In education, AI is already being used in various ways, both as an assistant to teachers and as a learning aid for students:
- AI-powered virtual assistants can help teachers with administrative tasks, such as grading assignments (see also grading with GradeScope), providing feedback, and answering students’ questions.
- Adaptive learning platforms use AI algorithms to personalize the learning experience for each student, adjusting the content and pace based on their individual needs and progress.
- AI-driven tutoring systems can provide personalized instruction and support, acting as virtual tutor for students who need additional help with specific concepts or skills.
The different sections of this site are designed to provide you with deeper understanding of the potential applications of AI in education, including:
- An expanded introduction to the use of AI in education.
- Possible uses of AI by teachers, such as grading assistance, content creation, and classroom management.
- Ways teachers can leverage AI to enhance student learning, including personalized instruction, adaptive assessments, and intelligent tutoring systems.
- Ethical issues surrounding the integration of AI into educational practices.
- Sample syllabus statements and policies related to the use of AI in your courses, helping you navigate this new terrain transparently.
- Inspiring examples of AI-enabled assignments and projects from Virginia Tech faculty, showcasing innovative teaching practices.
- A guide to prompting and how to write effective prompts for AI systems, ensuring you get the most out of these tools.
It’s important to note that while AI offers many exciting possibilities, it is not a magic solution or a replacement for human teachers. Instead, it should be viewed as a powerful tool to augment and enhance the teaching and learning experience. We aim to strike a balance between embracing the potential of AI and maintaining a critical perspective on its limitations and ethical considerations.
Throughout this site, we will strive to address your concerns and provide practical guidance on how to integrate AI into your teaching practices effectively and ethically. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions about the role of AI in your classroom.
Resources
- Lee, Timothy B., and Sean Trott. 2023. “Large Language Models, Explained with a Minimum of Math and Jargon.” Understanding AI (blog). July 27, 2023. https://www.understandingai.org/p/large-language-models-explained-with.
- Mitchell, Melanie. 2025. “AI: A Guide for Thinking Humans.” Substack newsletter. June 26, 2025. https://aiguide.substack.com/.
- Onuoha, Mimi, and Mother Cyborg (Diana Nucera). 2018. “A People’s Guide to AI.” https://alliedmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/peoples-guide-ai.pdf.
- Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies. 2025. “Considering Generative AI at Virginia Tech.” April 4, 2025. https://tlos.vt.edu/content/tlos_vt_edu/en/resources/generative-ai.html.
- Webb, Michael. 2024. “A Generative AI Primer.” Artificial Intelligence (blog). August 14, 2024. https://nationalcentreforai.jiscinvolve.org/wp/2024/08/14/generative-ai-primer/.
Last Updated on July 2, 2025