AI in Nebraska education: Parents, teachers and students grapple with artificial

Nebraska Public Media News is taking a look at how artificial intelligence is impacting classrooms across Nebraska, from kindergarten through higher education. This is the first story in a series that will explore several areas of AI in education, including school policies on AI.

Some interviews for this reporting were found in Nebraska Public Media News’ recent AI in Education survey. Megan Wissing’s daughter, who is heading into first grade, has trouble saying the letter “L.” When she and her mom sing the song “Baby Beluga” together, she’ll.

What Happened

This was one example why Wissing didn’t want her daughter graded by an artificial intelligence tool. She said she found out Omaha Public Schools, where her daughter is enrolled, uses a fluency-grading AI tool called Amira.

• According to a Center for Democracy & Technology survey, 83% of teachers reported using ChatGPT or another generative AI tool in the 2023-24 school year.

• In Nebraska, about 47% of adults have heard or read about artificial intelligence.

• While 64% of those ages 19-44 have heard a lot about AI, those numbers dwindle in older populations.

Key Details

Wissing amended her daughter's individualized education plan to ensure she’s graded by a teacher. A spokesperson with Omaha Public Schools said Amira is not used for any grading and does not replace teacher-led group instructions.

• Roughly 43% of those ages 45-64 have heard about it, while only 20% of those 65 and older have.

• According to national data, almost 80% of parents say they are OK with their teenager using a chatbot to search for information, but only 18% say they are all right with their child getting.

• While national data shows 64% of teenagers ages 13-17 use AI, a survey focused on higher education and AI found that 90% of college students reported using AI in class.

Why It Matters

The spokesperson said it’s an additional tool for independent reading practice with targeted feedback. The use of artificial intelligence is growing in classrooms, with national data showing more teachers and students are using it.

• However, 65% of college students and educators said they were concerned that AI can sound confident when it is inaccurate.

• Traxler recalled a fellow student who used artificial intelligence to complete a final project for a class, which was to design a collection based on a period in history.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Nebraska Public Media as more details emerge