Eye on AI: How educators across Wisconsin are bringing artificial intelligence into the classroom

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — It's safe to say artificial intelligence -- also known as AI -- isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Instead, many educators across the state are embracing the technology, and this summer, some worked with the world's leader in AI to learn the best ways to use it.

"AI is both a technology and a tool," said Ritu Raju, president and CEO at Gateway Technical College.

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life, modern educators are taking the reigns.

In July, Microsoft hosted an AI Bootcamp for Educators at Gateway Technical College in Racine County.

"We will be working with faculty that are interested in bringing AI skills into the classroom, so they can help all students learn about AI," explained Michelle Schuler, the U.S. Program Manager for TechSpark at Microsoft.

The three-session course was taken by instructors from all 16 technical colleges in Wisconsin.

At Gateway, Raju wants her instructors to use and teach AI as an asset.

"It's very important for our faculty to be familiar with and proficient in the technologies that we teach," she said. "It's also important for them to understand student literacies and be familiar with the tools that students are using."

The bootcamp has three functions:

First, focusing on the creation of AI, especially for computer science faculty.

"They need to know the back end in order to teach students how to develop the technology," Raju said. "Whether that's writing the programming or the software development part."

Second, learning how to apply AI in any classroom.

"It's important for faculty in all disciplines to understand the potential, to understand how they can use AI in their disciplines," Raju explained.

Third, letting students feel empowered by using AI in a productive way.

"It's important for us, as institutions of higher education, to teach our students how to use the technology in responsible and ethical ways," Raju said. "In ways that will enhance their learning."

Microsoft offers the AI Bootcamp for Educators globally.

"Microsoft is focused on continuously learning," Schuler said. "We understand that people don't just start and stop, and AI is one of those avenues to learn."

This local collaboration is valuable, as southeastern Wisconsin becomes a more robust manufacturing hub.

Raju is seeing AI's prominence in education daily.

"We already have a statewide approved curriculum for an Associates in AI," she explained.

By enhancing education for instructors and students, Schuler says it can help them become resources inside and outside of the classroom.

"It's about what they use after this series, and how they integrate it into their curriculum, and how they really help educate the community," Schuler said.

With new technology comes excitement and apprehension.

Raju hopes broadening AI training will show the positives it can bring.

"There's this fear that AI is going to take away all the jobs," Raju said. "What is actually going to happen is that people who know AI will be able to do their jobs better."

For more information on the Microsoft AI Bootcamp for Educators, click here.