AI in the School Library

AI in the School Library: Scarier Than "Google It"?

As school librarians, it's important for us to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in technology, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool that everyone is jumping to play with and experience.. AI is quickly becoming a part of our daily lives, (I’m looking at you Alexa users!) and it's important for school librarians to understand how it can be used to improve the library experience for students.  

If you haven’t been hearing about the “chat” AI tools then its time to get up to speed.  
 
My dad (a part-time retired HS teacher who teaches two senior electives) watched aghast, at a recent family dinner, as the AI app Genie wrote a detailed and coherent essay about a documentary he has his students watch and write about for class.  It included specific references to the documentary tone, images and other elements that support the argument that it is subjective.  Like many teachers, his response was one of disbelief and then concern about how he will ensure his students are creating authentic work.  Rightfully so.

My sister (a small business owner) lauds the use of AI as a game changer for her work and cannot rave about it enough.  And, as an aid to her business, says it is the best productivity too she has ever has used. The AI tool has saved her tons of time, just in the few weeks she has been using it.  Specifically it has helped her reach out to local business who are related to her work, write social media posts, and connect with podcasters who may want her as a guest.

For many teachers, especially in secondary, this is a scary tool because it makes it so easy for kids to pass off work that is not their own.  However I believe that is where we, as librarians have a chance to get ahead of what is coming and help teachers and students use AI tools in a meaningful and appropriate way.

The reality is that most of us have already interacted with some form of AI, an Alexa, automated programs, tech support/chats, etc. ​

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