Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant possibility or a theoretical construct. It is an ever-present reality reshaping the world around us. In education, it holds transformative potential while also presenting significant challenges. As educators, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in education and one that requires us to thoughtfully engage with AI’s affordances and navigate its complexities. This book, AI for Seamless Education, offers an essential roadmap for those seeking to understand and implement AI in a way that enriches learning experiences and fosters ethical, inclusive practices.

As someone who has spent years researching and teaching at the intersection of technology and education, I have seen firsthand how rapidly AI is changing the educational landscape. The power of AI lies not only in its ability to enhance learning but also in its capacity to challenge us to rethink pedagogy, curriculum design, and the roles of educators and students in higher education (Crompton & Burke, 2023, 2024a) and K-12 (Crompton et al. 2022). This book is a timely resource for educators grappling with these changes, providing both theoretical foundations and practical applications rooted in the Seamless Learning Design (SLED) framework.

The authors of this volume bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the conversation, exploring topics such as the integration of AI into classroom practice, the ethical considerations of its use, and its impact on critical thinking and language education. Each chapter contributes to a broader understanding of how AI can be harnessed to create seamless and effective learning experiences. The SLED framework, which underpins much of the discussion, offers a structured yet flexible approach to incorporating AI in ways that align with pedagogical goals and address real-world challenges.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its balance of innovation and caution. While it celebrates the possibilities AI offers, it does not shy away from addressing its risks. Concerns such as equity, ethical use, and the potential for students to become overly reliant on AI are thoughtfully examined, reminding us of the critical responsibility we have as educators to guide the next generation in using these tools wisely. Technology integration is not just about having the technology, but about thinking about all the other needs for the educator, such as training, tech support, policies, while also recognizing beliefs and cultural norms (Crompton & Burke, 2024b).

This book is not just for educators but for anyone invested in the future of learning—from researchers and policymakers to parents and stakeholders. It invites readers to engage critically and creatively with AI, encouraging us to see it not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a partner in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. It is a call to action to embrace AI’s potential while upholding the values of equity, integrity, and lifelong learning.

As you turn the pages of this book, I encourage you to reflect on how the ideas and frameworks presented here can inform your own practice. Whether you are just beginning to explore the possibilities of AI in education or are looking for new ways to deepen your engagement, this book will inspire and equip you for the journey ahead. I am confident that it will spark meaningful conversations and lead to transformative practices that benefit both educators and learners.

Dr. Helen Crompton
Professor of Instructional Technology, Old Dominion University; Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning (RIDIL)

References

Crompton, H., & Burke, D. (2023). Artificial intelligence in higher education: The state of the field. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(22). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00392-8

Crompton, H., & Burke, D. (2024a). The educational affordances and challenges of ChatGPT: State of the field. TechTrends 68, 380-392  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-024-00939-0

Crompton, H., & Burke, D. (2024b). How to Effectively Integration Technology with the SETI Framework. The Academic. https://theacademic.com/the-strategic-integration-of-technology-and-seti/

Crompton, H., Jones, M., & Burke, D., (2022). Affordances and challenges of artificial intelligence in K-12 education: A systematic review. Journal of Research on Technology in Education 56(3), 248-268. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2022.2121344