News Summary
State education leaders visited New Harmony High in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The charter school is leveraging AI tools in its curriculum, particularly in a computer data science class. Educators believe this initiative will enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for a tech-driven future. The Louisiana Board of Education is actively working to broaden these initiatives while ensuring proper training for teachers and addressing concerns over data privacy and the effectiveness of AI.
New Orleans – State education leaders visited the Ninth Ward of New Orleans on Thursday to assess progress at one of the area’s pioneering charter schools that is focusing on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum. This initiative aims to equip students with vital skills needed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
At New Harmony High, seniors are enrolled in a computer data science class taught by instructor Sean Muggivan. In this innovative environment, students leverage specific AI tools to enhance their learning experiences. The educators believe that incorporating AI into education could significantly improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a future where AI technologies will be prevalent in various sectors.
During the visit, members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) observed the class dynamics and emphasized the importance of implementing safeguards in AI education. They noted that the class employs an in-house AI platform, diverging from the commonly used tools like ChatGPT and instead utilizing smaller offline models that can be downloaded for classroom activities.
BESE President Ronnie Morris expressed optimism about the potential for similar AI programs to be broadened across Louisiana schools. He indicated that AI could be integrated into multiple subjects beyond computer science, including science, mathematics, and English, thereby enriching the overall curriculum. Morris also pointed out the transformative capability of AI tools, which could provide each student with a personal tutor accessible via their laptops, paving the way for tailored learning experiences.
Implementing AI in Louisiana’s educational framework will hinge on acquiring adequate funding and training teachers to effectively use these technologies. The state is currently in the process of identifying resources and developing a strategic plan to ensure that educators receive proper training in AI applications. This is essential for guaranteeing accurate usage and safeguarding student data privacy.
In light of the growing importance of AI competencies, the Louisiana Board of Education has passed a resolution stressing that students must have a foundational understanding of AI to compete in the global economy. This move was partly inspired by a directive from President Trump aimed at integrating AI into K-12 education, signifying a national focus on preparing students for the future workforce.
AI programs, such as Amira, are already being trialed in various schools, providing personalized support in reading by helping students sound out words and build their comprehension skills. This program is currently utilized in over 37 school districts and assists more than 57,000 students in improving their reading abilities.
Despite the promise that AI holds for education, skepticism remains among some teachers regarding its effectiveness and potential risks, such as data privacy issues and the accuracy of information it provides. Critics also raise concerns about the potential misuse of AI for cheating. Independent studies have yielded mixed results concerning AI’s efficacy in enhancing student learning, with only modest gains recorded in select scenarios.
The goal of the education policymakers in Louisiana is to bolster the adoption of AI in schools while addressing these concerns. The resolution mandates that the Louisiana Department of Education spearhead ongoing research to keep pace with advancements in AI educational tools and ensure their beneficial integration into teaching methods.
Prominent tech industry leaders, including Sal Khan and Matt Mullenweg, have also voiced their support for the incorporation of AI in educational settings. With notable advancements and the backing from influential figures, the push for AI integration in Louisiana’s schools continues to gain momentum. However, the focus remains on ensuring that the implementation of AI technologies effectively complements traditional teaching and enhances student learning outcomes.
As Louisiana moves toward a more AI-centric education system, the reliability and impact of these technologies will remain under scrutiny, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation and adjustment to ensure their successful application in classrooms.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence in Education
- Gov Tech
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- New Orleans City Business
- Google Search: AI in Education
- WAAY TV
- Google Scholar: Artificial Intelligence Education
- New Orleans City Business
- Google News: AI in K-12 Education
- NOLA
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