SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life, schools in Springfield’s District 186 and Williamsville’s District 15 are adapting to its presence in the classroom. Administrators emphasize the importance of understanding AI as a tool and not a shortcut.
Dr. Erica Filipiak, director of college and career readiness and school leadership, noted, “We’ve definitely seen an increase both at the student level and at the teacher level, and again, it’s something we know isn’t going away, so we want to embrace it and teach students how to use it responsibly.”
District 15 Superintendent Tip Reedy emphasized the need for balance, saying, “We need to teach students when it’s appropriate and when it’s inappropriate. Just because you procrastinate doesn’t give you the opportunity to use AI to complete your assignment.” Reedy also emphasized the importance of professional development for teachers to keep pace with the evolving role of AI in education.
Efforts are underway in District 186 in Springfield to responsibly integrate AI into the curriculum. Dr. Filipiak explained, “We’re kind of exploring how we can bring in different multimedia and different types of artifacts, different resources and some videos that support the content that the teacher is teaching.” The district is also revising its AI guidelines to improve internet safety education.
Both Reedy and Filipiak want to use AI to increase understanding without replacing individual thinking. Attempts to reach District 61 in Decatur and District 117 in Jacksonville for comment were unsuccessful.
