Students Speak Out on AI’s Role in Education and Their Futures
In a recent edWebinar hosted by edWeb, a panel of high school seniors from Livingston High School (NJ), each with different career aspirations, discussed the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and their future. Ella, Ashley, Oishik, and Parker offered unique insights into how AI has influenced their academic lives and shaped their views on their prospective fields. The panel was moderated by Robert Rolling, Livingston’s PreK-12 Supervisor of Business, Technology, and Engineering and a leader in the district’s AI policy and curriculum development, who gave an overview of the Livingston Schools District’s approach to managing AI.
The panel discussion began with students sharing their encounters with AI and its unique relevance in their fields of interest, showcasing a common theme: AI is no longer an abstract concept, but an active part of their academic and career planning.
Ella noted that AI’s applications in the arts are becoming increasingly prominent, allowing designers and creatives to push boundaries and automate time-intensive tasks. In fashion, for example, AI tools can generate new styles, aid in production design, and offer innovative ways to combine traditional techniques with digital elements. As she prepares for a future in fashion design, she expressed concern about protecting creative rights.
The discussion then turned to AI’s role in scientific research, Ashley shared her experiences using AI to analyze complex data related to cognitive science and health. As an aspiring researcher, Ashley highlighted AI’s ability to process large datasets efficiently, which helps uncover patterns that can inform groundbreaking insights. Her work focuses on studying the links between childhood experiences and chronic pain, with AI tools enhancing her research and deepening her understanding of health outcomes. This reflects a broader trend: AI’s value in academia goes beyond efficiency, fostering new approaches to discovery.
In fields like finance and business, students are also finding practical applications for AI, especially in analyzing large volumes of financial data. Oishik shared how he uses AI to backtest financial models and review balance sheets, describing it as a tool that streamlines the decision-making process. He explained that AI-driven insights allow him to focus more on strategy and less on repetitive analysis, a shift that business leaders and financial professionals will likely find valuable as AI tools become more advanced.
Moving into the realm of technology and engineering, Parker discussed his experiences building smaller AI models and exploring AI from a developer’s perspective. Aspiring to use AI for social good, he shared his vision of creating accessible technology that can improve quality of life. He explained that AI has the potential to address real-world issues, from enhancing healthcare to optimizing renewable energy solutions. This aspect of the conversation underscored AI’s capacity not only to empower individuals in their careers but also to drive positive change in society.
Livingston School District’s Approach to AI Education
Moderator Rob Rolling provided an overview of Livingston’s approach to AI, underscoring the district’s commitment to preparing students for an AI-driven world. In early 2023, Livingston Schools held focus groups and surveys with students to understand their views on AI, which helped shape the district’s policy and curriculum. Recognizing that each subject presents unique opportunities and challenges with AI, the district created a high school course, “Innovating with AI,” which introduces students to AI applications in productivity and business. Mr. Rolling noted that in subjects like business, AI aligns well with learning objectives, while in other areas, such as elementary education, the focus is on responsible AI use and digital citizenship.
Livingston’s AI policies reflect this layered approach, with different strategies for elementary, middle, and high school levels. These tailored guidelines ensure that students at every grade level understand the ethical and practical implications of AI, a priority for the district as it prepares students for the future.
Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Students Speak Out About the Impact of AI on the Future.
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