A proposed bill in the Kentucky Senate is laying the groundwork for the integration of artificial intelligence in educational settings in FRANKFORT, Ky.
The responsibility of formulating guidelines for the utilization of AI in K-12 education falls on the Kentucky Department of Education.
Senator Reginald Thomas (D-Lynton), the bill’s originator, emphasizes the need for proactive regulation in the swiftly evolving realm of AI to prevent potential chaos.
He advocates for mandatory training programs and evaluations of AI implementation in public schools.
Sen. Thomas cautions against the development of technologies surpassing human intelligence, likening it to the cautionary tale of “Frankenstein,” as it pertains to educational methodologies.
The primary objective of Senate Bill 52, as asserted by Sen. Thomas, is not to prohibit or limit technology deployment in educational settings.
Despite the buzz surrounding AI, the Kentucky Department of Education has refrained from offering direct comments on the proposal.
CIO David Couch notes the increasing experimentation by educators with AI tools following encouragement from the department.
Teachers can leverage AI for tasks such as grading assignments and crafting curriculum plans, enabling the system to analyze responses, learn patterns, and provide tailored recommendations.
Additionally, AI can assist individuals in generating writing prompts.
Senator Thomas raises concerns about the potential overreliance of schools on AI, emphasizing the importance of nurturing creativity and personalized learning experiences.
Contrary to fears of displacement, Couch assures that teachers will remain integral to the educational process, suggesting that AI could streamline learning akin to the integration of computers and the internet in schools.
Couch encourages individuals to explore AI tools independently, highlighting platforms like Bard or ChatGPT for self-exploration of their capabilities.
An evaluation of AI support in education by the state Department of Education is forthcoming for public scrutiny.
Sen. Thomas expresses optimism about the bill’s approval before the legislative session concludes.
