In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides, becoming a powerful tool across various fields. As its applications expand, understanding how to navigate this technology is crucial, especially for younger generations.
In Richlands, North Carolina, the WITN First Alert Investigates Team recently visited Richlands High School to uncover how educators are integrating AI into their curriculum.
From editing images to answering queries, many individuals have unknowingly interacted with AI. While the prospects of AI can be exhilarating, they also pose certain risks, particularly for youth.
“AI is inherently neutral; it’s simply a tool,” explains therapist Chris Gill. He advocates for parents to have open discussions with their children about AI.
“There’s an abundance of information available, and it’s essential that we help our kids navigate it, while also protecting them from potential pitfalls,” he states.
Such discussions are vital, as proficiency in AI is becoming a necessary skill.
“In the future, 60 percent of jobs will involve AI,” says Jeff Pittman, Chief Technology Officer of Onslow County Schools. Recognizing the importance of AI in everyday life, the district is proactively teaching students how to utilize it effectively, from assisting teachers in lesson planning to helping students enhance their own assignments.
“The most incredible part has been our teachers’ reactions, as it allows them to reclaim valuable time in their schedules,” adds Pittman. “At the beginning of this academic year, we introduced the Magic School AI platform exclusively for our high school students, and its performance has been quite impressive.”
Magic School serves as an AI platform that equips students with the necessary skills to use this technology effectively.
“The most challenging aspect of AI is learning how to prompt it optimally,” notes Lindsey McAllister, a Digital Learning and Teaching Facilitator at Onslow County Schools. “Many newcomers to AI become discouraged due to their inability to form effective queries, which is why this platform is designed to guide both teachers and students through the learning process.”
“I definitely utilize it to review my essays for AP Seminar,” says Richlands High School student Alex Jaeger. “It catches many simple grammatical errors I tend to overlook.”
“Personally, I plan to continue using AI because it helps me gain a deeper understanding of the material, acting like a free tutor,” asserts student Dominic Bergeaux.
Instead of unrestricted access to AI tools, the school has implemented controlled usage.
“We’ve restricted access to other AI platforms within Onslow County. The features provided by Magic School empower teachers while ensuring students benefit from structured guidelines,” explains Pittman.
The platform was rigorously tested to confirm that it would not produce inappropriate content when prompted. “Any attempt to coerce it into generating unsuitable responses was promptly identified as a violation of our standards,” Pittman adds.
For educators like Tommy Bost at Richlands High School, the platform also serves as a valuable time-saving tool. “Typically, students would submit their papers to me for review. I’d read them, provide comments, and return them for revisions. This system streamlines the process, allowing students to have ongoing assistance,” comments Bost.
This approach equips both teachers and students to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
For those interested in learning more, visit this section of Onslow County Schools’ website, which offers insight into how AI is being utilized in classrooms and the rationale behind these initiatives.
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