Let’s get this out of the way: no AI was used in the writing of this guide.
But increasingly, AI is everywhere. It’s built into websites and computer programs. It sets airline prices and decides when to send marketing emails. And nowhere do the stakes of AI use feel more tense and important than in education.
Whether you’re a middle school teacher teaching students to write cohesive paragraphs or an MIT lecturer covering advanced engineering concepts, AI is raising questions about the goals of education and the role of new technologies.
These questions don’t have clear answers. Still, AI is not just coming. It’s here. Which means that schools and colleges are building the plane as they’re learning to fly it. Parents, educators, and students are doing their best, but no one knows where this technology is taking us or what the long-term impacts might be.
No wonder this has become such a contentious, hotly debated topic across the country.
Our approach, Reflective Structured Dialogue, defuses polarized conflict, humanizes people with different views, and creates a space for authentic connection. RSD helps you lean toward one another in hard times and remember your common bonds during conflict.
This guide uses a streamlined version of our approach to help you lead a healthier conversation about AI among educators, students, caregivers, campus and school leaders, and members of the broader educational community. The goal is not to change minds or win arguments. It is to understand the breadth of perspectives, hopes, and concerns, so you can make the right choice for your school, campus, or community.
Tips for healthier communication and three sets of dialogue prompts are included here. Each set of dialogue prompts includes a purpose statement, so you can be clear about what the conversation is designed to achieve. Choose the one that feels right for your context.
If more training would help you put this guide to use, consider registering for an upcoming EP workshop. If your community, campus, school, or institution needs more support, reach out to us for a free consultation.
