The Iowa City Community School District put a very well-planned process in place to begin the implementation of AI in the coming school year. An AI champion group was formed, and it came up with guidelines for both student and staff use of AI, a vetting process for AI tools, and a code of conduct for using AI. This is a good example of taking on a new technology in education and trying to incorporate it in an appropriate way.
When Iowa City Schools students return to school on Aug. 23 for the 2024-25 school year, the district will be implementing a new curriculum that teaches them how to safely use AI, Fenstermaker said. The age-appropriate AI lessons are required by the school board.
The curriculum, for example, teaches the basics of using AI to K-2 students, along with discussing the technology’s pros and cons. Students in higher grade levels will dive deeper into safe and responsible use of AI, he said.
