As leaders in the field of education, positioned at the forefront of an AI-driven transformation, we embrace our identity as ‘AI immigrants’ with a commitment to guide, educate, and innovate. In this era of rapid technological evolution, our ethos is defined by a dedication to lifelong learning, ethical engagement, and a proactive approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
In acknowledging the complexities of integrating AI into education, we recognize the concerns related to adaptation, privacy, and the depth of understanding required. These challenges, however, present us with a unique opportunity to lead, learn, and grow.
Our ethos is anchored in the following core principles:
Inclusive and Incisive Dialogue:
We pledge to engage in radically inclusive and directly incisive dialogues, bringing together educators, students, parents, and technologists. Our conversations will not only embrace diverse perspectives but will also critically analyze AI’s role in education. We are committed to questioning, challenging, and deeply scrutinizing AI integration to ensure it aligns with our educational values and goals, while actively addressing issues of equity and inclusion.
Lifelong Learning:
Our journey with AI will be one of continuous education, staying abreast of emerging technologies to make informed, balanced, and progressive decisions in our educational strategies.
Ethical Stewardship:
We pledge to uphold standards of ethics and privacy in employing AI, prioritizing the educational welfare of students while safeguarding their data and personal integrity. We will also push ourselves to discover and push into new and emerging ethical standards in concert with our stakeholders.
Empathy and Adaptability:
We recognize the varied comfort levels and understanding surrounding AI and will approach its integration empathetically, supporting our colleagues and students in adapting to technological changes at a pace that respects individual needs.
Futurist Mindset:
Embracing a vision that looks beyond current trends, we encourage exploring AI’s potential to revolutionize education. This means not just adapting to change, but anticipating and shaping the future, ensuring our students are prepared for a world where AI is integral.
Advocacy for Accessibility:
We advocate for equitable access to AI technology in education, striving to eliminate barriers so that all students, regardless of their background, have the tools they need to succeed in an AI-enhanced learning environment.
OUR ASSUMPTIONS AND NORMS
We are the architects of change, and the stewardship of this paradigm-shifting moment will be shaped by how we adapt and grow in tandem with the continuous evolution of AI.
Imminence of the Universal Teacher:
We assume the imminent arrival of a Universal Teacher, a sophisticated AI entity capable of creating diverse and personalized learning experiences across various platforms such as screens, mixed realities, and VR. It will possess the ability to tailor lessons rapidly and effectively, communicate in multiple languages, adapt to individual language and literacy levels, and be available for students anytime and anywhere.
Primacy of Humanity in Leadership:
Our assumption is that our humanity, empathy, and relational skills will be the cornerstone of our leadership with youth, outweighing the technical precision of lesson plans. It’s our human qualities that will guide, inspire, and connect with students in an AI-driven educational landscape.
AI Natives as the New Norm:
We assume that all students will grow up as AI Natives, inherently equipped with the mindsets and skills to seamlessly integrate AI into their learning and daily lives. They will be comfortable with, and expectant of, AI’s role in their education and personal development.
Ethical AI Integration:
We operate under the assumption that AI will be integrated into education in an ethical manner, prioritizing the well-being, privacy, and rights of students and educators, and will be developed and used in ways that uphold our shared values.
Continual Evolution of AI:
We assume that AI technology will continue to evolve rapidly, bringing new opportunities and challenges in education. This ongoing evolution will require constant adaptation and learning from our side as educators and leaders.
Redefinition of Educator Roles:
We assume that the role of educators will evolve, shifting from traditional teaching to more of a facilitative, mentoring, and guiding role, as AI takes on more of the direct instructional tasks.
Lifelong Learning as a Norm:
We assume that in an AI-driven educational landscape, the concept of lifelong learning will become a norm, with continuous education and skill development being integral parts of everyone’s personal and professional life.
OUR HUMAN JUSTICE STATEMENT
In the current landscape of our society, often characterized by police-state capitalism, the concept of human justice has been relegated to a separate, reactionary movement. It exists as a necessity because the lens of justice is not inherently integrated into the prevailing capitalist mindset. This reality has necessitated the advocacy for justice as an added dimension, often in response to systemic inequities and imbalances.
However, in our AI ethos, we take a fundamentally different approach. We recognize that the true power of AI in education lies not just in its technological capabilities, but in its potential to serve as a catalyst for justice. Our commitment is to use AI not merely as a tool for academic advancement, but as a means to actively and intentionally build a justice-forward educational environment.
Ruthless Pursuit of Equity:
Our approach to integrating AI in education will be marked by a ruthless pursuit of equity. We will critically examine and challenge existing systems and structures, using AI to highlight and address disparities and biases. The goal is to create a learning environment where every student, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.
Counteracting Systemic Inequities:
In a society where systemic inequities are pervasive, our AI ethos stands as a countermovement. We aim to leverage AI to counteract and dismantle these inequities, ensuring that our educational system serves as a model of what is possible when technology is harnessed for the greater good.
Integrating Justice in AI Development:
We advocate for the integration of justice principles in the development of AI technologies. This involves collaborating with technologists, policymakers, and ethicists to ensure that AI tools are not only efficient and effective but are also imbued with values of fairness and social justice.