Rylee Robles, a senior at Los Alamitos High School, is proactively incorporating technology into her studies to stay ahead of the curve. “I think it’s an incredible tool to elevate your own work,” Robles commented, acknowledging the controversy surrounding AI, particularly in film and educational settings. However, she views it as a valuable asset for enhancing personal work.
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) is also embracing AI as a tool for educational advancement. To support this initiative, OCDE has appointed Kunal Dalal and Wes Kriesel as administrators for AI and innovation. Their role is to assist the 28 local districts in Orange County with integrating AI into educational practices. Dalal and Kriesel believe that AI can significantly enhance the educational experience for students by aiding with tasks such as writing and bringing creative ideas to life.
“AI’s power lies in its ability to generate language and images, which is continuously improving,” Dalal noted. He emphasized that not utilizing AI could leave education at a disadvantage.
Currently, California and Oregon are the only states offering official guidance on AI in education, but more states are expected to follow. Kriesel highlighted the importance of carefully integrating AI into education by first identifying gaps and then determining how AI can address them. “What do we want education to be, what do we want students to learn, and what do we envision for the future of our jobs?” Kriesel questioned.
The adoption of AI in education is anticipated to grow in the coming years, with younger students increasingly exposed to this technology. Associate Professor Stephen Aguilar from USC remarked that early access to emerging technology will better prepare students for the workforce.
Robles, who serves as an engineering ambassador at her school, has connected with Dalal and Kriesel to further her understanding of AI. She is collaborating with fellow students to create an animatronic version of the school’s mascot, utilizing AI platforms like ChatGPT to craft and share the story of their griffin within the community.
