The use of Gen AI in the classroom is controversial. Gen AI is a powerful tool that can be easily abused by students and teachers. Understanding the proper way to use Gen AI comes from the teacher not being afraid to learn more about the technology, along with the ability to teach students that it can be a helpful tool. Students also need to understand the consequences that come up if the technology is used in a manner that does not help them long term. In my opinion, generative AI can be softly introduced in grade 4 or grade 5- purely in a technology introduction form. By this, I mean that Gen AI would not be introduced as a tool for school, but a tool for extra curriculars; such as assistance in VR or other video games. In grade 6 or grade 7, Gen AI could potentially be introduced as a tool for helping narrow down a project topic or inquiry.
For myself, I have found Gen AI to be useful in helping simplify sentences. I have a tendency to overcomplicate sentences, and that does not serve me well when writing long papers. Gen AI has also helped me narrow down my thesis, when my topic has been too broad.
In this video I used screencastify to document a question I asked Copilot, a LLM (Large Language Model). I asked how to obtain a certain mod in a VR game that my housemates were playing. This is an example of how younger students could potentially use it in a non-educational form.