Maryland Schools Get New Rules for Artificial Intelligence

Maryland has a new law that tells schools how to use artificial intelligence, or A.I., safely. The A.I. Ready Schools Act started on June 1st and gives schools rules about smart computer programs. The law helps teachers and students learn how to use A.I. in the right way. It also makes sure students stay safe while using these new tools.

The state's education department will write guidelines for all schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. These guidelines will teach schools the best ways to use A.I. for learning. Schools will also need to train their teachers about A.I. and choose someone to be in charge of A.I. programs. By 2027, all Maryland schools must include A.I. lessons in their computer classes.

Each school district will create its own rules about A.I. They will pick A.I. tools that follow the state's guidelines. Every district must also choose an A.I. coordinator to help manage these programs. This person will make sure the technology is used properly and safely.

At City Springs Elementary School in Baltimore, students are already trying out new A.I. software. The program was created by Brandon Phillips, who started a company called Future Think Hub. His software acts like a personal teacher for each student. It learns how each child thinks and teaches them math, science, and coding in fun, game-like ways.

The A.I. software helps students solve problems and think more clearly. It can teach each student at their own speed and level. Phillips explained that his software gives each student their own individual teacher. The computer learns how each student thinks and teaches them at their own level.

Rob Summers, who works at City Springs Elementary, believes A.I. will be very important for students' futures. He thinks students need to learn about A.I. now so they can succeed later. Summers said schools must prepare kids for what's coming next, not just for today's world.

The new technology doesn't replace teachers. Instead, it helps teachers do their jobs better. Teachers still create lesson plans and guide their students. The computer just gives extra help to make sure each student gets what they need to learn well.