Book review: Teaching with AI

Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning by C. Edward Watson & José Antonio Bowen is a must-read for educators seeking to navigate the rapidly-changing complex landscape of the range of technologies lumped under the umbrella term “artificial intelligence”/AI. Watson & Bowen have written a guide that is both comprehensive and practical. 

The book is divided into three main sections: "Thinking with AI," "Teaching with AI," and "Learning with AI." Each section explores the various ways AI could transform education, from enhancing critical thinking skills to redefining assessment strategies. 

An infographic from the book illustrating the 

corporate pedigrees and focus areas of various models

This book’s primary focus is empowering educators. Watson & Bowen provide strategies for integrating AI into teaching practices, enabling educators to not just be passive recipients of technology but active shapers of their teaching and curriculum. The authors address common, valid concerns such as academic integrity, cheating, and the balance between content and process, offering thoughtful solutions to these challenges 

On the topic of maintaining educational integrity. Watson & Bowen explore how AI can be used to foster creativity, enhance student engagement, and support personalized learning, all while emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and critical thinking.

"Teaching with AI" offers a visionary look at the future of education. The authors encourage educators to reflect on how AI can be utilized to benefit students and society. This forward-thinking approach is both inspiring and necessary as we prepare for a future where AI may play an increasing role in our lives.

The book is an invaluable resource for educators. Watson & Bowen have provided a roadmap for navigating AI-driven education with confidence and integrity.

A couple caveats—

• I imagine it is helpful for the reader to have at least used a generative AI model to write or create something at least once before diving into this book.

• I listened to the audiobook, and I found myself frustrated with the need to reference the accompanying PDF. In retrospect, I probably should have gotten the print or e-book version, and will probably still do so as a reference volume.

• Much of the content concerns text-generating LLMs and teachers who will continue to use written essays, papers, and other compositional assignments.  For ideas about teaching art classes incorporating image-generating diffusion models, check out this post.

Basically, if you read this review and it sounds like it might be helpful for your fall semester planning, check it out. I’m glad I did.