New Kent School Board developing policy to address use of AI in classrooms

With the ever-rising implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s setting, more and more students are relying on it to make advancements in their studies. New Kent County Public Schools is looking to grow that in a healthy way.

New Kent County’s School Board held a discussion at Monday night’s meeting about how to implement AI without compromising the classroom.

Safety and security will serve as one of the biggest parts of implementing AI in the classrooms. While it has continuously become a part of the classroom, New Kent County School Board leadership is looking to foster an environment that teaches students what AI has the capability to do and the limitations it has. A committee was formed at the beginning of the school year, with a focus on AI being used properly, with the school board planning to implement policy that will grant permission to use AI and consequences for misuse.

School board members raised concerns about vendors and tools used by AI. District 5 representative Gregory Reimer cited the use of cell phones and how they were already being used in schools despite state regulations having a no-phone policy. The District 5 representative said it could be much worse and suggest a special work session with vendor groups would provide a deeper dive.

District 4 representative Ron Vaught said that the wheels of technology will turn, but proper teaching and training will keep everyone safe. He referenced how calculators were used in math in the 1960s and the original fears that entailed. But Vaught did cite concern about enforcement and regulation, citing how a novel can be written online just by filling in the blanks.

District 2 school leader Helena Cunha commented that the school board needs to be involved with the process, citing academic integrity. She suggested that classes on using artificial intelligence as a tool for research but reiterated that the rollout needs to be done smartly.

For District 1 school board member Ketih Pagano, he finalized the group’s dialogue by referencing the evolution of AI in a short period of time.

“I think AI was a tool several years ago, and today it is now a monster,” he said. “You cannot get ahead of it. It is thinking for you.

“You can’t shut it off and it has a huge impact on our lives,” Pagano commented as he wrapped up the topic. “It’s terrifying and amazing all at the same time.”