Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various aspects of modern life, and education is no exception. A new handout, titled “Artificial intelligence in School-a handout in science and practice,” has been released to provide educators with practical guidance on integrating AI into the classroom in a responsible and pedagogically sound manner. the publication, created by researchers from the Universities of Augsburg and Potsdam, offers insights into the opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for action related to AI in education.

Initial skepticism surrounding AI in education is giving way to more pragmatic discussions. Generative AI tools like Chatgpt are increasingly utilized by students for research, writing, and learning. A study by the Vodafone Foundation indicates that over 70 percent of young people view AI as an prospect rather than a threat. The new handout addresses this reality by providing orientation for incorporating AI into everyday educational practices.The publication was authored by Prof. Dr. Michael Sailer and Dr. Elisabeth Bauer from the University of Augsburg, along with Prof. Dr. Katharina Scheiter, Dr.Yoana Omarchevska, and Dr. Clara Schumacher from the University of Potsdam, under the commission of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth.

Key Considerations for AI in Education

AI does not replace a pedagogical relationship, but supports teachers in responding more individually to the learning needs and relieves routine activities.

The handout emphasizes several key considerations for effectively integrating AI into educational settings:

• AI can enhance lessons through automated feedback, personalized learning support, and the creation of teaching materials, provided it is indeed implemented thoughtfully and with sound pedagogical principles.
• Data protection is crucial but should not be a barrier. Data protection-compliant tools like Fellofish, Bettermarks, and Fairchat enable the secure use of AI in the classroom.
• Teachers remain central to the educational process. AI serves as a support tool, enabling teachers to address individual learning needs and streamline routine tasks, but it does not replace the teacher-student relationship.
• Foundational knowledge remains essential. While AI can provide details,students need basic knowledge to critically evaluate and interpret the results.
• Equal access to high-quality AI applications is vital to maintain educational justice, ensuring that access does not depend on financial resources.

Recommendations for Practical Implementation

The authors advocate for clear political guidelines, standardized data protection measures, and thorough teacher training. Prof. Dr. michael Sailer, Chairman for Learning Analytics and Educational Data Mining at the University of augsburg, stresses the importance of integrating “AI competence” into school education, encompassing both the critical use of text generators and the ethical reflection on algorithms.

Prof. Dr. Katharina Scheiter, Chairman of Digital Education at the University of Potsdam, emphasizes the need for a human-centered approach to AI in schools. “On the one hand, teachers have to know how students work with AI. They have to have the opportunity to actively accompany this process and also intervene in the event of problems. Conversely, students have to understand that they have to keep obligation for their own learning process and their work results.Accordingly, they must also be able to critically question the validity of what the AI delivers to them.” She notes that in the age of AI,knowledge and skills remain essential for competent action.

the handout positions AI as a valuable tool that can modernize,personalize,and enhance school lessons,provided it is indeed implemented with pedagogical support,technical security,and a clear educational mandate. The focus remains on the teachers and learners themselves.