Artificial Intelligence has rapidly woven itself into the fabric of modern life. It seems there isn’t a place where we don’t encounter AI or use it without even realizing it. This has profound implications for all aspects of our lives, particularly education. How can we prepare students for adulthood and the workforce in this rapidly changing environment? How is AI forcing us to rethink teaching and learning? To answer these questions, the Monadnock Center’s Community Conversations series will host a discussion of AI and Education on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.
AI can be a positive force for schools by saving time on routine tasks and individualizing lessons for different kinds of learners. But what are the downsides? How do we keep students and teachers at the center of education in a world where a machine can answer most questions instantly? Today’s students will have to know how to use AI effectively – it will be an essential skill. But they will also need the skills to use it ethically. To tackle these tough questions, Community Conversations has asked three ‘conversation starters’ to share their thoughts.
Our three starters each bring a different perspective. Finley Fiandaca is a high school senior and will share his experience as a student. Helfried Zrzavy is a technology integration specialist at ConVal High School and will speak from the secondary school educator viewpoint, sharing aspects of the school’s recently adopted AI policy. Franklin Pierce University’s Todd Herrmann will discuss AI and higher education. After short presentations, the audience is invited to ask questions, comment, and converse.