Embracing Artificial Intelligence in the Home

At Cornerstone Prep, we believe that education is a partnership between school and home, built on a foundation of academic excellence from a Christian perspective. Our dedicated teachers spent the summer at pre-planning sharpening their skills and exploring new ways to enhance learning. They dove into training sessions, mastering the latest in educational technology, including AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot, led by Cornerstone parent and Computer Science teacher, Mr. Caskey.

By staying ahead of the curve, our teachers are prepared to empower parents and engage students in both academic and spiritual growth. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, these tools—when used wisely—can significantly strengthen our partnership with families, enriching the learning experience in meaningful ways.   

AI: A Tool for the Modern Family

Last year, Mr. Caskey conducted research into various AI tools and strategies, exploring both the potential benefits and the challenges they present. AI, like any tool, can be used to either build up or break down. As parents and educators, it’s our responsibility to model its responsible use, ensuring it serves as a positive force in our students' lives.    

Addressing Common Fears about AI 

It’s natural to have concerns about AI, especially given the rapid pace of its development. Some common fears include:

    1. Harmful Information: There’s a worry that AI might provide dangerous or inappropriate content. While this is a valid concern, many AI tools now incorporate various safeguards that restrict the type of information they will generate.
    2. Misinformation: When AI is trained on incorrect information, the spread of that information can be a concern. To combat this, it’s essential to teach our children to critically evaluate the information AI provides, encouraging them to verify facts through trusted sources.
    3. Deep Fakes: The rise of deep fakes—realistic but false digital content—can be alarming. However, as awareness grows, so do the tools and techniques to detect and prevent the spread of these falsehoods, helping to protect our families from deception.
    4. Academic Integrity: AI can tempt students to submit work that isn’t their own. To address this, it’s important to emphasize the value of original thought and hard work, using AI as a supplementary tool rather than a shortcut.
    5. Overdependence: There’s a fear that students may become overly reliant on AI, missing out on the deeper understanding that comes from working through challenges. Encouraging balanced use of AI—where it aids but does not replace critical thinking—is key to preventing this. 

Harnessing AI for Parents

Despite these concerns, AI offers numerous benefits that can enhance both learning and family life. 

• AI tools can be a great tool for quickly proofreading students' work, helping to refine and polish writing assignments. 
• Generate practice problems, reinforcing learning at home in areas where students may need extra support. 
• Assist parents in understanding new concepts, whether it’s Common Core math or a complex science project, enabling them to better support their students' academic journey.

Unlocking AI for Students

For students, AI can boost their learning through various ways, such as:

• Serving as a powerful tool for research assistance, helping them gather information quickly and providing a foundation for deeper exploration. 
• Acting as a tutor available at any time, offering explanations and practice for challenging concepts, thereby supplementing their learning. 
• Generating ideas or questions, encouraging broader thinking during brainstorming sessions.
• Helping students organize information into effective study guides tailored to their individual learning needs. 

Modeling Responsible AI Usage

As we see AI use continue to be more prominent around us, it’s essential that we model thoughtful and responsible usage. This means being mindful of both the advantages and the potential downsides. AI is here to stay, and while we should be mindful of its pitfalls, it can be a valuable tool when integrated thoughtfully into our students' education.

We are committed to equipping our families with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of modern education. By effectively utilizing AI with wisdom and discernment, we can continue to strengthen the academic and spiritual foundation we provide for our children. If you have further questions, Mr. Caskey would be happy to discuss them with you.