School Committee, high school staff discuss possibility of artificial intelligence committee

Wareham High School is looking into the possibility of creating an artificial intelligence committee to help the school navigate the technology’s place in the classroom, according to Wareham High School Principal Scott Palladino.

Palladino said during the Thursday, Jan. 15 School Committee meeting artificial intelligence use is evident at the high school and the school’s administration needs to ensure students are utilizing it appropriately.

“It’s something that kids have access to and it’s our job to show them how to use it appropriately,” Palladino said. “We’re just trying to get up to speed and to a point where we can coach the students because this is something that’s going to be in their lives.”

So far this year, Palladino said less than five students have been disciplined for artificial intelligence usage and the staff at both the middle and high school have worked with different consultants on artificial intelligence in the classroom.

“But there’s still more we’re looking to do with consultants to support us and our professional development,” he said.

Math department head and teacher for the high school Christine Thomas said she has seen evidence of some students using artificial intelligence on homework assignments which is negatively impacting their learning.

“We don’t know what kind of instruction [the kids] are giving themselves at home. They’re not learning, they're just kind of writing,” Thomas said.

On the other hand, English language arts department chair and teacher Mike Murray said he has seen how artificial intelligence can help some students.

“I have actually done some instruction with students to learn some of the positive tools such as organizing notes,” Murray said. “I think it’s something that I’m less afraid of and more interested in its possibilities.”

Currently there is no timeline for the potential artificial intelligence committee.