Artificial intelligence will not replace teachers, according to Point Park University School of Education Dean Virginia Chambers.
But, it is imperative for future educators to know how to use AI in the classroom, and Point Park is launching two new programs to advance that plan.
Point Park will offer students programs in AI in Education Endorsement and an AI Certificate in January.
The Downtown Pittsburgh university is the second in the state to be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to offer the endorsement program, Chambers said.
“The human element of teaching is still at the core of what we do,” Chambers said. “Teachers that better understand AI will be better equipped to serve students moving forward.”
Both programs are fully online. The endorsement program reviews AI foundations, literacy, leadership and ethical issues, Chambers said.
A job applicant with an understanding of AI is more attractive to a school district than one without that knowledge or one who’s unwilling to learn about AI’s usefulness, Chambers said.
“Our teachers need to have a growth mindset — status quo will never work,” Chambers said. “We need to understand the next thing coming. Having a growth mindset as an educator is going to be a key component to success.”
Taking the course also strengthens a teacher’s leadership potential, she said.
“They will understand effective, practical, ethical use of AI and how it will elevate their classroom,” she said.
The AI certificate program is open to anyone, Chambers said. It is designed to prepare people to integrate AI into their field and understand AI.