W&M School of Education Partners with WJCC Schools on new AI initiative

Summary

William & Mary’s School of Education and Computer Science faculty have partnered with Williamsburg-James City County Schools (WJCC) in a new initiative to champion the ethical use of generative AI in the classroom.

Full Description

As outlined in a recent article in the “Virginia Gazette,” the WJCC school division aims to lead the state in defining how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in the classroom.

Professor of Science Education Meredith Kier said: “William & Mary’s School of Education, in close collaboration with faculty from the Computer Science Department, is honored to partner with WJCC Schools on the AI Ambassador Program. Together, we work alongside WJCC teachers, administrators and staff to support the creation of standards-aligned, engaging lessons that promote active learning. We view WJCC educators as equal partners and deeply respect the expertise they bring. Rather than prescribing a single model, we help facilitate school-based teams as they set AI-related goals that fit each school’s unique context.”

Responsible use includes guidance on writing prompts and learning to use AI for designing lessons, for example. After meeting in June, the AI Ambassadors group has begun training educators at more than 16 WJCC schools and will reconvene to review their progress in October.