Hickory City Schools to pilot AI education for teachers

“How many of you know you use AI on a regular basis?” Jason Hoyle, Instructional Technology Specialist with the school system, asked school board members at the board’s annual retreat at Ridgeview Branch Library. About half raised their hands.

Hoyle said AI education, “has to happen.” Citing evidence from the International Monetary Fund, Hoyle said 60% of jobs in the future may be impacted by AI.

Hoyle also spoke to school board members about the benefits and drawbacks to generative AI. Generative AI can make original content, such as text, music or images by learning from existing data. It can help teachers design tests, complete reports and documentation and improve communication between staff, parents and students.

The district is aware of concerns around student use of AI, such as cheating and learning from inaccurate sources of information. Hoyle said it will be important to teach students how to think critically and properly vet sources. 

All AI sites are blocked for students, but Hoyle said vetted and appropriate sources may be allowed in the future.  

Hoyle said students are being taught how to differentiate between good and weak sources of information through English-language arts, social studies and science standards. Media coordinators teach students about digital citizenship and research.

The district will begin educating teachers on how to use generative AI. Teachers will learn how the technology can be used to more efficiently educate students.

They will also learn how to teach AI literacy skills to students.

“Just like other digital literacy, students need to know what (AI) is, what are the limitations and how to responsibly navigate the tool before engaging,” Hoyle said.

The district sent a survey about AI use to parents in May. The survey asked about familiarity with AI, concerns about AI and opinions on the opportunities presented by generative AI.