Schools in Seminole and Volusia Counties Embrace AI in Education
Artificial intelligence has made its way into schools in Seminole and Volusia counties, marking a significant shift in the education sector. "I would say this is probably the biggest thing since the internet to really impact school districts," said Dr. Shawn Gard-Harold, assistant superintendent for Educational Pathways for Seminole County Public Schools.
AI Programs Launched in Seminole County
Last school year, Seminole County launched AI programs at Crooms Academy of Information Technology and Hagerty High School. The district even offered industry certifications to students. This year, the district is expanding the program to include level two classes and instating a new Student Code of Conduct and Honor Code.
"What we have related to our procedures manuals is in the Student Code of Conduct and the Honor Code. And those really address the use of AI-generated text. And so that really focuses on plagiarism and students trying to turn in work that maybe isn't representative of their own understanding or their own knowledge," Gard-Harold explained.
Seminole County also formed an eight-person district committee this summer. The committee will meet biweekly to refine its policies, practices, and procedures throughout the year. "The other challenge that we have moving forward is helping teachers to understand that we need to prepare students for a world where artificial intelligence exists," Gard-Harold said.
Volusia County's Approach to AI in Schools
Volusia County Schools is taking a similar approach. "So it's just flipped the way homework is so that homework is no longer the assessment. Homework is the preparation for the assessment that is going to occur in the classroom," said Dr. Matt Kuhn, chief technology officer for Volusia County Schools. Kuhn also highlighted how AI can make teachers' lives more efficient.
"This usually is very stressful for a teacher because they know this takes them hours. And they only have so much time right? But within probably 20 minutes I'd have this thing now knocked down," he said.
AI Assists Students with Hearing Difficulties
AI will also assist students with hearing difficulties. "We can use software where, as the teacher speaks, there's a running tabulation or a translation right on the screen for the student," Kuhn explained.
Addressing Academic Integrity Concerns
However, the integration of AI in schools also raises questions about academic integrity. "Is there a way for teachers to definitively look at a document turned in by a student this year and say, this is artificial intelligence? Not at the moment," Kuhn said. "I think detection will always have to lag behind the development of the AI because you don't know what you're detecting until the AI exists. So I think, you know, there's an academic integrity question that we'll always have to grapple with," Gard-Harold added.
Preparing Students for the Future
Despite the challenges, both districts are committed to preparing their students for a future with AI. "We have to get our students prepared for a world that doesn't exist yet," Gard-Harold said.
