Getting Started with AI: Top 4 Free Resources

By Madison Summers

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to reshape various industries, and education is no exception. As we navigate the digital age, educators and students are discovering AI’s potential to transform traditional learning methods, offering opportunities for personalized education, and enhancing student engagement. From intelligent tutoring systems to adaptive learning platforms, AI is revolutionizing education, paving the way for new future learning environments. Today, we will explore four AI resources that can assist with this future.

1. ChatGPT

The first resource is an AI chatbox, specifically designed to provide support on a wide range of topics. Chat GPT has gained significant popularity over the past year and is being utilized for various purposes. Teachers, too, can benefit from this program. They can seek assistance from the AI regarding lesson plans, student behavior, engagement strategies, and more. Need a last-minute lesson plan for tomorrow? Chat GPT can generate one within seconds! Simply type a request, called a prompt, such as “Create a lesson plan for teaching [Grade Level] about [Subject].” The versatility of Chat GPT allows for endless possibilities in terms of questions and ideas it can generate. Its accessibility, 24/7 availability, and potential for individualized education make it a valuable resource for students and teachers. However, it also has its drawbacks. When students rely solely on AI resources for learning, the human interaction element is diminished. Unlike teachers, AI cannot establish personal connections with students. Additionally, constant use of Chat GPT may limit students’ critical thinking skills as it predominantly offers direct answers instead of fostering the process of critical thinking. Students may become overly dependent on AI for every question or writing task. Therefore, while Chat GPT can be an excellent tool for teachers and students, it requires monitoring and should be used in an educational context that encourages independent thinking, rather than solely relying on question-and-answer interactions.

• 2.    Khanmigo

The second resource is from the creator of an already popular educational resource, Khan Academy. In this TED talk by Khan Sal titled, “How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) Education” he shows his newly developing AI technology called Khanmigo. Khanmigo aims to assist students in finding answers to their questions. It serves as a guide, leading students through the steps of problem-solving and encouraging independent thinking. This powerful tool not only identifies errors made by students in math problems but also provides detailed explanations as to why those errors occurred. Beyond its problem-solving capabilities, the program offers additional features such as personal guidance counselors, interactive chats with literary characters, engaging debate conversations, and support in reading comprehension and history tutoring. It is everything students, parents, and educators need all in one easy to use tool.

3. aiEDU

The third resource is a national nonprofit organization called aiEDU, dedicated to promoting accessible AI education for all individuals. They offer a vast array of FREE lessons, activities, and professional developments to help people engage with AI. The program aims to ensure that every student is equipped with the necessary knowledge to effectively utilize AI, as it gains significance in our evolving future. Their website provides a wide array of resources including AI Toolkits, challenges, and even comprehensive curricula. The majority of these resources are freely available for use, further emphasizing aiEDU’s commitment to accessibility. By offering engaging programs and educational materials, aiEDU contributes to the expansion of AI knowledge and its integration into the education process.

4. Career In STEM®

If you are looking for download and go resources to engage your students in AI education right away, here are some of our top resources:

• “Intro to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge (distance learning STEM course)” is an excellent choice for 8th-12th grade students eager to explore the captivating world of AI technology while gaining insight into potential AI careers.
• FREE “Immersive Technologies Scavenger Hunt.” This free scavenger hunt is a great opportunity for students to explore a wide range of technologies. With 20 interactive activities to choose from, they can engage in activities such as creating 3D objects with blenders to conducting research on VR and AR.
• “Computer Science Careers Webquest (distance learning)” is another valuable resource for students interested in exploring different computer science careers. This web quest presents multiple questions for students to investigate, along with 13 different computer science career activities. Each career section includes a demonstrative video, career information sheets, and hands-on “try it” activities, providing students with comprehensive resources to dive into the lucrative and ever-growing field of computer science.

As we embrace the possibilities of AI in education, it is crucial to recognize its potential to revolutionize the learning experience, as well as its challenges. The four AI resources explored in this article offer valuable tools and support for both students and teachers. As we look ahead, the integration of AI into education holds much potential. It can help with personalized learning, enhance engagement, and equip students with important skills for the future. However, it is important to maintain a balance between AI and human interaction. By harnessing the power of these AI resources and incorporating them into educational systems, we can shape a future where technology and human interaction complement each other, creating a learner centered environment for all.