Augusta County School Board Embraces AI Impact in Classrooms
VERONA — The Augusta County School Board is delving into the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms. Chairperson Nick Collins is committed to providing board members with opportunities to explore their interests and exchange information with the community. Collins is particularly supportive of new board members Timothy Simmons and Mike Lawson bringing fresh perspectives to the table.
Simmons, who represents the Pastures District and won his seat in 2021, expressed his desire to join the School Board Member Alliance, an organization offering resources and training for board members. The board unanimously approved his membership, which Simmons is paying for personally. This demonstrates the board’s commitment to fostering growth and embracing diverse viewpoints.
During their upcoming meeting on August 3, the board will receive an update from Lawson on their findings regarding AI in the classroom. Although the issue is complex and won’t be officially on the agenda this month, Lawson has been actively participating in meetings dedicated to this subject. Collins highlights the interconnectedness of AI, referring to it as a spiderweb with webs into anything and everything we do.
The integration of AI within education systems has been a topic of concern nationwide. For instance, New York City initially placed a ban on ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot capable of assisting with essay writing and test question responses. However, they later reversed the ban. Other school districts continue to maintain restrictions on the use of this chatbot. Beyond ChatGPT, AI offers potential benefits including tutoring programs for students and assessment systems for teachers to better support struggling students in the classroom.
The Augusta County community will be provided with an initial glimpse into the board’s discussions surrounding AI during the upcoming meeting. However, Collins doesn’t expect extensive deliberations on Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s new model policies released in July. Superintendent Eric Bond will likely inform the board that staff is currently reviewing the policies, with further discussion potentially occurring in September.
As news regarding AI in education continues to unfold, Augusta County School Board remains dedicated to exploring its potential impact while ensuring open dialogues with board members and the community. The board recognizes the need for continuous growth and embracing diverse perspectives to drive positive change within the school system. By staying informed and engaging in fruitful discussions, they are better equipped to make well-informed decisions that positively shape the future of education in Augusta County.
