FPS: Students must be "A.I. Literate" to thrive in a future where it's use is commonplace

(Fargo, ND) -- Fargo Public Schools officials say they will embrace A.I. in future education models.

WDAY Radio spoke with the District's Director of Standards Based Instruction, Dr Liann Hanson, who says it has the potential to radically change the education system for both students and teachers. The director says she and the district's superintendent, Dr. Rupak Gandhi, are currently using AI for some of their everyday responsibilities. One of Dr. Gandhi's ChatGPT model focuses on district policy, while Dr. Hanson's focuses on Evidence Based Reporting for state math standards.

"How does this shift what a principal does? We are not spending as much times searching through all of these policies and documents, but if I ask a specific question, I can find it right away," said Dr. Hanson about the superintendent's AI and its hypothetical use with district principals. "It saves a lot of time - and I can speak from a principals point of view - it changes what principals are doing. They can be spending more times in classrooms, more time with teachers, more time with students."

Dr. Liann Hanson says they are also considering lesson plans to incorporate AI education to teach students how to utilize it in their daily lives. Currently, she says some teachers are utilizing it in their classrooms, and foresees a time when full lesson plans are built with A.I. assistance. Furthermore, Dr. Hanson says there will likely be lessons and even full-classes based around A.I use, ethics, and more. 

Currently, with the status of A.I. in the district, Dr. Hanson says there are some troubles with the technology. She cites plagiarism and academic integrity as key concerns that exist now, but also cites how A.I. can be used to combat those challenges. Additionally, she hopes future lesson plans for A.I., if they are developed, will teach students ethics for its potential helps and harms to society. 

"How do we use A.I. for good and not evil," Dr. Hanson asked colleagues teasingly. "It really can be a transformational tool - if done well."

While researching for this article, a school spokesperson sent an article written by Dr. Rupak Gandhi discussing A.I and education moving forward in the district. In it, he cites potential challenges it could place on the district, but emphasizes that students must be "A.I. Literate" going forward.

"Understanding AI's capabilities and limitations is crucial for our students to thrive in a future where AI is ubiquitous. Our curriculum will increasingly include elements of AI education, ensuring our students are not just consumers but informed users and creators of AI technology," wrote Dr. Gandhi in the article. "As our district embarks on this journey, I acknowledge the assistance of AI in developing this column. AI's contribution, in synthesizing vast amounts of information and providing insights, exemplifies its potential as a tool for enhancing our work."