Introducing AI through a structured interaction setting, akin to traditional dating events
York School Department Introduces AI Lab for Students
In an innovative move to prepare students for the future, the York School Department has established an AI lab. The lab, designed to introduce students to a broad spectrum of AI-related tools, is the result of teachers wanting to get ahead of students using AI.
Before the AI labs were conducted with students, staff ran through the tools to check for any issues and to see what the outputs might be. Eric Lawson, the Director of Technology and Innovation at York School Department, emphasized the importance of having a signed student data privacy agreement before using any AI tool in the AI lab.
To ensure safety practices and parental consent, generic accounts were provided to students to experiment with AI tools without entering personal information. The AI lab at York School Department ensured parental consent for certain AI tools due to the age of the students.
The AI lab is set up with 10 different stations for students to "speed date" various AI tools. These stations offer various forms of AI interaction, ranging from detecting AI in imagery to creating animation, video, and sounds. A survey was conducted to determine students' needs and interests, and AI tools were curated based on those themes.
The AI lab is more than just a place for students to experiment with AI. Students are asked to reflect on how each AI tool could be used appropriately, save time, enhance learning, and potential concerns or harm. They are also asked to note how they would use these AI tools and what they learned in doing so.
The AI lab is staffed by four adults to ensure appropriate use and to address any technical or output issues. The staff at York School Department vetted and learned about the AI tools themselves before introducing them to students. Tools such as Magic School and School AI are among those included in the lab. Ensuring that all AI tools had enough generic accounts signed in ahead of time was important to prevent students from accidentally signing in with their personal accounts.
The AI lab is part of a broader effort to demystify AI in education, promote digital literacy, and empower students to integrate AI tools effectively into their studies. To achieve this, the school organizes "speed dating" events, where students rotate through stations or short sessions featuring different AI applications relevant to their study topics. Each session provides a brief introduction to the tool’s purpose, functionality, and real-world use, encouraging students to explore AI's potential in learning and problem-solving.
This method, known as AI Speed Dating, is designed to foster connections, spark ideas, and help educators and students discover AI tools to enhance their educational experience. It aims to provide a broad overview of diverse AI tools relevant to the curriculum or learning goals, while also offering follow-up discussions or deeper exploration opportunities after initial introductions. The method is facilitated by instructors to guide students in understanding practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in education.
In conclusion, the AI lab at York School Department is a testament to the school's commitment to preparing students for the future. By introducing AI into classrooms and curriculums, the school is not only promoting digital literacy but also empowering students to use AI tools effectively and responsibly. The AI lab, along with the AI Speed Dating method, is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
- Teachers at the York School Department initiated the establishment of an AI lab for students, hoping to stay ahead of students using AI.
- The AI lab ensures safety practices and parental consent by providing generic accounts to students for experimenting with AI tools.
- The AI lab offers various AI interaction stations, curated based on students' needs and interests, to enhance learning and promote digital literacy.
- The AI Speed Dating method, employed in the AI lab, aims to foster connections, spark ideas, and guide students in understanding practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in education, as part of the school's broader effort to prepare students for the future and empower them to use AI tools effectively and responsibly.
