Developing an Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Readying Personnel and Pupils
School districts across the nation are exploring ways to effectively train staff to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and support students. A key solution lies in implementing comprehensive, phased professional development (PD) programs that focus on ethical, safe, and purposeful AI use in education.
The discussion on this topic was recently highlighted in a webinar, hosted by Christine Weiser, featuring Alana Winnick, Greg Bagby, and Joel Lathrop.
Alana Winnick, the Educational Technology Director and Data Protection Officer of Pocantico Hills Central School District, stressed the importance of providing free and accessible AI training workshops, online courses, and hands-on sessions to familiarize K-12 educators, administrators, and IT staff with AI applications, benefits, and ethical considerations.
Greg Bagby, the Coordinator of Instructional Technology for Hamilton County Schools, emphasized the need for practical and context-driven training. He suggested showing teachers various tools and giving them time to explore them, followed by providing tools or skills they can use immediately in the classroom.
Joel Lathrop, the Director of Education Strategy for PowerSchool, advised using AI to connect data across systems to maximize results. He also highlighted the need for a strategic, system-wide mindset shift, with district leadership teams collaborating on AI integration plans that evolve over time.
A national survey shows that 70% of district leaders see the potential benefit of AI. However, many school districts may not have the resources specifically dedicated to AI. Lathrop acknowledged this challenge, stating that promoting positive student behavior and motivation is a common challenge when using technology tools.
Bagby compared banning AI to infamous bank robber Willie Sutton, suggesting that AI is where the students are. He emphasized that having a plan is crucial when implementing AI in schools, as not having one can lead to uncontrolled use.
To ensure effective AI training in districts, several key elements are essential. These include comprehensive training, leadership involvement, pilot programs, AI literacy frameworks, and ongoing monitoring and support.
The comprehensive training should cover AI tools, benefits, and ethical use. District leaders should co-develop plans, infrastructure, and policies for sustained AI integration. Pilot programs can help test AI tools in select classrooms before wide rollout, addressing challenges early. AI literacy frameworks provide clear guidelines on age-appropriate AI use levels, with teacher discretion and transparency. Ongoing monitoring and support are necessary for continuous evaluation of AI’s impact and adjustment of training/resources as needed.
Winnick gave AI users two jobs: to be a detective and be on the lookout for bad use/content, and to be an AI "DJ" to remix content and add their own thoughts and ideas.
By adopting this holistic approach, educators can use AI wisely and creatively while maintaining academic integrity and student data privacy, ultimately supporting student success with technology integration.
- Educators, administrators, and IT staff in school districts should be familiarized with AI applications, benefits, and ethical considerations through AI training workshops, online courses, and hands-on sessions.
- Greg Bagby suggests that practical and context-driven training involves showing teachers various AI tools and giving them time to explore them, followed by providing tools or skills they can use immediately in the classroom.
- To maximize results, AI can be used to connect data across different systems, according to Joel Lathrop, the Director of Education Strategy for PowerSchool.
- A strategic, system-wide mindset shift is necessary for district leadership teams collaborating on AI integration plans that evolve over time.
- To ensure effective AI training in districts, key elements such as comprehensive training, leadership involvement, pilot programs, AI literacy frameworks, and ongoing monitoring and support are essential.
