In a recent article in the Philipsburg Mail, a group of local school board representatives and staff weighed in on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This subject is getting heightened attention here in Montana, nationwide and around-the-world. My strong interest in this topic reflects my service on the governing board of the Montana Digital Academy, the state’s online educational program, and my seat on the state legislature’s School Funding Interim Commission.
In the mid-February article, school reps and staff keyed in on the relevant integration issues for Montana’s schools. First, it seems we are experiencing a rush to get AI implemented “yesterday” due to the competitive educational challenges and economic opportunities. I’m pleased that our county’s educational leaders are asking the pertinent questions about the scaffolding on which AI is constructed: Are we poised to learn patterns or to develop more true, spatial understanding? What guarantees for students’ privacy need to be considered? Who codes this technology/who are the software engineers? Who detects inaccuracies? Are we adequately aware of “group think” as opposed to critical thinking skills?
Secondly, we can acknowledge that AI is already bringing a multitude of benefits to our modern communities including: health care advancements, weather predictions, and scientific research and technological progress. At the same time, we must define and consider the true nature of risks and safeguards. The Montana Office of Public Instruction guidelines note, as stated in the article, “AI must be used in ways that reinforce learning, not undermine it.”
Fundamental to these considerations is the reality that AI spending will need to be addressed. We’ll also need to develop a strategy for supports, including the building of data centers and providing resources and energy supplies.
With astute leaders asking the hard questions, appropriately paced introduction into schools, and the monitoring of beneficial versus threatening data generation will result. We can stay abreast with the state-of-the art technology, and hopefully matriculate students who will provide the next generation of human intelligence to drive the advancement of AI technology as partners, not just users.
We Montanans are weighing in on this time-sensitive topic as it relates to our education process. It remains my honor and privilege to serve the voters of Senate District 38 and our state.
Contact Sen. Beard at becky.beard@legmt.gov.
