Teaching Critical Thinking in the Age of AI

A middle school technology teacher in California shares how AI has transformed his classroom over the past 25 years. Unlike his early days in India, where teaching basic computer navigation was the norm, he now integrates tools like Gemini into his lesson planning. The AI helps him create differentiated instruction materials quickly, with all his prep work securely stored in Google Drive.

For his students, witnessing AI in action demystifies the technology. He emphasizes that AI reflects human design and underscores the importance of critical thinking. By showing how AI operates, he aims to remove fear and foster a deeper understanding among his middle schoolers.

The teacher’s approach highlights the shifting educational landscape, where AI is not just a tool but a means to reinforce fundamental skills like reasoning and questioning.