Mississippi’s AI Journey: AI Education for All
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Mississippi's educational landscape is a significant step towards embracing digital innovation, representing a pivotal shift in the state's approach to education.
The national context of AI in education has evolved significantly over the past year, with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology (OET) playing a crucial role. The OET has released a new policy report titled "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations," which addresses the need for sharing knowledge, engaging educators, and refining technology plans and policies for AI use in education. [1] This report is part of ongoing efforts to advance a cohesive and comprehensive approach to AI, summarizing the opportunities and risks for AI in teaching, learning, research, and assessment based on public input.
Key recommendations from the report include emphasizing "Humans-in-the-Loop" to ensure that AI does not replace teachers but rather supports them. This will involve aligning AI models to a shared vision for education, and designing AI using modern learning principles. The report also stresses the importance of prioritizing the strengthening of trust and the involvement of educators in the integration of AI technologies into classrooms. Moreover, it highlights the need for research and development focused on addressing context and enhancing trust and safety. The development of education-specific guidelines and guardrails is noted as paramount for successful integration.
The guidance reflects an understanding of AI's potential to transform the educational landscape by improving classroom experiences, supporting educators, and addressing variabilities in students' learning. It acknowledges the transformative potential of AI while also cautioning against the risks associated with its deployment in educational settings, such as data privacy and security, algorithmic discrimination, and ensuring equitable access to educational technologies.
"Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations." U.S. Department of Education.
This strategic approach underscores a broader national conversation about integrating advanced technologies into learning processes, fostering AI literacy, and leveraging AI to personalize learning experiences while addressing challenges such as ensuring accessible, bias-free AI education. The emphasis on collaboration among federal government, states, institutions of higher education, school districts, and other partners is indicative of a concerted effort to navigate the complexities of AI in education and leverage its benefits responsibly and equitably.
The Mississippi AI Collaborative seeks to contribute to these aims by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the state's educational system. Bringing together a broad coalition of educators and technologists, the Collaborative is dedicated to establishing a statewide educational ecosystem that is both inclusive and focused on the advancements AI can bring to learning environments.
Jim St. Clair has recently been appointed into the role of Chief AI Officer for the AI Collaborative, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the forefront of Mississippi's educational and technological advancement. With a background deeply rooted in health data transformation, cybersecurity, privacy, and strategic planning, particularly within the HealthTech and FinTech sectors, St. Clair is poised to lead the Collaborative's efforts in integrating artificial intelligence into Mississippi's educational systems and beyond. As the Chief AI Officer, St. Clair's vision includes leveraging AI to enhance educational outcomes, promote digital literacy, and prepare the workforce for a future that is intertwined with digital and AI technologies. St. Clair's appointment signals a significant step forward in the Mississippi AI Collaborative's mission to foster an inclusive, technologically advanced educational ecosystem.
Jim St. Clair joins the Mississippi AI Collaborative as Chief AI Officer
Key AI Collaborative partners such as Jackson State University (JSU) are also making significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) research for education. A central component of JSU's AI initiatives is the formation of the AI Agency, which serves as a hub for student skill enhancement. Through the AI Agency, students will work with Chief AI Officer Jim St Clair to provide support for the digital advancement of Mississippi organizations. This agency facilitates community-driven generative AI initiatives, fostering local empowerment and breakthrough innovations. Efforts in AI at JSU also include recent NSF grant projects for enhancing STEM education through AI and Writing-to-Learn pedagogies. JSU, through its College of Liberal Arts, also aims to deepen the understanding of AI's potential when combined with arts, humanities, and social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach seeks to address societal challenges with a humanistic perspective.
At the K-12 level, the MS CSTA serves as a professional community for educators teaching computer science at various levels. President Krystal Chatman emphasizes the importance of computer science education as a fundamental aspect of the curriculum, offering resources, training, and advocacy to improve the quality and reach of computer science education across the state. By fostering a robust network of computer science educators, MS CSTA contributes to building a strong foundation for students' engagement in technology and AI, and leads the charge with an AI educator accelerator fellowship that will train educators across the state on equitable AI classroom integrations.
The Mississippi CSTA President Krystal Chatman is set to announce the first cohort of AI Collaborative Educator Fellows next week.
To further community education initiatives, the Bean Path, founded by Nashlie Sephus, Ph.D., focuses on bridging the technology gap, providing the necessary guidance and resources to foster innovation and tech literacy. The Bean Path's involvement in the Mississippi AI Collaborative and its community outreach during a planned AI month underscores its commitment to community-driven AI initiatives, offering a platform for skill enhancement and innovative projects that serve the local community. Throughout AI Month, participants will be encouraged to experiment with hands-on AI learning and sign up for the Mississippi AI-thon, a free state-wide upskilling certification.
The Mississippi Coding Academies also offers a transformative approach to technology education through their no-cost programs, focusing on coding and software development. They aim to democratize access to tech education, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the tech industry. Through intensive coding bootcamps and programs, participants gain hands-on experience in software development, preparing them for high-demand careers in the technology sector. With the integration of AI into their Clarksdale campus curriculum, and the appointment of their AI officer, they will expand offerings in technical AI training state-wide.
The collective efforts of the Mississippi AI Collaborative and its partners in the Mississippi AI-thon, such as the University of Southern Mississippi and five other higher education institutions, underscores a statewide commitment to enhancing AI literacy and preparing the workforce for technological advancements. This is also underscored by the recent establishment of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network by Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at Mississippi State University, which similarly marks a significant step in this direction. Aligning with the Department of Education’s advocacy for partnership among educators, stakeholders, and policymakers, these state-wide collaborations will drive AI education curriculum development. Mississippi's unified approach, bridging research institutions, technical training, and K-12 education, exemplifies a progressive strategy in advancing AI education and readiness for future technological challenges.
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[1] Office of Educational Technology. "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations." U.S. Department of Education. Accessed on tech.ed.gov. This source provides a comprehensive report from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology, offering insights and recommendations on the use of AI in education.