In a bid to stay ahead of the growing deployment of AI tools in education, Ohio has released an AI Toolkit for Ohio’s K-12 school districts.
The toolkit – creating by a partnership between InnovateOhio and the AI Education Project (aiEDU) – includes guidance for policymakers, superintendents, principals, IT staff, teachers, and parents to advance AI literacy in their school districts.
“AI technology is here to stay, and as a result, InnovateOhio took the lead on hosting forums over the summer to discuss the impacts,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted, director of InnovateOhio. “The predominant request was educators wanting help implementing the technology in the classroom. This toolkit is a resource for those who will prepare our students for success in an AI world. It continues our work to ensure Ohio is a leader in responding to the challenges and opportunities made possible by artificial intelligence.”
As part of developing the toolkit, Lt. Governor Husted and InnovateOhio led three AI forums throughout Ohio to identify opportunities to use AI for good. Husted’s office said through these forums, Innovate Ohio saw a need for trustworthy guidance for policymakers, teachers, and parents in Ohio’s K-12 education system.
“The more resources we place in the hands of school leaders, educators, families, and students, the better positioned we will be to use AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly,” said Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “Our schools are preparing students to be successful when they graduate and this AI Toolkit can spark discussions, create learning opportunities, and provide a structure for what works in Ohio’s classrooms and local learning communities.”
InnovateOhio explained that the toolkit is designed as a roadmap so education leaders can quickly identify the resources that fit their needs, no matter where they are at on their AI journey. The toolkit includes AI introductions for teachers and parents, as well as template guidelines for policymakers and superintendents.
“At aiEDU, we believe that everyone – especially those likely to be disproportionately impacted by AI systems – should have access to the knowledge and skills they need to thrive as workers, creators, consumers, and citizens,” said Alex Kotran, CEO of aiEDU. “We’re turning that belief into action by helping to make effective AI education accessible to more Ohio administrators, educators, parents and students.”
