Efforts are underway in Baltimore City schools to enhance safety measures by implementing a new weapon detection system that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The system, developed by Evolv Technology, uses AI to detect components or whole weapons and has been installed in Digital Harbor High School as a pilot program. The scanners, which are wider than traditional metal detectors, can alert staff when a weapon is detected and provide the exact location of the possible weapon on tablets. Following positive feedback from students and staff, the scanners will be implemented in traditional, alternative, and transformational high schools throughout Baltimore City over the next month. The decision to adopt the AI weapon detection system was prompted by a survey that revealed a desire for increased safety measures in schools. During the previous school year, 15 guns were found in Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS). While some students remain skeptical about the system's effectiveness due to past incidents of guns being found in schools, many appreciate the investment in safety and view it as a demonstration of the school district's commitment to their well-being.
In other news, a Maryland mother named Tara Davis is fighting to clear her daughter's school record after she was accused of using artificial intelligence to cheat on a school assignment. Davis has filed four appeals with Anne Arundel County Schools, but all have upheld the original findings. The school has offered to remove the Academic Integrity violation from her daughter's record at the end of senior year, but Davis believes that may be too late for college applications. Davis plans to file a fifth and final appeal to the Anne Arundel County Board of Education [10029ad8].
Additionally, the University of Baltimore's Jessica Stansbury discussed the impact of AI on teaching and learning, highlighting the assets and challenges it presents for educators and students. This discussion sheds light on the broader implications of AI technology in the education sector [7d9b8670].
Furthermore, Maryland government leaders have announced plans to pardon over 175,000 low-level cannabis convictions, as part of their efforts to address equity issues. This move aims to provide relief to individuals who have been disproportionately affected by the criminalization of cannabis [7d9b8670].
Moreover, fintech company Hello Alice and Baltimore Gas and Electric are offering $20,000 in grants to small businesses, providing much-needed support to entrepreneurs in the area [7d9b8670].
Lastly, the second annual Black Commerce Conference, hosted by Morgan State University and Howard University, aims to support Black entrepreneurship and create opportunities for economic growth [7d9b8670].
Chinook's Edge School Division (CESD) in Innisfail, Alberta, has adopted an official procedure for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its schools. The procedure, approved by trustees, applies to all students and staff in CESD. The objective is to leverage AI to enhance the quality of education, personalize learning experiences, improve educational outcomes, and prepare students for a future shaped by AI technologies. The procedure includes guidelines for equitable access to educational resources, utilizing AI tools to enhance teaching and learning, developing knowledge and skills for responsible AI use, being aware of potential biases and inequities in AI output, dissuading the use of AI tools to detect generative AI in student writing, role-modeling appropriate AI use, engaging in professional development related to AI, and establishing clear guidelines for AI use in classroom assignments [955570b9].