We are still learning how artificial intelligence is going to impact our lives, but we know sticking our heads in the sand won’t solve the potential problems that AI threatens to bring.

Rather than fear the unknown — which is becoming more and more mundane — places like Butler Area School District and Butler County Community College are proactively approaching AI.

Butler Area School District superintendent Brian White gave an informal presentation on the topic earlier this week at a school board meeting. He cited studies showing that AI is not causing the economic or job market upheaval some people feared would happen.

Instead, he said he’s seeing a cultural shift that involves the use of AI.

He suggested to the school board that students be trained in AI literacy, adaptability and ethics. He proposed AI and ethics lessons be taught at the intermediate and senior high schools.

Rather than fear AI, students could understand it and its limitations in addition to learning how to use it in an ethical way.

In September, BC3 announced it had launched a new task force, called “Project Beta: AI in Action,” to develop recommendations for the college on questions surrounding AI within academics.

The 15-person task force will set out to create recommendations about how AI could be implemented into the college’s classrooms, policy and training.

It’s here. We can’t ignore it. Kudos to those who are putting resources into understanding AI rather than fearing it.

— TL