West Alabama school district looks to strengthen AI policy

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - One west Alabama school district is working to update its policy on artificial intelligence (AI).

Tuscaloosa City Schools wants to hear from parents when it comes to how they handle AI, a growing system that continues to evolve.

The school district has a committee studying best-use practices and a major part of that study is surveying parents on how they think AI could be strengthened to improve teaching and learning.

Central High School English teacher Rachael James is the first to admit just the mere mention of AI intimidated her a bit.

“There is definitely that intimidation factor,” said James.

But AI is here to stay, and James felt the best way to tackle it is to confront it head on with crystal clarity.

James learned early on that for teachers, AI is simply another resource - another avenue - to find apps that help do their jobs better.

“AI allows us to create different tools to address different learning styles and it also makes some of the legwork in education a little easier with creating lesson plans we need to run our classes smoothly,” said James.

But like any new thing, there is a chance it could be abused and harmful.

“Safety and privacy are most important,” said Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria.

Dr. Daria says the school district is sending out surveys to parents to get their feedback on how to make the use of AI better, stronger and safer in the classroom.

“We know it’s evolving very quickly and we believe it’s important to have input from our parents on the way we use it. A big part of that is AI literacy so our students can understand AI, navigate it, interpret it, discern what it is and what it’s not,” said Dr. Daria.

But what about the teacher-student relationship? Could artificial intelligence damage the synergy?

“There is that fear. However, being able to educate, even if computers take over, there still has to be human engagement in some shape, form or fashion,” said James.

Either way, the future is here and James is on the front line and mastering it along the way.

“The goal is not to be afraid of AI,” said James.

School district leaders said parents have until September 26 to complete the survey.

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