In today’s digital era, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various industries is becoming increasingly prevalent. While there may be skepticism about its place in education, the Jordan School District is taking a bold step forward by embracing a new AI pilot program. Collaborating with School AI, a company based in American Fork, the district aims to revolutionize the classroom experience for both teachers and students.
For Andrew Holmes, a 9th-grade science teacher at West Jordan Middle School, the AI program functions as a valuable assistant in the classroom. Instead of feeling threatened by technology, Holmes sees it as a tool that will enhance his teaching abilities. By asking science-related questions, he can instantly access comprehensive and detailed answers on his computer screen.
Moreover, the AI program allows Holmes to develop customized lesson plans and engaging activities tailored to his students’ needs. By setting parameters such as subject matter, grade level, and even location, he can ensure that the AI brings in relevant resources suitable for his students’ comprehension levels.
One of the program’s standout features is its ability to provide students with timely feedback on their assignments. By running their work through the AI system set up by Holmes, students can receive feedback before submitting it to their teacher. With a workload of 200 students, it becomes impractical for Holmes to provide immediate feedback to every single one of them within a class period. The AI program bridges this gap, ensuring that students receive constructive feedback to improve their learning outcomes.
While some may view the integration of AI as a threat to traditional education, Dr. Anthony Godfrey, the superintendent of the Jordan School District, sees it as a tool for deeper learning. Drawing parallels from the introduction of calculators and the internet into classrooms, he emphasizes the importance of AI becoming a tool that empowers students to enhance their educational journey.
The district’s administrator responsible for digital teaching and learning, Jared Covili, shares in this excitement. He highlights the district’s ability to customize the AI program by selecting reputable websites for information, ensuring that students engage with reliable sources. Covili also emphasizes the importance of AI being a tool to assist students in creating original work, rather than replacing their input entirely.
By embracing AI in the classroom, the Jordan School District is paving the way for innovative teaching methods and student empowerment. This bold move acknowledges the effectiveness of technology as a valuable tool in education and seeks to optimize its potential within the boundaries of responsible usage. As the program continues to evolve and gain feedback from teachers and students, it is evident that AI has the power to revolutionize the educational landscape and inspire a new era of learning.
FAQ
1. Can AI completely replace teachers in the classroom?
No, AI is not intended to replace teachers but rather to enhance their teaching abilities. The goal of integrating AI in education is to provide teachers with tools for personalized instruction, timely feedback, and access to vast educational resources.
2. How does the AI program ensure relevant and reliable information for students?
Teachers have the ability to set parameters within the AI program, such as subject matter, grade level, and preferred sources. This ensures that the AI system only pulls information from reputable websites and resources that are suitable for students’ comprehension levels.
3. What is the role of AI in promoting student creativity?
AI is not designed to write assignments for students. Instead, it serves as a tool to provide feedback and assistance in the learning process. Students are encouraged to create original work while utilizing AI as a resource to enhance their understanding and expand their knowledge base.
4. How does AI benefit teachers and students in terms of workload?
By using AI to provide timely feedback on assignments, teachers can alleviate some of the burdens of a large workload. Students also benefit from immediate feedback, allowing them to make improvements before submitting their work to their teacher. This process increases efficiency and supports student growth.