox. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 93% of kindergartners in the U.S. got their recommended routine vaccinations. While the overwhelming majority of children are getting their vaccines, the data also showed a 1 percentage point drop in vaccination coverage for the second year in a row. That means at least 250,000 kindergarteners may lack important protection from preventable childhood diseases. Now is a great time to catch up! Parents, are you ready to get your child off to a healthy start this school year? Test your knowledge of routine childhood vaccines. 12
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Which of the following is true about routine childhood vaccines? Many children have missed recommended childhood vaccinations over the past few years. True. Now is an excellent time to take your child to a well-child visit and catch up on any recommended vaccinations. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children catch up on routine childhood vaccinations and get back on track for school, childcare and beyond. Getting children caught up with recommended vaccinations is the best way to protect them from a variety of vaccine-preventable diseases and keep them in school and participating in other activities. True. Children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough. These diseases are extremely contagious and can be very serious, even deadly. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of measles in the United States, especially in communities with low
vaccination rates. Children may qualify for no-cost vaccines. True. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers vaccines at no cost to children who qualify. In fact, more than half of American children younger than 19 years old receive VFC vaccines. Ask your doctor if your child may qualify. Vaccines are safe and effective against preventing diseases. True. The United States’ long-standing vaccine safety system ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible. Currently, the United States has the safest vaccine supply in its history. Millions of children safely receive vaccines each year. The most common
side effects are very mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site. —Prepare your child for a healthy start to the school year by ensuring your child is up to date on their routine vaccines. Learn more about routine childhood vaccination and schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor today.—
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Small Business, Big Savings: How Small Manufacturers Can Leverage Credit Card Rewards For small manufacturers, every penny counts. From buying raw materials to paying for equipment and utilities, expenses can add up quickly. That’s why finding ways to save money wherever possible is crucial. One often overlooked method is taking advantage of credit card rewards programs. Using credit cards strategically can allow small manufacturers to earn rewards and cash back on their everyday business expenses, reducing overall costs, increasing emergency savings, and allowing low-income earners to benefit from rewards. Check out how you can save big when using a cashback rewards card for your small manufacturing business, below. Reducing costs. Credit card rewards, like cash back, can provide valuable cost savings for small business owners in the manufacturing industry. Small manufacturing stores often struggle to purchase large quantities of products or expensive machinery. These costs can add up quickly, leaving little room for other necessary expenses in the budget. With credit card rewards, small businesses can save money on their purchases and increase their budget. The funds can then offset other expenses, such as rent or payroll, providing additional cost savings. Increasing emergency savings. Unexpected events in the U.S. economy and recent inflation increases have significantly impacted small manufacturing businesses’ financial stability. Having a robust emergency fund can make all the difference in ensuring the long-term sustainability of a business. Credit card rewards that offer cash back can be particularly use-
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ful, especially for small businesses with high costs. Many credit card companies offer credit cards with cashback rewards for purchases made on necessary business expenses, which can help manufacturing businesses accumulate a significant amount of cash back over time. MInvigorating the local economy. Using credit card rewards with cashback benefits can positively impact on the local economy and help support small manufacturing businesses in many ways. Having both consumers and small businesses earn cashback rewards on their purchases allows them to have a larger amount of disposable income to spend. This increased spending, in turn, can help small manufacturing businesses by creating more demand for their products and services. In addition, many payment networks partner with small businesses to offer exclusive deals and discounts for those using credit cards, driving more consumers to local establishments. Credit card rewards programs with cashback benefits contribute to the growth and sustainability of the local economy by supporting small manufacturing businesses. Ultimately, utilizing cashback rewards from credit cards ensures small manufacturers reinvest in their businesses and expand their operations. Main Street shops should take advantage of the valuable cost savings. Credit card companies empower individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds to benefit from credit card rewards and support local businesses by offering rewards.—
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Autumn is coming: Get ahead of allergy symptoms now You probably know what’s coming: Along with changing leaves and dropping temps this fall will come the sniffles, stuffy nose and itchy eyes from allergies to certain plants like ragweed. Unfortunately, climate change has increased the intensity of symptoms and the length of time that many people cope with their autumn allergies. If fall is a time when you’re hit hard by allergies, you are better off acting now - instead of after you’re already experiencing symptoms. “Don’t let the changing seasons catch you by surprise,” says Kathleen May, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Planning ahead can help make this year’s fall allergy season a lot more manageable, no matter what’s happening in the environment where you live.” Whether you’ve had allergies for years or you suspect that they may be the cause of your recent unpleasant symptoms, here are tips from ACAAI to help you prepare for autumn allergies before they strike - so you can reduce itching, sneezing and wheezing and enjoy everything the season has to offer. Stay in the know. Keep an eye on your local pollen and mold counts. When they are high, it’s best to avoid spending too much time outdoors. Keep the AC running in your car and home to help filter out allergens (rather than leaving the windows open). You can also protect yourself when you need to be outdoors on higher pollen count days by wearing an N95 mask to help filter out pollen, and wearing a hat and sunglasses to help keep pollen out of your eyes. Don’t wait to medicate. If you already take allergy medication each fall, make sure not to wait until after your symptoms start. Instead, plan to begin taking your medication about two weeks before your symptoms usually begin for full effectiveness - and keep taking the medication two weeks after the first frost, as your symptoms may linger after most of the pollen
