In today’s society, artificial intelligence has continued to grow and expand, becoming more evident in day-to-day life. As a result of this, the Center for Information Technology (CIT) at Deep Run has been testing a Securly AI pilot in its center-based classes. 

   “Henrico County Public Schools is evaluating a variety of different programs for AI to determine which ones are the safest and the most productive for students to use to help them learn, versus just giving them information,” CIT Director Lynne Norris said.

   The AI used by the students in the CIT is made by the same company, Securly, that created the online pass system used by Henrico County Schools. 

   “Each Center teacher did at least one learning experience with Securly AI. In my capstone class, I had students upload information for their project to help them complete a plan for a certain task,” Norris said.

   While Securly AI is used mostly during center classes, it has been helpful in providing clarification in non-center-based classes as well. Students are able to have the AI bot explain challenging topics or create study plans for any class they may be struggling in.

   “It was helpful from a planning and guiding perspective, but didn’t have certain features like uploads that could have made it better,” senior Shruthi Rajesh said. 

   Being able to interact and use Securly AI allowed students to understand how to successfully use AI in a way that stimulates learning and growth.

   “All the students in the center did a reflection about what was good and what was challenging regarding the use of this tool. The County is synthesizing all of that information to make a recommendation on what the County will do with AI support tools going forward,” Norris said.

   The Securly AI pilot was officially incorporated into the lesson plan starting in early November and lasted  until the beginning of December. However, the CIT center is planning to pilot another AI tool later this year.