During a recent meeting, the Higley Unified School District focused on the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education, emphasizing the importance of responsible implementation and teacher training. Instructional technology coaches Janie Ramirez and Valerie Thomas led discussions on the district's mission to equip educators with the necessary tools and guidelines for effectively utilizing AI in classrooms.

The meeting highlighted a newly developed guide titled \"Getting Started with Generative AI,\" which outlines the district's vision and parameters for AI use. This guide aims to support teachers while ensuring that AI is implemented safely and ethically. The coaches also referenced a comprehensive K-12 education guidance document created in collaboration with state experts, which serves as a resource for educators navigating AI technologies.

Participants were encouraged to attend an upcoming AI summit on September 23 at the Agua Fria School District, which has been recognized for its commitment to responsible AI practices. The meeting underscored the urgency of preparing students for a future where AI will play a significant role in the workforce, with a World Economic Forum report predicting that 75% of companies will adopt AI technologies by 2027.

In addition to the discussions, the meeting included an interactive training session on Microsoft Copilot, a large language model designed to assist users in generating human-like text responses. Educators were guided through an activity that involved creating personalized Pixar-style yearbook photos using the AI tool, reinforcing the practical applications of generative AI in educational settings.

Overall, the meeting served as a platform for fostering AI literacy among educators, ensuring that they are well-prepared to guide students in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.