NORFOLK, Neb. -- In light of artificial intelligence's increased accessibility, Norfolk Public Schools discussed how it should be properly used.

The discussion over AI took place at the NPS Board of Education meeting on Monday during a presentation from Education Technology Facilitator Mickie Mueller.

Mueller's presentation focused on generative AI, which refers to artificial intelligence that creates images, audio, written text, and other forms of media.

As this AI continues to grow and become a part of people's daily lives, Mueller said it was important for teachers to become more knowledgeable on the subject, so they can educate students on how it can and should be used.

Mueller also discussed how AI could ease the burden many teachers face when it comes to administrative work.

"We are working 54 hours per week," Mueller said, referencing a study from Merrimack College. "Of those 54 hours, 25 of them were spent teaching. The other 29 was spent doing administrative and other tasks. Things like answering emails, things like creating lesson plans...all of those other things that a teacher has to do to get their job done."

Mueller said she hopes this technology will alleviate the burnout many teachers feel, and help improve the teacher shortage nationwide.

While Mueller praised the work of AI as a tool for teachers, she cautioned not to rely solely on the technology.

Because AI can present false and biased information as fact, teachers would need to ensure that what they create with AI is correct and factual.

"What we express to our teachers is we want them to use the 80/20 approach," Muller explained. "We suggest that they can use AI for the initial work...they're going to review the output for bias and accuracy...and they'll personalize and contextualize appropriately for their students. We want teachers to know AI-generated content is a starting point, not the final destination."

Other guidelines for teachers included explaining safe AI use to students, setting clear rules for use in the classroom and for assignments, ensuring AI is being taught at an age-appropriate level, and more. 

Mueller said these guidelines will have to change as the technology continues to grow.

The Board of Education took no action involving AI on Monday night.