Jefferson County ESC

JCESC plans for the future at AI summit

WINTERSVILLE – Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the educational landscape, and leaders in the field including the Jefferson County Educational Service Center are on the forefront to map this changing territory so that students will thrive in the classroom and leave prepared for the careers beyond.On May 7, Indian Creek School District hosted an AI summit in conjunction with the JCESC and the Ohio Educational Service Center Association, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, aiEDU and Innovate Ohio.JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko was one of the first speakers to kick off the conference. He reflected on the ways new technology has changed the job as teachers moved from chalkboards to smart boards.“We’ve certainly come a long way since those days. I look at that technology. Is it really a disruption to the education process?”Kokiko concluded that the speed at which AI is evolving and its range of applications make this technology unique.“When I look ahead towards AI and what it is capable doing, I truly believe the opportunity exists to disrupt what we’re doing in the classrooms, and as educators it’s our responsibility to be aware and on the forefront of that technology, not only for our profession and to use those tools as educators, but also for the students that we’re preparing, that will go out into the world. This technology will part of their daily lives,” he said.“We have to embrace the technology and utilize it as educators, and we’re also responsible for safeguards and to make sure it’s used effectively and correctly in the classroom.”Presenters cited the Burning Glass Institute, a national organization that analyzes job postings in the country and found in recent years more than 20 percent of job postings in the country require a data science element. Across Ohio, more jobs include aspects of science, technology, engineering and math.The conference continued with breakout sessions covering ethical and practical uses of AI. Educators raised questions during the break-out sessions about how to ensure students are retaining higher-order thinking while using AI for tasks. Another session explored the use of deep fakes and the creation of false news online. Speakers noted this was a chance to teach students how to use common sense and context to evaluate an image or a message.Presenters also covered concerns that AI would replace jobs. While many careers will be impacted by AI, speakers emphasized the most effective approach was to use technology to compliment human skills. Speakers discussed the limits of AI. They noted programs are not neutral. Answers will depend on the patterns the AI finds, and those answers can be inaccurate if the information is not reliable. The talk included an in-depth look at how the AI arrives at answers, and ways users might modify settings to get desired results.The JCESC staff attend many such sessions throughout the year and can work with area districts on the latest developments in AI.Photo Caption: Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko gives opening comments during a summit exploring artificial intelligence and its impact on education and careers. JCESC is keeping abreast of new developments in the field to best serve the school districts. Dr. Chuck Kokiko attended several workshops during a summit exploring artificial intelligence and its impact on education and careers. JCESC is keeping abreast of new developments in the field to best serve the school districts.

JCESC Governing Board Meeting

FCFC Meeting

JCESC Governing Board Meeting

JCESC Governing Board Meeting