Freeport Area schools plan AI as a tool, not a crutch, in classrooms

Freeport Area School District teachers are learning how to use and teach artificial intelligence in their classrooms.

Superintendent Ian Magness told the school board a district committee of 16 teachers and administrators mapped out how to approach the use of AI. He said that effort began about two years ago with the growing emergence of AI.

“I want you to know that we are prepared,” Magness said. “A lot of work has gone into this in the background and, now, we are ready to offer it to our teachers.”

Magness emphasized the plan is to embrace the technology, not fear it.

“As good as AI can get, I do not believe it can take the place of our teachers,” he told the board. “Nothing replaces the human connection in the classroom.”

Magness said there is no need for the board to adopt a policy regarding AI since the committee believes the current policies regarding technology are sufficient to cover it.

“What we want to do is open up the pathways to study fields that are AI-resistant so that, when they do open up, they (students) will be ready,” he explained.

The plan, he said, is to start with fundamentals, with kindergarten, first and second grades focusing on terminology and vocabulary in regard to AI. It then broadens with the higher grades as the students have greater familiarity with computers and technology.

The idea is to use AI as an educational tool, not a substitute or crutch for students’ knowledge and abilities.

Magness revealed a chart for the plan with three color-coded levels with AI Free at the first level, AI Assisted as the second and AI Enhanced.

There are three rules or principles for each level.

For example, at the red, or AI Free, level, they include: completing work without AI assistance and demanding that students rely on their own knowledge, teacher-prompted AI-free resources.

The yellow level rules, AI Assisted, state that no AI-generated content is allowed in work submitted by students and that AI be used for brainstorming, planning or feedback.

Finally, the green, or AI Enhanced level, requires students to provide human oversight and always evaluate AI content and use AI to enhance knowledge, efficiency and creativity.

“They (teachers) are embracing it, knowing that it is part of our working world,” Magness said.

Regarding public education and teachers in general, he expressed confidence in the plan’s approach and the teachers’ response.

“We believe that this is our time to shine, because nothing can take the place of that human connection in the front of the classroom,” Magness said. “We believe that this will be our renaissance.”