Over the past two years, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) have sparked questions about whether maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for AI use in school is still realistic. The Programming Council hosted a Town Hall to open the discussion to the high school.
The Town Hall began with a member of the Programming Council introducing the meeting’s agenda. Some of the key questions posed to the student body included: What are the challenges and possibilities when using AI for schoolwork? What are the gray areas? What would you like the school to take into consideration when evaluating AI use in school?
During the meeting, students were presented with various scenarios involving AI use in schools. One example involved a student using AI to help with his French pronunciation for an oral presentation. Another scenario featured a student using AI to check over and correct their math homework.
After each scenario, the faculty member guiding the Town Hall asked students to stand up and share their thoughts. Some students argued that AI use is inevitable and that the school’s current policy is outdated, while others expressed concern that allowing AI in school settings could undermine academic integrity.
Senior Samson Furst said, “I thought the Town Hall was pretty good, but I am not sure how much change will actually come out of it.”
Sophomore Maya Gleser said, “I think it was productive, but there’s a lot more to be said.”
When reflecting on the process of making this Town Hall possible, Sophomore Lily Weiss, a member of the Programming Council, said, “We first met with Penny and Max, the heads of the English and History departments, to discuss the goals of the Town Hall. In this meeting, we brainstormed important guiding questions and ways to create a comfortable environment for the discussion.”
The council emphasized that the purpose of the Town Hall was not a “getting in trouble moment,” but rather to facilitate a necessary discussion for both students and teachers.
To follow up on the Town Hall, the Programming Council sent a feedback form to the entire high school asking questions such as: “How engaged were you in the Town Hall on a scale of 1-5?”, “What was the biggest takeaway?”, and “If you didn’t get to share in the program, what is one thing you want the school to take into consideration when crafting new AI policies?” This form allowed students to share their opinions and responses, providing the council with helpful and concrete feedback.
The Town Hall provided students and faculty with a special opportunity to explore the challenges and possibilities of AI use in our school. As AI continues to improve, it is more important than ever for us to consider its role in our education.
