Department of Education introduces two AI programs

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has implemented two programs focused on artificial intelligence (AI) this month.

The first is the Model K-12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum, which provides a framework for schools to teach about artificial intelligence. It will also teach students about technological literacy and online safety. The second initiative is a pilot program about AI that will be taught in a handful of districts in the state.

“In today’s technology-driven world, digital citizenship education and the integration of artificial intelligence are vital to preparing students for learning and success in the future,” said Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker in a press release. “By launching these initiatives in tandem, we are empowering educators and students with the tools they need to engage with technology responsibly.”

The AI Pilot Program will be taught in the East Hartford, Lebanon, Rocky Hill, Seymour, Waterford and Westport school districts, as well as the Odyssey Community School in Manchester. The six-month program will teach students how to identify AI-generated content and how to use certain types of AI tools, among other things. CSDE will monitor the progress and effectiveness of the program throughout these six months. 

The school districts received grants between $50,000 and $100,000 so they can work with one of five vendors approved by the state, the Westport Journal reported. 

“The AI pilot districts will serve as innovation hubs, sharing best practices to guide future AI integration efforts across the state,” said Russell-Tucker in the same release. “At the same time, the digital citizenship curriculum provides a consistent framework for all Connecticut schools, ensuring equitable access to resources that prepare students for success in a connected world.”

The AI Pilot Program began at the start of January and will run until June. During this six month period, the program will be analyzed for its effectiveness. 

“The digital citizenship curriculum creates the ethical framework and critical thinking skills essential for students to responsibly engage with AI tools,” Yvette Renteria, the chief program officer of Common Sense Media, said in the press release.

Common Sense Media is a technology-education nonprofit. It created the Common Sense Education K-12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum, which the state’s K-12 program is based on.

“This sequential approach ensures students understand not just how to use AI, but when and why to use it appropriately,” Renteria said. 

Connecticut has an Online AI Academy that offers free courses for adults. The courses teach students what artificial intelligence is and how to use it in the workforce. Students who complete it earn the Google AI Essential Certificate.  

This legislative session, there is a proposed bill that would regulate the use of artificial intelligence to prevent “algorithmic discrimination and unfair treatment.” This bill, if passed as written, would amend the general statutes to include consumer protections against these potential abuses.