The US's second-largest teachers union announced its groundbreaking partnership with AI Powerhouses Microsoft, Openai and humanity on Tuesday, developing a comprehensive training program that will allow educators to master artificial intelligence.
“Teachers face great challenges, including navigating the wise, ethical and safe of AI,” said Randy Weingern, president of the American Federation of Teachers at a news conference in New York.
“If there's no gaming and guardrail rules (from the US government) … we're working with these partners to make sure we understand our commitment to our students,” she added.
AFT represents 1.8 million members across the United States, from kindergarten to high school.
The announcement is that the generator AI is already beginning to rebuild education, and students use tools like ChatGpt for everything from essay writing to homework help.
Meanwhile, teachers are working on questions about academic integrity, plagiarism, and how to adapt traditional teaching methods.
The AI Giants will invest a total of $23 million to create a training center in New York to guide teachers through generative AI learning.
Microsoft has donated $12.5 million, Openai $10 million, and $500,000 to humanity.
The five-year initiative will not develop new AI interfaces, but it intends to accustom teachers to existing tools.
“What we're telling teachers around the world and across the country is that you have a home right now. You have a place where you can come and understand and understand how to use this tool to make your classroom the best.”
The National Academy of AI Education has launched its training programme this fall, aiming to serve 400,000 people over five years.
Microsoft staff have already participated in the High Tech Refresher session this week.
After-affiliates include the United Teachers Federation (UFT), which represents approximately 200,000 New York teachers.
UFT President Michael Mulgleu has similarities between AI and social media, creating excitement at the launch, but in his view it proved to be a “trash can fire.”
“We are all very skeptical, but we are very hopeful too,” he added.
TU/ARP/MD
