Oklahoma High School Pioneers AI Education with New Foundations Course

Broken Arrow Public Schools Introduces AI Foundations Course

Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) in Oklahoma is setting a new standard in education by introducing an 'AI Foundations' course, making it one of the first high schools to integrate artificial intelligence into its curriculum. Starting in the spring 2024 semester, this groundbreaking class will provide students with a critical understanding of AI, a technology that is increasingly shaping industries and daily life.

The course, which will become a full-year offering by the 2024-25 academic year, is spearheaded by Kori Philliber, a veteran computer science teacher at Broken Arrow High School. Philliber is undergoing intensive professional development to ensure she is fully equipped to teach the complexities of AI to her students.

The Importance of AI Education

The introduction of this AI course is not just an elective; it reflects the district's recognition of AI's immediate and pervasive impact on students' lives. Brandon Chitty, the Executive Director of Institutional Technology and Virtual Programs for BAPS, emphasized this urgency, stating that AI is a present reality, not a distant future. With many students already using AI tools, this course aims to help them understand and responsibly harness these technologies.

Despite not being listed in the official 2023-24 catalog, the course has already attracted approximately 200 students, indicating a strong interest. The curriculum focuses on integrating fundamental coding skills with practical applications, preparing students for real-world scenarios.

Bridging the Digital Literacy Gap

This initiative addresses the growing need for digital literacy in education. As technology advances rapidly, many educational systems struggle to keep up. Broken Arrow's AI course positions its students to gain computational thinking skills, which are highly valued in future job markets. Additionally, the course encourages educators to re-evaluate traditional teaching methods and responsibly integrate AI technologies.

While AI offers immense potential, the curriculum also emphasizes ethical considerations, such as plagiarism concerns, algorithmic biases, and over-reliance on AI outputs. The district's approach ensures that students learn not only how to use AI tools but also how to critically evaluate their implications.

Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future

Broken Arrow's initiative sets a significant precedent for modern education. As AI continues to reshape industries, schools must adapt their curricula to prepare students for an AI-driven future. This course provides a robust foundation, moving beyond mere tool usage to understanding the core principles and societal impacts of AI.

By equipping students with AI literacy, Broken Arrow is ensuring that future generations are active creators, not passive consumers, of AI technologies. This proactive approach underscores the critical need for dynamic educational curricula that evolve with technological advancements.