Education - Artificial Intelligence - Guidelines and Pilot Program
The bill proposes that each county board of education designates an employee to oversee the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies in their schools. It emphasizes a proactive approach to addressing potential issues that could arise from AI usage, including unlawful discrimination, negative impacts on student well-being, and unauthorized data collection. Through this initiative, the bill aims to foster an educational environment that efficiently incorporates AI tools in a manner that safeguards the rights and interests of all stakeholders involved in the educational process.
Senate Bill 979, titled 'Education - Artificial Intelligence - Guidelines and Pilot Program', aims to establish comprehensive guidelines and best practices for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into primary and secondary education settings across the state. The bill requires the State Department of Education, in collaboration with the AI Subcabinet of the Governor’s Executive Council, to develop and regularly update these guidelines in accordance with current educational standards and practices. The primary focus is to ensure that the implementation of AI within educational institutions serves to enhance teaching and learning processes while prioritizing the educational needs of students and teachers.
Concerns have been raised regarding the balance between innovation and ethical considerations in utilizing AI within education. Critics argue that inadequate policies might lead to privacy violations or reinforce biases unintentionally embedded in AI systems. However, proponents assert that establishing clear guidelines and a pilot program will ensure that the use of AI in education is both safe and beneficial, creating a framework for future advancements in educational technology.
The bill lays out provisions for the adoption of specific policies and procedures that govern AI systems deployed by county boards, ensuring compliance with state laws and ethical standards. By taking effect on July 1, 2024, SB979 sets a timeline for the transition towards integrating AI into Maryland's education system, which could serve as a model for other states looking to modernize their educational frameworks.