In the constantly evolving landscape of education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize the way private schools operate and enhance the learning experience for students. With its ability to process vast amounts of data and perform complex analyses in real-time, AI can be a valuable asset for educators and students alike.
Director of Technology Nate Herzog comments, “Having been at Watkinson since before the internet was ubiquitous, this moment reminds me of that moment. Meaning, schools everywhere will have to make a deliberate choice as to how and when they constructively utilize this powerful tool. In 2000, teachers everywhere feared the internet would be a destructive tool for students that would just enable cheating and plagiarism. Now, there isn’t a teacher or student who can imagine conducting research on any topic without the big data engine of the internet. Two decades ago, there were many schools and businesses that said no to the internet and those communities were set behind because the absorption of that technology was unstoppable. The evolution of AI will be the same.”
During Watkinson’s back to school professional development sessions, faculty started to imagine constructive and powerful ways to utilize AI to the betterment of both Watkinson’s curriculum and our students. Upper School Head Ryan Reese comments, “Almost immediately, it became clear that the norms for AI would be different in the humanities than in a math class. And that for each positive idea that a teacher had, there was an equally valid caution.”
AI will continue to evolve; and its role in private schools will only become more clear and likely more vital. As schools continue to embrace AI, it is essential to strike a balance between technological innovation and the irreplaceable human touch that defines quality education. Head of School Teri Schrader knows, “AI has the power to reshape education, empowering both learners and educators to thrive in the digital age. As was the case with block scheduling and other key tenets of progressive education, Watkinson will be at the forefront of making that a constructive interface.”
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