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Formation of an Advisory Board for AI in Education

As discussions surrounding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education heat up, Packback—a platform dedicated to inquiry-based learning—has announced the establishment of an Advisory Board. This board will consist of notable leaders from both K-12 and higher education sectors, all aimed at guiding the responsible use of AI technologies within the classroom.

Kelsey Behringer, the CEO of Packback, emphasized the significance of making informed decisions about AI implementations that could impact the educational landscape for current and future generations of learners. The Advisory Board is tasked with exploring how educators can effectively harness AI tools to foster a more engaged and curious learning environment. With 86% of students reportedly utilizing AI in their studies, and many depending on it frequently, the board aims to address the burgeoning issue of "cognitive offloading." This phenomenon occurs when students rely on AI assistance rather than engaging deeply with their academic tasks, prompting concerns among educators regarding the potential erosion of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Advisory Board is uniquely positioned, pulling together a wealth of experience from various educational leaders:

• - Dr. Bernard Rowan, Associate Provost at Chicago State University, known for his work in assessment.
• - Dr. Blake Freeman, Chief Academic Officer for Hamilton County Department of Education in Chattanooga, TN, who brings insights from previous roles in academic leadership.
• - Carley Ries, Vice Provost for Online Learning with a track record of enhancing course access at the University of Nevada, Reno.
• - Dr. John J. "Ski" Sygielski, President of HACC, who has previously led initiatives at the American Association of Community Colleges.
• - Dr. Kate Smith, President of Rio Salado Community College, noted for her impactful contributions in community college leadership.
• - Marc Watkins, Assistant Director of Academic Innovation from the University of Mississippi, also leads the AI Institute for Teachers.
• - Dr. Monique Reeves, Executive Vice Chancellor for the Future at Austin Community College, dedicated to community efforts and educational excellence.
• - Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent of Pflugerville Independent School District, actively involved in national educational leadership.

Carley Ries shared a pivotal notion, stating that AI must be thoughtfully integrated into the educational experience to transcend mere automation of tasks. It should aid in the development of classrooms that prioritize inclusivity, engagement, and the human aspects of learning. To maintain a clear focus on equity, academic integrity, and innovation, the Advisory Board will convene quarterly, providing strategic guidance and evaluating best practices for the implementation and evolution of AI tools in education.

The rise of AI poses numerous opportunities as well as challenges, and the Advisory Board is committed to ensuring that these technologies serve to enhance, rather than compromise, the educational experience. By centering discussions around responsible use, the board aims to create frameworks that make the advantages of AI accessible to all students, enriching their learning processes while maintaining the integrity of educational goals.

Ultimately, the mission of Packback revolves around employing Instructional AI as a catalyst for proficient teaching and learning methodologies at scale. With cutting-edge technology focused on fostering skills such as critical thinking and research, Packback is positioned to lead the charge in redefining how education adapts to and embraces the capabilities of AI. Their initiatives have already demonstrated marked improvements in academic outcomes across many institutions, further highlighting the importance of judicious AI application.

More information about this initiative, and how Packback intends to harness AI for educational advancement, can be found on their website: www.packback.co.