Artificial Intelligence (AI):

• Definition: AI refers to the broad field of creating machines or systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. This includes problem-solving, learning, decision-making, perception, and understanding natural language.
• Types: AI encompasses various subfields and approaches, including:
  • Narrow AI (Weak AI): AI designed to perform specific tasks (e.g., chatbots, recommendation systems).
  • General AI (Strong AI): A theoretical AI capable of performing any intellectual task a human can do (not yet achieved).
  • Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI focused on systems learning from data without explicit programming.
  • Deep Learning (DL): A subset of ML that uses neural networks with many layers.
• Applications: AI includes predictive analytics, image recognition, natural language processing (NLP), robotics, and more.

Generative AI (GenAI):

• Definition: GenAI is a specific subset of AI focused on generating new content (text, images, music, code, etc.) based on learned patterns in data. It uses models trained on large datasets to create novel outputs.
• Core Technology: GenAI often leverages Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), variational autoencoders (VAEs), or transformer-based models like GPT (for text) or Stable Diffusion (for images).
• Applications:
  • Text Generation: ChatGPT, writing tools, content creation.
  • Image Generation: Tools like DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, or MidJourney.
  • Code Generation: AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot.
  • Video/Audio Generation: AI tools for video editing, voice synthesis, or music creation.
• Capabilities: GenAI focuses on creating unique outputs rather than just analyzing or recognizing patterns.

Everyday AI Tools

AI is a part of our daily lives, with common examples including:

• Voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa.
• Recommendation systems on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify.
• Chatbots used in customer service.
• Navigation tools like Google Maps.
• Auto-correct and grammar suggestions in writing apps.

Commitment to Student Privacy

Our district prioritizes student privacy by:

• Using only AI tools that meet strict district and state compliance standards.
• Ensuring all tools comply with privacy laws such as FERPA, COPPA, and SOPPA.
• Protecting student data by avoiding the use of personally identifiable information with AI tools.

How AI and SchoolAI Enhance Education

AI tools, including SchoolAI, transform education by:

• Providing personalized feedback on assignments, fostering a continuous feedback loop to enhance learning.
• Designing engaging, interactive lessons tailored to diverse student needs, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
• Supporting students with special needs through features like text-to-speech, language translation, and other adaptive tools.
• Offering 24/7 classroom support with the SchoolAI Tutor, enabling students to access explanations, practice problems, and curriculum-aligned resources anytime.

AI streamlines tasks, enhances decision-making, and fosters creativity, helping staff focus on impactful work. Here’s how:

1. Automating Tasks: Tools like SchoolAI and GradeScope handle grading, attendance, and scheduling.
2. Boosting Communication: AI chatbots answer FAQs, while translation tools improve outreach to non-English speakers.
3. Personalized Development: Adaptive platforms recommend tailored training and resources.
4. Enhancing Collaboration: AI-powered tools like Trello and Google Workspace optimize workflows and task management.
5. Data Insights: AI analyzes performance metrics, predicts trends, and provides actionable insights.
6. Content Creation: Generative AI aids in lesson planning, visual content, and document summarization.
7. Virtual Assistance: Voice-to-text tools and AI assistants manage reminders, notes, and tasks.
8. Stress Reduction: AI tools support work-life balance by managing notifications and suggesting wellness practices.

AI empowers staff by saving time, improving efficiency, and enhancing the quality of work.

• Time-Saving Tools: AI streamlines lesson planning by providing accurate, curriculum-aligned resources. Tools like SchoolAI go further, exporting content into slides, PDFs, or images, freeing up time for teaching.
• Personalized Learning Support: AI analyzes student data and learning objectives to recommend strategies for differentiated instruction. SchoolAI simplifies this process, ensuring tailored, effective learning experiences.
• Targeted Interventions: AI helps identify areas where students need additional support, and SchoolAI enables teachers to create focused, impactful lesson plans that address these needs directly.

AI Training for Ellensburg Staff

Staff in the Ellensburg School District are developing AI literacy skills and learning to use SchoolAI effectively to enhance teaching and learning. This important work allows us to grow alongside our students as we navigate the evolving role of AI in education. Training includes:

• Integrating SchoolAI for grading, feedback, and lesson planning.
• Building AI literacy to understand and teach ethical and responsible AI use.
• Hands-on workshops with SchoolAI to explore its features and improve classroom practices.

AI Access for Students

Students in grades 6-12 will use age-appropriate AI tools to enhance their learning. For younger students (grades K-5), AI tools will be integrated into teacher-led activities with close supervision to ensure they align with developmental needs.

• Personalized Feedback: AI provides individualized insights on student performance, helping administrators and teachers make informed decisions. Tools like SchoolAI ensure accuracy while maintaining human oversight.
• Efficient Scheduling: AI optimizes workflows by creating schedules, setting reminders, and organizing to-do lists, enhancing productivity for teachers and administrators.
• Streamlined Communication: SchoolAI simplifies communication by generating professional emails, newsletters, and classroom landing pages, ensuring clear and consistent messaging.