Common Sense Media, OpenAI Partner on Free AI Training Course for Educators -- THE Journal

Professional Development

Common Sense Media, OpenAI Partner on Free AI Training Course for Educators

By Rhea Kelly
11/20/24

Common Sense Media, the nonprofit provider of entertainment and technology recommendations for families, and AI research and development company OpenAI have teamed up to create a free AI training course. "ChatGPT Foundations for K-12 Educators" is designed to help teachers understand and responsibly implement the basics of artificial intelligence into their work in the classroom, according to a news announcement. The course is the first output of a broader partnership the two organizations announced in January, focused on AI guidelines and education for parents, educators, and young people.

The one-hour, nine-lesson course covers topics such as AI fundamentals, data privacy, ethical use guidelines, student safety, and ideas for how to incorporate AI into teachers' work. Pilots at nearly a dozen school districts have yielded "promising early results," the companies reported.

"Schools across the country are grappling with new opportunities and challenges as AI reshapes education, with our research showing that seven in 10 students are already using tools like ChatGPT for their schoolwork," said Robbie Torney, senior director of AI programs at Common Sense, in a statement. "With this course, we are taking a proactive approach to support and educate teachers on the front lines and prepare for this transformation."

"We're in the early stages of AI adoption in K-12, and it will take all of us — educators, technologists, and organizations — working together to ensure this technology enables teachers and improves learning outcomes for students," commented Leah Belsky, VP and general manager of Education at OpenAI. "Our first priority is to equip educators with resources to use OpenAI's tools thoughtfully and set the classroom standard for responsible use. This course, in partnership with a trusted organization like Common Sense, offers this critical foundation."

The course is available for free for all educators and school districts here.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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