Generative AI as a Catalyst to Elevate School Health Education

Abstract

Comprehensive school health education (HE), despite its link to enhancing both student health and academic achievement, often faces barriers to effective implementation. As pedagogical strategies evolve to integrate traditional methods with technological innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), the adoption of innovation in HE preparation and instruction becomes vital to maintain its relevance and increase student achievement. Leveraging generative AI holds immense promise for enhancing the HE curriculum, instruction, assessment, and learning environment. Presently available AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can facilitate dynamic generation and adaptive modification of the HE curriculum, incorporating best practices such as backward design, standards-based alignment, and a focus on skill development. AI technology can also enhance inclusivity and equity by developing curricula that incorporate academic supports and principles such as Universal Design for Learning to better tailor lessons to accommodate student needs. Assessment can be improved through the creation and modification of unique formative and summative evaluations. Additionally, supplemental activities and teaching strategies can be generated tailored to identified areas of growth. Finally, AI holds immense promise for multi-subject standard integration and collaboration aligning with the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. Through the considerate use of AI, educators can foster a more responsive and effective HE learning environment that aligns with the diverse and evolving needs of students.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eric J. Conrad

Eric J. Conrad ([email protected]) is an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Public Health Promotion at California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, CA. Laura K. Rees ([email protected]) is a multi-subject credentialed English language arts and history/social studies teacher at Parkview Middle School in Armona, CA.