AI (artificial intelligence) is an incredible tool for both educators and students. Both educators and students need to learn how to use AI safely and appropriately. It is not something to be avoided but embraced with caution and care. Students who do not have the opportunity to learn how and when to use a range of AI tools and platforms will be at a disadvantage compared to those who do know how to use AI. Known as the “digital divide,” this divide could get deeper and wider as AI is made accessible to some but not all students. Thank you for exploring these tools for your own benefit and empowering your students with the skills that will make them successful in the future. For more information, please visit the NAU AI Guidance for Arizona Schools. It is also important to know the environmental impact of using AI. Here is an interesting article about the restart of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant to support the energy use of data centers.

Join us for an insightful session on Magic School AI and Personal Private Identifying Information (PII) led by Dr. Michelle Wilson, an experienced Arizona educator and AzTEA board member. This session explores the importance of safeguarding student data while using digital tools, covering key regulations like FERPA and COPPA and best practices for evaluating new educational applications. Attendees will also received an overview of Magic School AI, a powerful, mostly free platform that supports teachers with lesson planning, assessment, and curriculum development. Educators will learn how to navigate its features, including text leveling, rubric generation, and quiz creation, while ensuring compliance with district policies. 

Luke Alpress from Aguafria Union High School District introduces a "Student AI Stoplight" system to guide responsible AI use, focusing initially on restricting usage (Redbot) to prevent misuse like plagiarism. He emphasizes the need to redesign assignments and assessments to focus on critical thinking, creativity, and personal accountability, making them less reliant on rote outputs AI can generate. Alpress advocates for gradually integrating AI tools (Yellowbot and Greenbot) as collaborative aids, teaching students to evaluate and refine AI outputs critically. He concludes by highlighting the importance of preparing students for a future where AI is a key part of professional and academic settings.