If the very idea of artificial intelligence (AI) makes your head spin, you are not alone. Whether you are excited by the endless possibilities, confused about the technology, or worried about the effects, the quickly changing landscape of artificial intelligence in education can be overwhelming.
As you are well aware, this technology and the pace at which it is evolving have implications for the education world. While we wish we had all the answers, CFR Education is experiencing these changes alongside you. What we can do at this moment is acknowledge that these changes are complex. CFR Education strives to arm you with resources you can use in the classroom to encourage critical thinking in an AI world.
The Challenges of a Changing AI Landscape in Education
It is common knowledge that students feel pressure to use AI in their learning. This demand might not come from any specific source, but this generation is bombarded with commentary about how AI is the future. That, combined with the already existing pressure to excel, could make anyone want to jump on the AI bandwagon.
As an educator, you probably feel this too. We’ve all seen the articles that warn that if you aren’t using AI now, you are falling behind. Regardless of your opinions on that statement, the pressure exists. Not only that, but the pace at which AI technology is advancing is unprecedented.
The impact on student learning cannot yet be fully measured, but initial evidence is concerning. According to a recent survey from learning technology company D2L, educators' top two concerns about the increased use of AI in education were the loss of human connection and student over-reliance on AI tools. This is not surprising, given that weekly GenAI use now spans 42% of students, and recent studies show that using ChatGPT results in less brain activity, and students who frequently rely on AI tools show lower critical-thinking scores.
We don’t claim to have the solutions, but we hope that by explaining how we are navigating the changing environment, you know that CFR Education continues to be a trusted and expert-driven source for global affairs resources.
CFR Education’s Stance
The Council on Foreign Relations is no stranger to artificial intelligence. Our experts have been studying AI and its effects on foreign policy for years and have no plans to stop. At CFR Education, we’ve published resources on AI, such as how it affects government, conflict, and climate change, and a mini simulation that asks students to advise the President on how the United States should approach AI regulation.
Our main objective when creating content is maintaining the integrity that users expect from the Council on Foreign Relations. Each resource that CFR Education produces is vetted by the same experts who keep the organization at the forefront of independent, nonpartisan foreign policy research and analysis. Because of this commitment, we will continue creating content as we always have: informed by experts.
CFR Education Resources: Doing What AI Cannot
Our content and its mission of strengthening global literacy can address educators' most common concerns: the lack of human connection, overdependence on AI tools, and decreased critical thinking.
Global literacy is the ability to understand and engage effectively in today’s interconnected world. Two key components of building global literacy are the skills to comprehend, communicate, and address complex international challenges collaboratively and the perspective to understand and respect differing viewpoints and priorities.
While all of CFR Education’s resources contribute to building global literacy, CFR Education simulations combine the best of CFR’s expertise and pedagogical tools to create an effective, meaningful, and memorable learning experience.
CFR Education simulations do what AI cannot: they strengthen students' ability to discuss, listen, compromise, and respect each other's perspectives. Let’s walk through an example and explore how simulations help students develop crucial skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
Investing in Critical Thinking with Simulations
Humanitarian Intervention in South Sudan in 2014 asks students to assume the role of the National Security Council (NSC) and advise the President on whether, and how, the United States could pursue a humanitarian intervention in or around South Sudan.
Students will learn about the history of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, including the significant diplomatic role played by the United States and the costs, benefits, and risks of humanitarian interventions.
In the educator version of this simulation, you will find instructions on running a simulation and tips for structuring the role play, which includes opening statements, an open debate, and making a final case for positions. CFR Education also offers a five-minute video to walk your through running a simulation.
While each educator can customize the simulation to fit their individual class needs, CFR Education provides the following content for them to give their students:
- An NSC Guide, to teach about the body they will be simulating.
- Case notes include the question that students will debate during the role-play, as well as detailed background material and a discussion of the role that the United States plays.
- Details on the various roles students might assume, guidelines for the memorandum they will write, and an outline of how the discussion will flow during the role-play.
- A wrap-up section that includes information on what happened in real life, guidelines for reflecting in a class discussion, and a second written assignment.
There are no right or wrong answers in actual policy deliberations, and there are none here, either; students will walk away from this experience with an appreciation for the complexity of policy questions but also for their classmates' diverse opinions.
Navigating the Future with Skills of the Past
No one can predict what AI will do to the future of education, but we can ensure that students have the skills needed to actively engage with the world. That will require keeping up with developments in AI and encouraging students to educate themselves about the tools necessary to succeed in their academic and professional careers.
It will also require ensuring that students build the critical thinking skills and open-mindedness essential to their education, skills that will allow them to contribute to a thriving society. That’s where CFR Education comes in. We are committed to providing teaching and learning resources that enable you to meet the moment today and into the future.