(Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of articles about USD 428's plans to safely implement artificial intelligence programs into Great Bend Schools).
By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Artificial intelligence can be likened to a car: life-changing technology when used properly and safely, but also capable of causing harm if used irresponsibly. That was the message of educators during Monday's USD 428 Board of Education meeting. Kindric Castro, who chairs the district's AI Integration Team, shared the district's vision of using AI responsibly and safely to the board.
"The aim for this is to harness artificial intelligence to enhance instruction, learning, and student career readiness while ensuring privacy, equity, and professional judgment are maintained," Castro said. "The integration team's goal is to design, guide, and assess the responsible adoption of AI in a way that improves learning, supports staff, safeguards students, and aligns with district standards."
AI can also improve workflows by giving timely feedback, individualized learning, and more support. Safety guardrails will ensure the technology is being used properly, and educators can generate reports to monitor how the technology is being used.
"The thing you might hear the most is that AI is made to save time," said Castro. "We can also use AI to address burnout. We can do this by reducing routine, mundane tasks to help teachers focus on students more. We also want to ensure our students are ready for the future. We do this by building critical, ethical, and productive AI skills for their career and future, because AI is going to be integrated into every single workforce you can think of, most likely, in the future."
The district's implementation of AI will include establishing guidelines and policies surrounding the technology, vetting tools with an evaluation rubric to ensure the right technology is being selected. Pilot programs in select classrooms will give educators real feedback on how AI is being used by students and staff.