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AI Can Have a Powerful Impact on Schools
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The more you use AI, the better you get at it.” Lindsey noted that what makes generative AI
different is its ability to create. “AI doesn’t just
AI can copy your voice, translate languages, help search, sort, and serve results – it actually creates
kids read better and faster at an early age, can images, videos. This is a big deal,” she said.
read your emails for you, but you can’t believe
everything you see or hear, Gestson suggested. Education leaders throughout the world are
struggling with what to-do with generative AI,
“AI robotics will have an impact on schools at Lindsey said, adding: “Aren’t kids going to cheat,
some point in time.,” he said. For example, if just copy and paste? How can teachers possibly
you’re having trouble hiring people to sweep and know what kids actually learn with access to
wax floors at night, you will be able to do it without generative AI? Should we ban it?”
people – with robotics.
The U.S. Department of Education has put out
An unanswered question with AI is: Can we ever guidance for generative AI in education along with
replicate the human brain? 21 states including Arizona. Lindsey explained
that guidance can help with implementation at the
“We could live in a world where school or district level.
the current positions don’t exist in “A lot of educators have unintentionally ignored,
the future. I don’t think it’s getting or maybe intentionally, ignored AI,” Lindsey said.
rid of people. I think it’s rethinking “Get off the sidelines and get in the game. AI has
powerful teaching and learning and administrative
roles.” – Chad Gestson uses. Envision the possibilities to transform not
only teaching, learning, and leadership, but also
“You have to be thinking about AI – you have to your profession, and unquestionably, our future
become AI literate,” Gestson said. “You can’t ignore workforce.”
it. Think about the future of AI in your systems.
Staff won’t have to spend as much time in front of For responsible and ethical Implementation, it’s
computers, and instead can build relationships with important to understand what’s at stake in order
kids – a bridge for more human interaction.” to move forward safely and responsibly, Lindsey
said. “All leaders have to think about AI,” she
If schools use AI the right way, it can help meet said. “Whether your school or district is charging
the needs of a changing workforce and economy full steam ahead with AI or choosing the slow and
and substantially transform learning, Gestson steady path, responsible adoption requires all of
said. But if you do it the wrong way, AI can us to have some common safeguards.”
leave you with legal and ethical discrimination
problems, perpetuate ineffective teaching and Gestson provided AASBO members with a
learning practices, and exacerbate inequalities and glimpse into what a famous AI historian once
injustices. predicted about the future of AI: “In from three to
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34 THE EDGE BACK TO SCHOOL 2024
