Ohio task force launches resources, recommendations for how to use AI in schools

Cincinnati: AI is making waves in classrooms, but not everyone knows how to ride the wave. Some teachers feel a bit lost with all this new tech coming in.

When The Enquirer checked in with local schools, they found that over a dozen districts had already set up AI policies. But many others were scratching their heads, unsure of where to begin.

Mary Ronan, the superintendent of Norwood City Schools, shared her thoughts in an email. She pointed out how complicated AI can be, touching everything from Siri to ChatGPT. She emphasized that schools really need expert guidance to navigate these waters.

Well, that guidance is finally here! The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce rolled out the Ohio AI in Education Strategy last December. This toolkit is packed with recommendations for schools on how to handle AI.

Led by Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, a team of educators and AI experts put together these recommendations, which are available online. There’s something for everyone—teachers, parents, and policymakers alike.

The toolkit isn’t a strict rulebook but rather a helpful resource for Ohio’s educators and parents. It aims to prepare students for the tech of the future.

So, what are the key recommendations for K-12 schools? First off, they suggest creating a clear policy on AI use. Plus, offering professional development for staff is a must.

When it comes to those AI policies, the coalition has some solid advice. They recommend clearly defining how both students and staff should use AI, ensuring privacy standards are in place, and setting ethical guidelines for AI use.

They also suggest schools think about how to evaluate AI tools from vendors and consider how AI might affect learning goals and student assessments.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: AI school policies: Ohio releases guidance for teachers, school boards