Stemming from Dr. Anna Smith’s previous research, we are inquiring into teachers’ uptake and understanding of generative artificial intelligence tools and their impact in education using critical walkthrough methods (Stornaiuolo et al., 2023). Although emerging technologies are frequently introduced into educational settings with the intention of promoting equity, they often reinforce existing disparities (e.g., Crooks, 2022; Reich & Ito, 2017). Likewise, AI may widen existing social and technological disparities (Faul, 2024) and automates educational decision-making in problematic ways (Selwyn et al., 2022).
We are co-developing a design-research study with teams of educators, administrators, and policymakers to build policy and practice virtual simulations where educational decision-making around generative artificial intelligence use can be rehearsed before implementation in schools.
If you are an educator, staff, or administrator in a K-12 school, and are interested in joining our design research team, please contact the Education Now Lab through Dr. Anna Smith amsmi11@ilstu.edu.