is gone. Unsure exactly when to start taking your medication? Talk to your allergist for advice on a treatment plan that’s proactive rather than reactive. Then take a simple step like adding a medication reminder to your calendar so you won’t forget. Adjust some household habits. Making a few minor changes to your household routine in the fall - or even year-round - can have an impact on your exposure to allergens while you’re at home. Here are some recommendations: * Change your HVAC filter every three months and choose a high-quality filter such as those with a MERV rating of 11-13 for the best filtration of pollen and mold. * Leave shoes at the door - and wash clothes immediately after spending time outdoors. * Shower or bathe at night to avoid bringing allergens into your bed. * Don’t hang clothes or bedding outside to dry after washing. See an allergist. Because the environmental conditions that create allergens and your body’s response to them can change over time, it’s a good idea to see your allergist for an updated, personalized treatment plan that can best help you manage your symptoms, no matter the season. Allergists are specially trained to help diagnose and treat your specific allergy and/ or asthma symptoms, using the latest testing and treatments to help you get back to enjoying your life. If you are - or think you might be - one of the over 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, you can find an allergist in your area by visiting ACAAI. org/find-an-allergist.—
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This free tech tool helps small businesses thrive in the virtual landscape There are 33.2 million small businesses in America, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which combined account for an incredible 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. These businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy and there’s no better time to recognize their importance than right now. Small businesses are generally defined as independent businesses having between 1 and 500 employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Association. They employ almost half (46%) of America’s private sector workforce and represent 43.5% of gross domestic product. If you’re a small-business owner, you know it takes passion, commitment and agility, especially as markets evolve. Finding affordable and easy-to-implement technologies to help streamline your business needs can seem like a challenge. Case in point: virtual meetings. The need for virtual meetings. No matter what industry you’re in, video meetings are a necessity today. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or manager of a fast-growing startup, being able to meet with clients, vendors, employees or investors at any given 18
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time, especially if people are in different locations, makes a big difference in positioning your business for success. The problem for small businesses is that many virtual meeting options are poorly designed and riddled with glitches that make for a less-than-desirable experience. Still others are expensive and complex, and while they may be appropriate for large enterprises, are not a great fit for your small-business needs. Fortunately, now there’s an option with features that appeal to small businesses that come at no cost. A free virtual meeting technology. BlueJeans by Verizon is offering a new, free video conferencing plan that allows users to meet for as long as they want with no time limits. BlueJeans Basic provides users with a premium video conferencing experience alongside unlimited free meetings for groups of up to 25 people, so small businesses can thrive while eliminating time-bound meeting constraints and expensive service charges. “We realize there is no one-size-fits-all approach to business, just like one size doesn’t really fit all when it comes to the clothes we wear. To better fit the needs
of entrepreneurs and small businesses that may not require the complexity of enterprise-level services, we’re excited to expand on our BlueJeans Meetings platform with a solution that emphasizes the most important basics - better audio quality and HD video reliability - to help them grow their business,” said Chris Lewter, VP and General Manager, BlueJeans. Key features for small businesses. BlueJeans Basic is always free and comes with a plethora of features that help create a superior virtual meeting experience. Here are some notable features that small businesses appreciate: Cross-Platform Support: For today’s hybrid world, small businesses need a flexible video platform that adapts to their day to day, whatever that ends up looking like. Whether joining from the desktop, a browser tab or while on the go, the experience will always provide rich functionality across any mode or device. Crystal-Clear Sound: World-class Dolby Voice® audio built into the platform provides enhanced sound quality. High-definition video, spatial audio and industry-leading noise reduction all work together to provide impeccable call quality so small
businesses don’t miss a beat and make the most of their valuable time. Robust Collaboration Features: BlueJeans Basic provides small businesses with a powerful toolkit that brings virtual and physical teams closer together than ever before. HD screen sharing, interactive digital annotation, dynamic polling and participant reactions are just some of the features that hosts can access to boost participation and drive productivity. Secure and Encrypted Meetings: Feel confident with AES 256-bit encryption for security as well as rock-solid security features like Waiting Room, Screen Sharing Controls and the option to Hard Mute participants individually or upon entering the meeting. No matter what industry your small business is in, technology can help you connect and succeed. To sign up for your free BlueJeans Basic account, please visit https://www.bluejeans.com/free-video-conferencing.—
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COVER STORY
What are teachers and students saying about AI and education?
