Georgia Schools Embrace AI to Transform Classroom Learning

Artificial intelligence is making significant inroads into Georgia’s K-12 classrooms, fundamentally altering educational practices and raising important questions about its impact on student learning. As schools increasingly adopt AI tools for a variety of purposes, educators are navigating new territories filled with both potential and challenges.

Across some of Georgia’s largest school districts, including DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties, districts are implementing AI technologies to enhance curricula, create interactive lessons, and develop assessment rubrics. This initiative comes at a time when concerns are mounting regarding the potential for AI to undermine students’ critical thinking abilities. According to Lindsay Linsky, an education professor at the University of North Georgia, “AI is here to stay.” She emphasized that teachers are taking “calculated risks” as they adapt to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

In Fulton County, the district utilizes Edia, an AI-powered math platform designed to provide personalized feedback for students in advanced math classes. Heather Van Looy, the director of instructional technology for the district, noted that teachers are using AI not only as a standalone subject but also to support learning in core areas like math and English. For instance, they may employ AI to facilitate brainstorming for essays or science fairs.

The integration of AI extends to Gwinnett County, which boasts the nation’s first AI-themed high school, Seckinger High School, located in Buford. This school has developed a three-course AI career pathway, allowing students to explore AI development in depth. Despite the enthusiasm for AI’s potential, many educators express concerns about their preparedness to teach using these technologies. A survey from the EdWeek Research Center last year revealed that over seven in ten teachers had not received professional development focused on AI.

According to Lisa Morgan, head of the Georgia Association of Educators, teachers across the state are facing a disparity in AI training that varies by district. While some districts offer tailored professional development, gaps remain, particularly between younger teachers, who are often more tech-savvy, and their older counterparts.

One notable tool gaining popularity among Georgia educators is MagicSchool AI, an AI assistant for teachers founded by former KIPP Atlanta educator Adeel Khan. This platform allows teachers to give personalized writing feedback and create engaging learning experiences. Currently, nearly 90,000 individuals in Georgia utilize MagicSchool, which is found in public, private, and charter schools across the state. Khan explained that teachers, often pressed for time, benefit significantly from the convenience AI offers in their daily tasks.

In addition to these tools, educators are exploring innovative applications of AI. Lisa Moore, also a professor at UNG, envisions teachers creating chatbots that embody characters from literature, allowing students to engage in simulated conversations. Other possibilities include adapting complex texts for younger students or enabling them to generate images using AI technology.

Costs associated with AI tools vary, with some, like MagicSchool AI, offering free services for individual teachers while also providing enterprise packages for districts. For example, Fulton County invests approximately $265,000 annually for the SchoolAI tool, which supports flexible AI solutions in the classroom. Meanwhile, in DeKalb County, Kermit Belcher, the district’s chief information officer, indicated that they are considering options for enterprise-level AI tools while maintaining access to free web-based resources.

Despite the enthusiasm for integrating AI, a recent study by Pew Research revealed that one in four teachers believe AI tools might do more harm than good. Concerns persist regarding the potential misuse of AI for completing assignments, which could hinder students’ creativity and critical thinking. Privacy risks also loom large, with educators worrying about the handling of sensitive student data.

In response to these challenges, educators emphasize the need for thoughtful instruction. Van Looy pointed out that more traditional assessments, such as oral exams, might be necessary to ensure students genuinely understand the material. Discussions about ethical AI use are taking place throughout Georgia, with Gwinnett County forming a cohort of teacher leaders to explore responsible AI integration.

Plans are underway for DeKalb County to establish a task force focused on sustainable AI implementation in their schools. Khan confirmed that MagicSchool prioritizes student privacy by preventing personal data from being used to train its AI models. Fulton County has also taken steps to curate a select list of trusted AI resources, addressing administrators’ concerns about privacy and data security.

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, the role of AI in classrooms remains a hot topic. The challenges faced by educators and the changing demands of the job market underscore the importance of preparing students for a future where AI is increasingly prevalent. Larry Williams, president of the Technology Association of Georgia, noted that many talented students are learning to harness AI’s capabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education in computer science and technology.

Through collaborative efforts among educators, business leaders, and government officials, Georgia aims to equip its workforce for the future. As Williams stated, “There are 16-year-olds that are utilizing AI and building businesses from scratch,” highlighting the remarkable potential of young learners in the age of artificial intelligence.