Letters to the editor

Benefits of AI in classrooms

As students head back to school this year, artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a consideration alongside traditional school supplies. Parents may wonder if AI will become a staple in the classroom. As an educator and consultant, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of well-deployed AI in classrooms. Before defaulting to views of ChatGPT and other generative AI models as tools for cheating, let’s consider their broader implications.

AI has beneficial applications that improve educational equity and accessibility by tailoring learning materials to individual needs. It breaks down language barriers in diverse classrooms, providing real-time translation that ensures all students can engage meaningfully with the curriculum. It offers real-time, context-aware translation and language support, empowering students to express themselves and enriching classroom experiences for everyone.

AI’s integration into education is not just about technology, it’s about redefining how we understand and value intelligence. Traditionally, our grasp of intelligence has been intertwined with language proficiency. Today’s AI tools help us appreciate diverse methods of communication, shifting how intelligence is perceived.

Importantly, the use of AI in schools should be teacher-facilitated, ensuring that educators guide AI's application to suit educational goals. Teachers control how students interact with AI, aligning its use with educational standards and safeguarding student data. As parents and educators, let's embrace a proactive role.

Together, we can shift the narrative from skepticism to optimism, focusing on responsible use and AI’s potential to cultivate an environment where every student thrives.

Bonnie Nieves, Dudley

(NOTE: Bonnie Nieves is a high school teacher and founder of Educate On Purpose Professional Learning Services where she offers support for parents of students using AI.)

Kennedy the 'smart' choice

It would be nice to have more than two candidates running for the highest office.

So we have Trump and Harris!!! Some choice!

It's sad when the Democratic committee decides to pick them. It's also sad that they can deny any decent, qualified person to run. I mean Robert Kennedy Jr., of course. Are they afraid he might beat Kamala Harris? Who are they?

We are tired of all the fixed politics! We deserve the right one!

We want peace in the world, we are sick of wars.

Democrats get smart. Vote for Kennedy!

Jane Lussier, Grafton

Allies for IDD, autism aid

With the commonwealth’s FY 24 state budget now signed into law, I want to thank the Healey-Driscoll administration and our entire Worcester-area legislative delegation for fully funding the services that the people we support depend on to enjoy quality of life and the greatest measure of independence possible.

We serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, and for too many years we have struggled to keep our programs running at full capacity due to limitations in state funding. When we can’t do that, it means that people with IDD and autism often must stay home rather than attend enriching programs, and that caregivers must stay home with them, which often means lost work.

This year was different. Governor Healey filed a budget that made a historic $390 million investment in Chapter 257, which funds direct care worker salaries, and the House and Senate approved this funding. This will greatly improve our recruitment and retention of staff, and improve the lives of those who do this extremely demanding work. Through their actions, both the executive and legislative branches of government exhibited an extraordinary level of dedication to people who need it the most. Their actions ensure people with IDD and autism are not forgotten. On the contrary, they will have every opportunity to thrive.

This was a difficult year to create a budget given the tough financial headwinds that the state is facing. Our elected officials were profiles in courage by fully and fairly funding the needs of this community.

Sean Rose, president and CEO, Thrive Support & Advocacy, Worcester

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Letters to the editor