Central Illinois Schools Integrate AI to Support Learning
Schools in Central Illinois are adapting quickly as artificial intelligence becomes a part of everyday education. Currently, 46 percent of students are already using AI tools in some form. This year, Rochester High School launched a program called Magic School AI to bring AI directly into classrooms.
David Hawkins, assistant principal at Rochester High School, stressed the importance of accepting AI’s presence. “It’s developing and it’s coming whether we like it or not. So what we want to do is give students and teachers an opportunity to grow with it,” Hawkins said.
How Magic School AI Supports Teachers and Students
Sheril Flynn, director of technology, explained the program’s practical benefits. The AI will assist students by offering tutoring and detailed feedback on assignments. For teachers, it will help with lesson planning and presenting new concepts.
“They may use it for one lesson to introduce a concept, and then the students will use it to be creative and come up with their own prompts and ideas,” Flynn added.
Preparing Students for Real-World Challenges
Hawkins highlighted the goal to prepare students for real-world demands by encouraging adaptability. “I hope they take away the ability to be adaptable,” he said.
Feedback from schools already using AI has been positive. Teachers report a reduction in workload by 7 to 10 hours each week, while student outcomes have improved by 28 percent.
- 46% of students currently use AI in some form
- AI helps lighten teacher workload significantly
- Student performance shows measurable improvement
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