AI in Ohio schools: Husted launches new AI education toolkit
February 16, 2024
OhioX joined Lt. Governor Jon Husted, aiEDU, and education leaders in Dayton for the launch of the State of Ohio's AI Toolkit for K-12 school districts.
Inspired by AI forums led by Lt. Governor Husted and OhioX, the toolkit is a practical guide for formulating policies and recommendations in light of the growing presence of AI and its many tools.
About the AI toolkit
A seven-part comprehensive guide, the toolkit is designed to empower policymakers, superintendents, principals, IT staff, teachers, and parents to advance AI literacy within their respective communities. It provides resources across a variety of areas to help promote student privacy, data security, ethics, and more.
The AI Toolkit is structured as a roadmap to assist education leaders in identifying resources tailored to their needs, regardless of their current stage in the AI journey. It includes AI introductions for teachers and parents, as well as template guidelines for policymakers and superintendents.
The goal of the toolkit is to help prepare all of Ohio’s students for jobs in an increasingly AI-driven world.
The inspiration
The toolkit was inspired from AI forums led by Lt. Governor Husted and InnovateOhio in 2023, where industry and education leaders expressed a need for trustworthy guidance in integrating AI tools into education and our workforce.
OhioX partnered with Lt. Governor Husted and InnovateOhio on AI Forums in Cleveland and Cincinnati where leaders from education, government, and the tech industry shared insights into AI’s transformational impact. Some of the participating organizations included AWS, the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Kroger, Procter & Gamble, and a number of AI startups.
The toolkit is available at InnovateOhio.gov/AIToolkit.
What they're saying
“AI technology is here to stay, and as a result, InnovateOhio took the lead on hosting forums over the summer to discuss the impacts. The predominant request was educators wanting help implementing the technology in the classroom. This toolkit is a resource for those who will prepare our students for success in an AI world. It continues our work to ensure Ohio is a leader in responding to the challenges and opportunities made possible by artificial intelligence.”
- Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted
"Artificial intelligence will have a transformational impact on Ohio and our economy. The AI Toolkit equips educators and students with a powerful guide and essential resources to explore the limitless possibilities of AI in every school across the state. We applaud Lt. Governor Jon Husted for his leadership on technology issues like AI and for his goal to make Ohio the most innovative and entrepreneurial state in the Midwest. OhioX's partnership in crafting the AI Toolkit underscores the tech industry's commitment to fostering innovation in Ohio and building a strong tech-focused workforce. Thanks to the AI Toolkit, Ohio's students will be more AI-ready in a rapidly changing global innovation economy."
- Chris Berry, President and CEO of OhioX
“At aiEDU, we believe that everyone—especially those likely to be disproportionately impacted by AI systems—should have access to the knowledge and skills they need to thrive as workers, creators, consumers, and citizens. We’re turning that belief into action by helping to make effective AI education accessible to more Ohio administrators, educators, parents and students.”
- Alex Kotran, CEO of aiEDU
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