Jennifer Gallagher: Artificial intelligence and real connection

Ihave a confession: I’m a computer tech nerd.
I think it may be genetic: My dad was one of the builders of early mainframe computers — you know, the kind that took up an entire room. I’ve always been fascinated by the latest and greatest in technological advances, and I am one of those “early adopters” who jump to try out any new devices or software.
Because of my role as an educator, people sometimes ask me what I think of artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, augmented reality, etc. Generally, I can barely contain my tech nerd enthusiasm in explaining all the wonderful things these new technological advances will allow us to do. Do you know that AI has the ability to study millions of data points to diagnose diseases, better and more quickly than doctors? AI also has the capability of providing virtual tutoring for children who could otherwise never afford a tutor. AI tools can help teachers plan exciting lessons and projects, and give feedback on essays to hundreds of students — in minutes.
As both a tech nerd and a relentless optimist, I’m not frightened by AI at all. First, it isn’t really A or I. Artificial intelligence is the result of macro-level programming that helps computers analyze large-scale language models to make predictions. It’s actually fairly simple science, but on a grand scale. And despite how it looks, computers still aren’t actually “intelligent” — just better programmed, faster and more efficient.
But (and I’ll bet you knew there was a “but” coming ) as tech nerds and educators like me embrace technology, AI and all of the advances of the modern world, we also have to carefully consider this question: What do we want to preserve? Each new evolution and advancement in human history means letting go of some old ways. In many cases, that’s a good thing: humanity doesn’t miss stagecoaches, typewriters or carbon paper. But what are the parts of the “old” that we don’t want to disappear in this era of AI and constant “connectivity”?

For educators, I believe that one of the most important aspects of education that we need to intentionally preserve is real human connection. In Long Beach, my team has been discussing the many ways in which we want to preserve positive social interactions among our students. If we take away their cellphones, what replaces the activities with those phones? We’re creating game spaces for Ping-Pong and cornhole in the cafeteria. We’re offering walks around our pond at lunchtime for students who want some activity and conversation.
We have also cut way back on technology use in elementary classrooms. Our pre-K curriculum includes a “Wondergarten” component, in which students interact daily with nature. At every level, in all classes, we are working to build opportunities for students to discuss what they are learning as a way to both reinforce that learning, and to create connections among classmates. We want classrooms not to be quiet rows of students doing their own thing, but busy hubs of joyfully noisy learning and discussion.
In a world where “connectivity” paradoxically pushes us farther apart than ever, educators (and all of us!) have to work to preserve human connection. That might sound odd; it should be natural and normal for humans to connect. But in a world where intelligence is “artificial,” reality is “virtual” or “augmented,” and technology can do things that only humans could formerly do, it is more important than ever to preserve the one thing that technology cannot do: truly connect on a human level with compassion, dignity and friendship.

Jennifer Gallagher, Ed.D., is superintendent of the Long Beach School District.