Class, we talk about AI a lot here. Is it good or bad? Well, it's technology, so it is neither and both depending on the user. But what if we could consider it as *more* than a tool, and far less than a replacement for a teacher? Britni Walz, Instructional Services and Technology Director for CESA4, like Dr. Tim, views proper AI as an assistant. Today, Britni joins us to discuss the exciting work CESA4 is doing to bring AI to rural school districts in Wisconsin. These schools seek ways to engage each of their students according to their needs and interest. As any educated educator knows, that's a monumental task. Well, what if we pair teachers with an assistant who can build individualized lesson plans for each child based on that student's needs and interests? That might just work!

As we discuss AI in classrooms more, we need to understand a few things. The first and most important is that AI is ultimately a tool, not a replacement for human engagement. AI grows more capable and nuanced each day, but it's still a tool. Rather than fearing that AI will replace teachers let's consider the second thing. Utilizing AI as an assistant has the potential to reinvigorate teachers facing creative burnout and to engage so many students who tune out of lessons that don't interest them!

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