GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) -Artificial Intelligence is something that continues to grow. One place it’s gained a foothold is in schools.
District 51 recently started their second year of Elevate AI, a partnership between several groups that work with AI. Together, they work on the topic of AI in the classroom.
While AI can be a difficult topic to tackle, especially in the classroom, the district said if it’s used responsibly, it can be a helpful tool.
“AI is a tool that we can use for efficiency, but it shouldn’t be a tool that we’re using for merely convenience, and we’re not using it for the right thing, for enhanced learning, not replacement of learning,” said Jennifer Marsh, the Chief Academic Officer for D51.
D51 thinks AI is a tool that can be useful for both teachers and students. It’s something that can be used for things like lesson planning and studying.
“AI is just a tool. It’s important for our future that our students, even as adults, that we know and understand how to use and navigate the tool and keep that human element in this very technical tool,” said Marsh.
Using these AI platforms in a safe and ethical manner is one of District 51’s priorities.
“Some AI can learn, and so just be very, very wary of what you put into it and make sure that they understand what they’re putting into it, where it goes, and how it’s used as data,” said Dan Burke, the Executive Director of Technology Services for D51.
Despite the challenges that come with AI, the district believes it’s going to be prevalent in the future, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve as it evolves.
“AI is going to be out there for a very long time. It’s going to be in the workforce. It’s going to be in your lives. And so, getting the kids, I think, just knowing it and understanding it will align them for better success,” said Burke.
Burke said their first year of Elevate AI went well, and it’s allowed them to focus on teacher training, responsible use, and student opportunities.
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