In the fast-evolving landscape of educational technology, one undeniable force that cannot be ignored is generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Schools need to proactively address the challenges and opportunities presented by GenAI, and a promising approach has been successfully implemented at the La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD) in California—an Emerging Tech Council. Let's explore the key ideas and strategies shared by LCUSD's Associate Superintendent of Technology Services, Jamie Lewsadder, as reported by Andrew Westrope in "CITE23: How to start an AI task force at your school."
1. The Emergence of an Open Conversation: The initial step taken by LCUSD was the creation of an Emerging Tech Council to foster open conversations about the district's stance on GenAI. Lewsadder emphasized the importance of engaging not only faculty but also parents, students, and community members in the dialogue. The goal was to workshop safe and ethical guidelines for using GenAI, educating students about it, and defining the responsibilities of students, teachers, and parents.
2. Inclusivity and Diverse Perspectives: Lewsadder's inclusive approach yielded a massive and varied response from the community. The Emerging Tech Council attracted concerned parents, a father with a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence, and even a ninth-grade student with autism. The diversity of perspectives not only addressed immediate concerns but also played a crucial role in gaining district leadership support for GenAI initiatives.
3. Special Education as a Key Entry Point: Highlighting the importance of special education, Lewsadder suggested that it could serve as a key entry point for discussing and embracing new technology. In LCUSD, special education students were among the first to use iPads. Teachers were urged not to abandon technology, especially for special ed students, as the transition to AI could impact accommodations outlined in individualized education programs (IEPs).
4. Leveraging Technology for Continued Learning: To facilitate ongoing learning and information sharing, Lewsadder created an AI Slack channel within the tech team's workspace. The message was clear: educators don't need to have all the answers; they need to know how to access them. Encouraging teachers to embrace technology tools and feel confident in using them is essential for successful integration.
5. Addressing Data Privacy Concerns: One notable revelation from the Emerging Tech Council discussions was the general lack of knowledge about data privacy concerning GenAI. Lewsadder emphasized the importance of regular communication with students and families about the risks associated with sharing personal information online, highlighting the need for a proactive approach to data privacy education.
6. Varied Tools and Content Restrictions: Education strategist Jennette Vanderpool emphasized the importance of maintaining open conversations among faculty about the tools they use. Different tools have varying content restrictions, and educators need to be aware of these differences. Policies around AI usage should be created to empower teachers to define guidelines for their classrooms, including selecting appropriate tools and setting rules.
7. Overcoming Negative Perceptions: Despite its potential risks, one of the challenges in adopting GenAI is the negative perception students may have. Lewsadder noted the importance of breaking this negative connotation, as it is essential for students entering a workforce increasingly integrated with AI technologies.
In conclusion, establishing an Emerging Tech Council or AI task force in schools can serve as a strategic and inclusive approach to navigate the complexities of integrating GenAI into education. The key lies in fostering open conversations, embracing diverse perspectives, and proactively addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformative technology.
