Gilbert schools preparing for AI | News | gilbertsunnews.com
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GPS Technology Integration Educator Shawn Abele and Chief Technology Officer Jon Castelhano presented on AI at the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board study session. (YouTube)
Artificial intelligence may be moving from the theoretical into Gilbert classrooms. The GPS Governing Board discussed guidelines for teacher’s AI use during a study session on August 13 as Chief Technology Officer Jon Castelhano quoted Cisco Systems’ network team: “If we don't do it, someone else will.” Higley Unified held a similar discussion a week earlier.
Current State of AI in Gilbert Schools
Castelhano and Shawn Abele, a GPS technology integration educator, discussed the current state of AI incorporation in schools and the future AI curriculum planning. Castelhano showcased AI’s power, pointing out instances where their presentations were enhanced using Google Gemini, an AI platform. He emphasized that AI is becoming embedded in all software released.
Abele highlighted that AI has been around for longer than ChatGPT, the platform introduced by the company OpenAI in late 2022. She mentioned that AI has already been utilized in platforms like Netflix, learning platforms, and social media marketing.
GPS Approach to AI Integration
Currently, GPS blocks students’ access to AI district-wide except for a small percentage of high schoolers. Castelhano mentioned that GPS is following a "slow burn approach" to monitor how AI develops and to align with state and national guidance. Abele’s Technology Integration Educator (TIE) team has been testing academic uses of AI.
Future Steps in AI Education
The final step involves creating a tech advisory committee consisting of administrators, teachers, tech staff, and parents. This committee discusses future impacts with the guidance of TJi, an AI interface solutions company. Steps include respecting student privacy, transparency, and determining the best AI tools for students and teachers.
Addressing Concerns and Planning
The district is vetting applications for detecting plagiarism with high accuracy. The team is also considering AI tool bias and educating teachers on its implications. Involving parents in the feedback process and providing guidance on AI usage in classrooms are key priorities.
Infrastructure and Support for AI Education
The district's tech infrastructure is being monitored to support AI integration without exceeding system capacity. Efforts are being made to provide internet access to students lacking high-speed internet at home. The team will assess the need for infrastructure upgrades in the future.
Higley Unified School District also discussed AI literacy for educators on August 6, presenting a prospective HUSD Generative AI Guidance Document.