When ChatGPT came on to the scene, it and similar generative AI platforms immediately began sparking heated debates among educators, students and parents about its potential to disrupt education. A recent study from global learning platform Quizlet found that high school and college teachers and students (aged 14-22) who have used ChatGPT or a similar AI technology agree that it is an effective study tool, with students in particular responding that it helps them to better understand the material and study faster and more efficiently. Generative AI will be on the minds of students and teachers as they prepare to head back to the classroom this fall. With this technology top of mind, here are some things to consider this school year. Students study smarter, not harder, with AI. Those that claim the use of AI in the classroom hinders students’ academic potential can think again. Students who spend three or more hours a night on an average weeknight during the school year studying gave credit to ChatGPT and similar AI technologies’ ability to streamline studying by generating helpful resources like study guides. Other popular uses among students included conducting research and summarizing or synthesizing information. Twenty-six percent of students in this group also said that 20
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teachers have encouraged them to use AI-generated technology like ChatGPT while they study, whereas students who reported less than two hours of studying on an average weeknight during the school year were less likely to have a teacher recommend using this technology. UC Berkeley student Sam Clement gives AI-generated learning a thumbs up, saying, “It feels like an extension of my brain, or a supplementary boost to my own thinking abilities.” He added, “Platforms like ChatGPT make studying engaging by allowing me to probe concepts over and over until I understand. It can feel like unlimited office hours, something invaluable to busy college students.” Students also reported that AI-generated technology has had a positive impact on their mental health, with 73% claiming it helps reduce stress and anxiety, and 57% claiming it decreases their workload. Teachers give it an “A”. High school and college teachers that have used ChatGPT and similar AI technologies for school cite the top four uses as research, generating lesson plans, summarizing or synthesizing information and generating classroom materials like tests and assignments. Nearly half of teachers agreed that the vast capabilities of AI have made their workload more manageable.
Maureen Lamb, Dean of Educational Technology and Innovative Pedagogy and a member of the Latin faculty at The Ethel Walker School, says, “The notion that tools like Google Bard and ChatGPT are essentially shortcuts focuses on the output rather than what we want the technology to help us achieve. It’s the same question teachers ask ourselves when creating assessments and exams. ‘What skill or concept do I want my students to demonstrate?’ If ChatGPT can provide a teacher with a lesson plan for the day or generate an essay prompt, then great. It gives teachers more opportunity to refine our teaching approach and challenge students appropriate to their unique needs.” Students and teachers embrace AI in the classroom. Some students and teachers are already working together to set ground rules for using platforms based in generative AI at school and while studying at home. Thirty-seven percent of student respondents have had teachers or instructors talk to them about the proper use of AI technology as it relates to course work, and 60% of teachers say that students are proactively approaching them about using these platforms to enhance their studies. Teachers that have been approached by students about using ChatGPT or similar technologies say their students are either asking for permission to use AI-powered platforms, examples of proper use cases or instructions on how to use AI technologies. Lamb, who embraces the use and exploration of new technologies in her classroom, says, “A strong and trusting classroom community was something
we struggled to find learning virtually during the pandemic. We need to think about technology in the classroom now like we did then.” She adds, “AI should think with us, not for us. Now, more than ever, we should encourage students to trust the power of their own voices. While AI-generated technology is a powerful tool in our toolbox, human voices still hold a huge creative advantage.” AI can help create equitable learning environments. Students and teachers see a future with limitless potential when learning and AI come together - 42% of all respondents categorized their attitude toward AI technology in education positively. Respondents that disagree with bans on the use of AI technology in schools say that it expands access to information, assists with studying and enhances creativity and critical thinking. Forty-eight percent of teachers predict that ChatGPT and similar AI technology will help students recover from learning loss that was caused by the pandemic. “Personally, I love the technology and don’t think that its benefits to the classroom have been fully discovered yet,” Clement added. “AI-generated technology allows students to find learning solutions that work for them, and applies what works for them to any and every problem or concept they could need. Teaching students the proper way to use this technology will be key, but I for one am very optimistic about its future.”—
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