Monday, July 29, 2024
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has released initial guidance outlining policy considerations and best practices for the teaching and use of AI (artificial intelligence) in K-12 classrooms and libraries. When most of us hear the acronym "AI," we're likely thinking about ChatGPT or other large language models which can be used to generate text or visuals. Yet AI actually encompasses many technologies that are already integrated, for example, in internet browser use, and on social media.
Google suggests, "Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to see, understand and translate spoken and written language, analyze data, make recommendations, and more."
The Wisconsin DPI is among many state educational agencies across the nation who have weighed in on guidelines and considerations regarding the use of AI in teaching and learning. The document, “AI Guidance for Enhancing K-12 and Library Education,” was created by the DPI Division for Academic Excellence – Teaching and Learning Team and will continue to be added to and updated to address growth in the school-based use of AI. This guidance document reviews relevant policy and suggests intended outcomes for K-12 curricula and professional development.
“Students are excited about AI, and we want to empower educators to embrace the opportunity to teach students how to use AI responsibly,” Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “We also need to be sure that we are modeling safe and responsible implementation of this new technology. This new guidance document will serve as a great resource for educators looking to implement AI effectively in the classroom. We will continue to update it in the coming months."
The 22-page document is divided into seven areas of focus:
- Core concepts and goals of AI in K-12 education
- The importance of communication between schools, families, and administrations
- Policy related to ethics and data
- Security and technological infrastructure
- The role of professional development
- Suggestions for developing and evaluating curricula
- The need for continuous evaluation and improvement.
Each section offers broad considerations and specific tips for integrating AI into learning environments. The full document can be found on the DPI’s website.
In the coming years, AI is likely to influence our kids' learning and society as a whole in ways that we can scarcely imagine right now. While we don't yet know exactly all of its impacts, it's important that we prepare our students for the future, and teach them to be thoughtful users of AI and all the technologies to come. Ultimately, our jobs are to prepare Wisconsin's kids for the future, and it's likely that AI will play a large role in that future. The DPI will continue to address the use of AI in educational settings and help educators and districts set meaningful guidelines to build on for the future.