AI in the Classroom: Balancing Innovation, Student Learning & Responsible Technology Use

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Ben Sondgeroth, lead regional edtech coordinator for the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, for a conversation about one of the biggest questions facing schools today: What role should artificial intelligence play in the classroom?

Ben explains why AI should be viewed as a partner in learning rather than a replacement for learning. The conversation explores how schools can introduce AI responsibly, the challenges surrounding academic dishonesty, the importance of critical thinking, and why students need to understand both the benefits and limitations of the technology.

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🎤 Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Along the Rock

00:39 – Does AI Have a Place in the Classroom?

01:13 – Keeping the Human Element in Education

02:18 – AI as a Learning Partner, Not a Replacement

02:59 – Real-World Examples of AI in the Workplace

04:10 – When Should Students Start Using AI?

05:03 – Should Schools Ban AI?

05:56 – Teaching Students Responsible AI Use

06:53 – The Rapidly Changing World of AI

07:39 – Establishing Ethical AI Guidelines

08:02 – Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future

09:02 – AI vs. Traditional Learning Tools

10:35 – Teaching Students and Teachers to Use AI

11:34 – Challenges Schools Face With AI

12:20 – Academic Dishonesty and AI-Generated Assignments

13:13 – How Many Students Are Actually Using AI?

13:52 – AI Deepfakes and Student Safety

15:15 – Addressing Misuse of Artificial Intelligence

15:47 – AI Detection Tools and Academic Integrity

16:24 – Rebuilding Trust Between Teachers and Students

17:27 – AI and the History of Academic Cheating

18:40 – Traditional AI vs. Generative AI

19:53 – How ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini Work

20:20 – The Future of Siri and AI Assistants

22:20 – Is a Return to a Tech-Free Classroom Possible?

22:52 – Screen Time and Technology in Schools

23:35 – Finding the Right Balance With Classroom Technology

24:14 – Productive vs. Unproductive Screen Time

25:14 – Preparing Students for a Technology-Driven Workforce

26:43 – The Biggest Takeaways About AI in Education

27:13 – Preparing Students for an AI-Powered Future

28:10 – Knowing When to Use AI and When Not To

28:49 – The Impact of AI on Jobs and Productivity

29:48 – AI in Photography and Creative Work

31:24 – Developing Essential Skills for the Future

31:33 – Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

32:06 – Teaching Students to Write Effective AI Prompts

33:14 – Balancing AI's Benefits and Risks

33:24 – Healthy Skepticism and Responsible AI Use

34:06 – AI, Data Centers and Environmental Concerns

34:31 – AI's Potential to Save Water, Energy and Resources

35:21 – What's Next for AI in Education?

35:43 – Teaching Kids to Use AI Responsibly

36:22 – Closing Remarks

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