as an area of priority for the nation as a whole.” The district equally values the arts in its STEAM approach. Students explore design thinking and creative problem-solving, ensuring a balanced skill set.This comprehensive approach prepares students to excel in both technical and creative fields, an advantage in today’s innovation-driven economy. TECHNOLOGY AND AI IN THE CLASSROOM GJCS takes a balanced approach to technology integration.“We do have an obligation to engage our students with technology in an appropriate manner to help them understand what tools are available to them and then how they can best use those tools,” Lorey shares. “My view of technology is that it has a place in learning, but it is not the only thing or the only platform that students should rely upon as their sole source of knowledge and productivity.”The district ensures students learn to use digital tools effectively while maintaining traditional learning foundations. As an early adopter of AI in Indiana and nationally, GJCS implements SchoolAI to transform education. “On a teacher’s side, it’s going to help with planning and saving time, but also help us identify every single student’s specific needs,” Technology Integration Specialist Matt Pryor explains. For learners, AI chatbots serve as personalized tutors. “They’re going to be able to communicate and ask questions that they typically wouldn’t ask in a classroom,” Pryor notes. “Now they can get that individual help.”Advanced learners similarly benefit, diving deeper into subjects through AI-driven exploration. TEACHER SUPPORT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GJCS invests in its educators through targeted professional development that reflects the same student-focused approach used in classrooms.“We’re differentiating support for our teachers,” explains Lorey. “Just like our students, some are highly self313 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 GREATER JASPER CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS
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