‘Preparing learners to adapt’: What to expect around AI technology in Nebraska schools

Nebraska Department of Education held a workshop Thursday, informing the state board on AI recommendations that school districts can decide to implement at the local level.

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‘Preparing learners to adapt’: What Nebraska parents can expect around AI technology in schools

, Neb. —

Artificial intelligence is rapidly growing across the country and in education.

Critics say it’s dangerous, while supporters say it can increase efficiency.

KETV NewsWatch 7 gets the facts on the role that technology could play in classrooms this year.

The Nebraska Department of Education said while there aren’t official statewide policies developed for AI in schools, it held a workshop Thursday informing the state board on AI recommendations that school districts can decide on implementing at the local level.

“I think you’re going to see schools continue to harness in, or tweak their policies around technology, its use, what’s acceptable,” Dorann Avey, NDE digital learning director, said.

Avey said parents can also expect students and teachers to learn more about digital literacy.

“How to adapt education to a world where AI is available,” Avey said.

NDE said school districts like Lincoln Public Schools have already built AI policies.

“At Lincoln Public Schools, we believe the most important work in every classroom is students doing the thinking. Our approach is balanced, thoughtful, and always grounded in what is best for students. We recognize that AI will be part of our students’ futures, so our responsibility is not to decide whether they should use it, but to teach them when it enhances learning, when independent thinking is essential, and how to use it responsibly, ethically, and critically,” Dr. Sarah Salem, LPS associate superintendent for teaching and learning, said. “We have engaged focus groups of students and teachers and have been collaborating with community and business leaders to learn more about how we can best prepare students to use AI. In LPS, we have developed lessons that begin as early as kindergarten to teach students about AI, ethical use, and evaluation of sources. Our AI committee has been meeting for over two years and continues to bring forward new research, questions, and recommendations for our district.”

Avey’s team presented to the State Board of Education Thursday.

State Director Katie Graham said, “AI competencies can no longer be isolated to computer science courses. They increasingly need to be embedded across academic content areas.”

Omaha Public Schools said in a statement:

“The Omaha Public Schools is committed to using technology as a learning tool to support or enhance learning. Technology supports and enhances instruction; it does not replace explicit teaching, purposeful reading and writing, teacher-student interaction, or timely feedback. Teachers are our most important teaching and learning resource. Within our curriculum, as students interact with digital tools, embedded AI features adapt materials to meet the individual needs of each learner.”

“Your student’s school device is probably the safest device that they’re going to touch because of all of the rules,” Avey said to reassure families.

Graham said on the educational side of things.

“I believe it should be preparing learners to adapt, to innovate and create value. As our workforce continues to evolve,” Graham said.

Avey said with AI constantly growing, it’s difficult to nail down regulations in the classroom, but we could expect state legislation around the matter.