Math Teaching in an AI World

Exploring Challenges, Solutions, and the Future of Math Education

By: Christine A. Ballesteros

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Agenda:

Introduction

Examples of AI and Apps Students Use, especially for Mathematics

Academic Integrity Challenges

Outlook: Math Education (or Higher Education, in general) in the Age of AI

Conclusion

Introduction

Generative AI was in its early stages two years ago.

Fast forward 2 years later 🡪 Generative AI of today

It is now capable of solving complex math problems.

It can generate step-by-step solutions.

It often struggled with multi-step problem solving.

Calculations and logical reasoning were mostly not accurate.

It can create visualizations.

It can tailor explanations depending on student’s level.

Examples of AI Apps Students Use, especially for Mathematics

ChatGPT

Khanmigo

Perplexity AI

Wolfram Alpha integrations

Photomath

Gemini

step-by-step breakdown of solutions

What can it do?

personalized tutoring-like feedback

MathGPT

It can create video tutorials

AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!

Sample Business Math Question

ChatGPT’s Solution in a couple of seconds

These examples raises important questions for higher education:

If AI can instantly produce problem solutions, videos, essays, etc. what does authentic learning look like?

How do we ensure students are not just consuming AI outputs, but developing real understanding and critical thinking?

Outlook: Math & Higher Education in the Age of AI

What should assessments look like when AI is always at students’ fingertips?

The challenge is clear for us: we must rethink assessment strategies to focus less on rote problem solving and more on conceptual understanding, application, and interpretation.

What I do in my classes?

Project-based assessments (group project)

Lab-style problem sets (we use EXCEL commands)

I asked ChatGPT…

Generative AI is not going away. Instead, it will reshape how we teach, learn, and measure knowledge.

What should we do?