Blog Journal 5

    Before this semester, I was completely unfamiliar with the idea of blogging and have since grown to enjoy the freedom and creative aspects of the writing. I have enjoyed being able to follow specific prompts, as I find it guides my thinking and encourages me to consider deeply the implications of class topics and how they may be applied in the future. I also enjoy being able to customize each aspect of the blog, as I find it incredibly fulfilling creatively. So far, the most impactful lesson taught to me through the blogging process has been the importance of writing about and truly taking the time to analyze the content I take in. Being able to reflect upon new topics and ideas ensures I will understand their purpose and memorize them fully.

    Although I understand AI is becoming an incredibly relevant topic within K-12 learning, I still feel as though AI should not be present or encouraged in the classroom. Especially for younger children, the use of AI may hinder their future ability to effectively analyze lessons and create individual ideas. While for older children AI may be an effective learning tool, I think it is entirely necessary for younger students to first learn foundational skills and learning strategies without the use of generative AI. If children are introduced to AI too early, they may have trouble in the future as their extended knowledge relies entirely on the foundations built in earlier years and may have been negatively affected by overuse of AI. 

    While using generative AI to try to complete Portfolio Item 10, I found it best to be incredibly descriptive when writing my prompts. If I failed to mention minor details within the prompt, I felt as though the algorithm would input certain elements that were either entirely irrelevant or too specific, which forced me to edit and change my prompt a few different times throughout the assignment. After editing, I was able to generate an image successfully and overlay my caption. In the future, I will continue to be incredibly descriptive and clear, ensuring I learn better methods of wording and editing my prompts from others who may be more familiar with AI in general. 

    In my teaching practices, I will use Generative AI openly with my students, meaning I will always be honest and straightforward in telling my students when I have chosen to use of AI and its affect on our lessons. I may choose to use AI for lesson plan inspiration, to learn new and more informative methods of teaching a certain lesson, fun classroom craft ideas, assignment drafts, etc, but I will never choose to use AI to replace work I must do within the classroom as I feel that would be overstepping the ethical line. I don't believe I will choose to allow my students to use AI outside of planned assignments in which AI is a part of the lesson. I understand students may be inclined to use AI, so allowing them certain instances in which they are permitted and encouraged to use it will hopefully be a successful preventative measure against students using AI to cheat. If I encounter a problem with prohibited AI use, I will turn away from technological assignments until I understand the problem has improved.