Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming schools in numerous ways.  It’s enhancing personalized learning by tailoring educational content to individual students’ needs and learning styles.  Additionally, AI-driven tools are streamlining administrative tasks, such as grading and scheduling, freeing up educators to focus more on teaching.  Moreover, AI is enabling predictive analytics to identify students who may need extra support or intervention, ultimately improving academic outcomes.  However, there are also concerns about privacy, equity, and the potential for AI to exacerbate inequalities if not implemented carefully and ethically.

“Write about how AI is affecting schools,” is what I typed into ChatGPT to generate the paragraph above. ChatGPT is just one of thousands of AI tools available.  I promise, the rest of this article is coming from my own brain.  

Throughout the school year, I have attended several educational sessions on how AI is and will be ingrained into everyday life.  Schools will not be immune to this revolution.  As an organization, we have already been planting seeds with our staff during staff development days as well as utilizing our technology leaders to prepare.

There are many AI tools that specifically cater to education.  We are currently investigating these options first as tools for teachers.  Preparing students to use AI tools appropriately must also be integrated into the educational experience.

In a world where AI is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the future holds promises and challenges.  As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, it’s crucial to approach AI development with foresight, ethics, and a commitment to harnessing its potential for the betterment of humanity.  Only through responsible innovation and thoughtful regulation can we ensure that AI remains a force for good, empowering us to tackle the complexities of tomorrow while preserving our shared values and humanity.  - - I lied, I ended up using AI to break my writer’s block for the last paragraph. 

In education,

Jamie Boelter, New London-Spicer Superintendent