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Embracing AI in Our Learning Journey

September 24, 2024

A world-class, innovative, and individualized educational experience for every student. This is our collective vision, reaffirmed by our Board of Education this past June when they approved a new multi-year strategic plan. The vision is a powerful one, and my role as Superintendent is to help bring it to life.

This August, I met with our Principals, Vice Principals, and Operations leaders from Finance, Facilities, Human Resources, IT, Communications, and International Departments. We come together each year to clarify priorities and discuss important challenges and opportunities related to our work. One of the most significant and interesting conversations we are having is around Artificial Intelligence, or generative AI.

Tools like ChatGPT have literally exploded onto the scene. Just two months after its launch, it reached 100 million users—the fastest adoption rate ever seen up to that point. Generative AI is now accessible to almost anyone. The scope of what is possible in creating text, audio, video, and other imagery is almost mind-boggling. To be sure, ChatGPT is only one of hundreds of such tools.

So, what does this mean for us? That is the question I invite all of us to explore. How might we leverage these tools to be more productive, creative, and efficient? Could AI assist with data analysis, lesson planning, or language development? Could it help us build a business case, develop a pitch for an idea, or design a better classroom? What if it could support our students in learning to read or developing numeracy skills? Could AI be beneficial to teachers or human resources staff? If so, how will we strategically incorporate its use? Will our classrooms one day have robots supporting humans? Will every student have access to their own AI tutor—one that understands their learner profile and customizes its approach accordingly? I believe the answer is yes, maybe not the robot part in every classroom, but I wouldn’t rule it out.

And what about the risks? Did the student write this paragraph, or was it generated by AI? How do we know? Was that song composed by a human or AI? Does it matter? When should we encourage students to use AI, and when should it be discouraged? Should effective prompt engineering be taught in schools? If so, shouldn’t we train our adults first?

We also need to ensure that students and staff understand AI more generally—what it is, how it works, and its implications for individuals, organizations, and society. While I don’t have all the answers, the important thing to know is that we are having these conversations and stepping into the AI space thoughtfully. There is an expectation that our students and employees understand both the potential benefits and the risks, and we will be dedicating more time to this subject as it continues to evolve.

While I am certainly no expert, I am grateful for the many opportunities I have had to explore this subject. I am particularly fortunate to engage with C21 Canada (a national, not-for-profit organization that brings education associations and knowledge sector businesses together to help set Canadian standards for 21st-century learning, innovation, and technology), as well as the Canadian Collaborative for AI and Learning, and the Advanced Learning Partnership. Stay tuned for more on this subject in the months ahead. For those interested, here is a link to information you may find helpful regarding the use of AI in education from the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care: AI in Education.

Be well.

sean-nosek-2023

Sean Nosek

Superintendent of Schools / CEO

Sean Nosek became Superintendent of Schools for the Abbotsford School District July 2023.

Sean is an innovative educational leader passionate about ensuring that all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities. With over 25 years of experience in education, he has a proven track record of leading successful initiatives that drive academic achievement and create opportunities for all students to thrive.