A controversial technology will soon be rolled out in public schools across the five boroughs.
In initial guidance on how artificial intelligence will be used in classrooms, the Department of Education noted that artificial intelligence is not a replacement for a classroom teacher, but a tool to help with research, writing and planning.
What You Need To Know
The Department of Education has released initial guidance on using artificial intelligence in New York City public schools
Teachers can turn to AI for brainstorming, organizing, and drafting communications, but not for assigning grades or discipline, according to the preliminary playbook for public schools
Students can use it for exploration and creative projects with guidance from teachers
The DOE is asking parents to share their feedback by May 8 on the city’s preliminary AI plan for schools
“Certainly, for some students, it gives us an opportunity to accelerate learning. Certainly, for teachers, it makes so many things easier,” said New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels during an interview with NY1.
Teachers can turn to AI for brainstorming, organizing, and drafting communications, but not for assigning grades or discipline, according to the preliminary playbook for public schools. Students can use it for exploration and creative projects with guidance from teachers.
AI has been a source of confusion at some public schools, with concerns over its use to cheat. Eli Dvorkin, of the Center for an Urban Future, believes artificial intelligence isn’t just a benefit to classrooms — it’s necessary.
“Integrating computational thinking from the earliest years of a child’s life may be more important than ever for cultivating a generation of young people who are AI literate, computationally fluent and able to become creators and not just consumers of technology,” Dvorkin said.
The Department of Education is asking parents to share their feedback by May 8 on the city’s preliminary AI plan for schools.