The Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) met virtually Oct. 2. The meeting focused on the use of AI in education, and the full agenda is available below:
Featured Action The hearing included K-12-focused presentations by Kristen DiCerbo from Kahn Academy, Daniel Hales from the Future of Privacy Forum, and April Aldridge and Lavita Williams from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) led the meeting and reviewed the committee’s focus on benefits and risks of AI, including ethics and regulation, data privacy, and social welfare. The committee will consider needed legislation and budgetary appropriation. 
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Kahnmigo, An AI Tool for Students and Teachers
Kristen DiCerbo from Kahn Academy described the launch of Kahn’s student-focused AI program, Kahnmigo. DiCerbo described how Kahnmigo is also helpful for teachers, though she stressed it is intended as a tool to assist teachers, not a replacement for teachers. Kahnmigo can draft lesson plans, write discussion prompts, and unpack standards into learning objectives. DiCerbo mentioned that teachers need professional learning to integrate AI into their classrooms successfully, and students need coaching on asking AI the right questions.
Ethics and Legal Challenges of AI in U.S. K-12 Education
Daniel Hales from the Future of Privacy Forum provided background on the use of AI, how challenges are being addressed so far, and policy considerations. Hales mentioned that though schools have used forms of AI in the past, generative AI confronts schools with new challenges. While plagiarism and cheating were prior challenges, the challenges have evolved. Ethical considerations include bias in algorithms, data privacy, and equity in access. Legal compliance issues are also significant.
Hales mentioned that Virginia and Tennessee recently passed laws related to AI use in schools, which could serve as resources for other states. He made several concluding policy recommendations:
Continue to hold study committees on AI use in education to sort through considerations and consult with key education stakeholders
Develop intermediate guidance to help schools adopt beneficial AI tools
Consider adopting provisions that address AI-specific harms and challenges
GaDOE AI Resources for Students & Educators
April Aldridge and Lavita Williams from GaDOE focused their comments on AI literacy, teaching and learning, and workforce development. Williams reported that several school districts have created AI guidelines, including Gainesville City, Gwinnett County, Richmond County, and Camden County.
GaDOE is partnering with middle schools across Georgia to help students become AI literate. Students learn about the application of AI in their daily lives. In partnership with Gwinnett County Schools, GaDOE created AI Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways:
Aldridge reported that AI has the potential to maximize educator effort in a number of ways, including grading, parent communication, lesson planning, and customized learning paths for individual students.
GaDOE provides AI resources and professional learning for Georgia teachers in a number of ways
 | Next MeetingOct. 23 at Iron Horse Farms, Athens, GA, focusing on agriculture and workforce. Nov. 8 at Emory University Hospital, focusing on healthcare and public safety. A final meeting is scheduled for Dec. 3. |