Note: This is part of a 7-video series with Dr. Kecia Ray in conversation with industry experts on using artificial intelligence in the classroom.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform education. To discuss this at the district level, edtech expert Dr. Kecia Ray recently sat down with Jerry Almendarez, the superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District in California. Almendarez brings over three decades of experience in education, with the last 15 years as a superintendent. His district serves a predominantly Latino population with a high percentage of multilingual learners and socioeconomically disadvantaged students. He’s been able to foster innovation in his district and push them forward with this new technology. In this blog you’ll find a summary of their conversation, or you can watch the full video below.
The journey to AI integration in Santa Ana
Integrating AI into the Santa Ana Unified School District was a process that began with curiosity and exploration. This meant empowering educators and stakeholders to be a part of the process from the very start. District leaders were invited to engage with an AI platform to understand its potential. Teacher volunteers from the district experimented with AI in their classrooms to help them to better understand the benefits and challenges of working with an AI tool. There was a lot of excitement about this new technology, and many stakeholders wanted the opportunity to try it out.
As the use of AI gained traction, it became evident that formal guidelines were necessary. Almendarez and his team formed a district-wide AI Superintendents Advisory Committee, which included classroom teachers, school administrators, and other educators involved with the district. This diverse group spent four months developing the Santa Ana Unified Artificial Intelligence Compass, a comprehensive document that provides direction on the ethical and effective use of AI in education. They opted for a "compass" instead of a formal policy to show their dedication to safety and ethical concerns, but with the flexibility to give educators space for exploration with new tools. In a vote of confidence, the Compass was adopted by the Board of Education, signaling a commitment to embracing AI while ensuring responsible use.
Implementing AI in the classroom with the help of teachers
The implementation of AI in Santa Ana SD has been a collaborative and ongoing process. The district established subcommittees to focus on specific aspects of AI integration, such as vetting platforms, and staff development. Teachers interested in using AI tools must submit their chosen platforms to a subcommittee for evaluation. This vetting process ensures that the platforms are FERPA-compliant and suitable for classroom use. Once approved, these tools are made available to teachers for piloting and potential district-wide adoption.
One of the key areas of focus has been digital citizenship. The district recognizes the importance of teaching students how to navigate the digital world responsibly, particularly in the context of AI. This includes understanding the ethical implications of AI, recognizing misinformation and disinformation, and developing critical thinking skills. By embedding these principles into their digital citizenship curriculum, Santa Ana SD aims to prepare students for a future where AI may play a significant role.
Challenges and opportunities
Integrating AI into education comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. One challenge is the rapid pace of technological advancement. AI is evolving quickly, and educational institutions must stay abreast of these changes to remain relevant. Almendarez emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. The district’s AI Compass includes a provision for regular check-ins to ensure that the guidelines remain current and effective.
Despite challenges, the opportunities presented by AI are immense. AI has the potential to transform education by personalizing learning experiences, automating administrative tasks, and offering new ways to engage students.
As teachers became more familiar with the technology, they developed ways to use AI to enhance learning rather than undermine it. For example, they found AI can be used to generate thought-provoking questions and facilitate higher-order thinking. By embracing AI, the Santa Ana Unified School District is positioning itself at the forefront of educational innovation.
The future of AI in education
Looking ahead, Almendarez envisions a future where AI plays a central role in education. He believes that AI can help close the equity gap by providing personalized support to students who need it most. However, he also acknowledges the need for a balanced approach that considers the ethical implications of AI and ensures that human intelligence remains at the core of education.
Both Dr. Ray and Almendarez are members of the Human Intelligence Movement, a nonprofit organization focused on balancing human and artificial intelligence in education. This movement advocates for the responsible use of AI, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and digs deeper into ethical considerations. By participating in this movement, they are contributing to a broader conversation about the future of education and the role of AI.
The integration of AI into education is a complex. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and continuous learning, Almendarez and his school district are leading the way in harnessing the power of AI to enhance teaching and learning. They strive for a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of both human and artificial intelligence—not an easy feat! Watch the full interview video below.
Discover best practices for integrating AI in the classroom.
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