Oklahoma Lawmakers Examine AI's Growing Role in Education

Oklahoma is actively assessing artificial intelligence's rising presence in schools. State lawmakers recently convened an interim study to understand AI's implications for education and address ethical considerations.

The Driving Force Behind the Study

State Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, who requested the study, emphasized AI's pervasive integration into various sectors. He noted the recent layoffs at Oklahoma's largest tech firm, Paycom, as an example of AI's disruptive potential.

Expert Insights on AI in Schools

The interim study featured diverse speakers, including university professors, a high school teacher, and state officials from OMES. The goal was to gather insights on AI's impact across K-12 and higher education, informing future state-level decisions.

Student Dependency Concerns

Stephen Ellis, a professor at the University of Oklahoma, highlighted a concerning trend. Students tend to view AI as a definitive answer source, potentially hindering their critical thinking skills.

Preparing Students for the AI-Driven Workforce

Timothy Hsieh, a professor at Oklahoma City University School of Law, stressed the importance of comprehensive AI education. Equipping students with in-depth knowledge ensures they possess valuable, irreplaceable skills in the evolving job market.

Bipartisan Collaboration on AI Policy

Alonso-Sandoval aims to foster bipartisan collaboration on AI-related issues. He believes that AI's widespread impact necessitates a unified, non-partisan approach to address its challenges and opportunities.

Looking Ahead

While specific legislative proposals are pending, Alonso-Sandoval is committed to continued discussions on AI. The focus remains on understanding and adapting to AI's growing influence in education and beyond.