As UI educators continue to reimagine their courses for an AI world, colleagues in K-12 education have critical insights into how current and future students are experiencing generative AI. A recent GenAI Roundtable brought together educators from K-12 schools, Kirkwood Community College, and the University of Iowa, and featured reflections from:

• Michael Ayers, Language Arts Teacher; City High
• Patrice Becicka, Faculty/Coordinator, Education Careers; Kirkwood Community College
• Elizabeth Crawford, Visiting Assistant Professor of Rhetoric, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; University of Iowa
• Robert Hruby, Assistant Principal; Clear Creek Amana High School
• Cornelia Lang, Professor of Physics & Astronomy and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; University of Iowa

While participants teach in a variety of disciplines and institutional contexts, a core theme of the discussion was intentional teaching in the age of AI. Key insights include:

Student motivation matters. Educators are thinking about how to encourage students to engage deeply in their learning, even if that means doing some tasks the harder way. Panelists discussed taking the opportunity to ensure they are centering learning experiences and assessments on the most important, meaningful learning goals, and they’re working to prioritize being transparent with students about the purpose behind these experiences and assessments.

Student perspectives on AI are evolving. Participants noted that more students are settling into stronger opinions about AI, and not all students are pro-AI. Students are also asking thoughtful questions about fairness, expectations, and appropriate use. For example, some students express worry that peers who do use AI have an unfair advantage over those who don’t.

Professional learning and conversations remain critical. As AI technologies continue to change rapidly, participants are seeking new ideas and opportunities to learn from other educators. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, assessment, and leadership, across educational contexts, the Connecting K-12 and Higher Ed Initiative will lead a panel discussion with high school teachers at the upcoming AI in Teaching and Learning Summit.

The roundtable was sponsored by the Connecting K-12 and Higher Ed initiative, co-led by Center for Teaching Director and Assistant Provost for Teaching & Learning Anna Flaming and College of Education Associate Dean Mark McDermott.