{"id":45593,"topic":"ai","source":"WBMA","title":"Parents divided over AI in elementary as expert says focus should be on responsible use - WBMA","url":"https://abc3340.com/news/local/parents-divided-over-ai-in-elementary-as-expert-says-focus-should-be-on-responsible-use","url_hash":"fb8730a94167908f62fa3032652beb66fd80896b","author":"","summary":"Parents divided over AI in elementary as expert says focus should be on responsible use WBMA","content":"Parents divided over AI in elementary as expert says focus should be on responsible use\nBIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — A proposal to introduce artificial intelligence education to Alabama students at a young age is sparking a lively debate among parents, educators and technology experts.\nTommy Tuberville advocates for AI education in K-12\nThe discussion gained momentum after U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he wants Alabama to become a leader in artificial intelligence education, arguing students should begin learning about the technology while they're young.\nTuberville told ABC 33/40, \"We've got to teach kids in the classroom because they're going to learn it regardless.\"\nWe've got to teach AI\nTuberville also said AI instruction should focus on more than just technology.\n\"We have to remember this: learn the basics first, learn the ethics first, because it could be used the wrong way,\" he said. \"We want to train our teachers, and then we want to start teaching in our schools at a young age. And every year, let them advance because AI is not coming. It's already here.\"\nSocial media response\nSome parents argued students need to begin learning the technology early if they hope to remain competitive. \"They need to be taught how to use it responsibly,\" one viewer wrote.\nAbsolutely if they want to be competitive in tomorrow's workplace!\nOthers said they were hesitant but believed AI skills will become essential. \"I'd like to say no however AI knowledge will be needed in most careers... unless we want our kids to fall behind, then yes,\" another viewer commented. \"I don't see anyway to get around it.\"\nMany, however, expressed concern that schools should prioritize traditional learning before introducing artificial intelligence. \"NOOOOOOO!!!!\" one commenter wrote.\nThis is so weird AI does NOT need to be in a classroom.\nOthers questioned whether schools should focus on other topics. \"How about teach kids real life skills,\" one viewer commented.\nExpert weighs in on AI in classrooms\nDr. Sam Gilbert, a clinical assistant professor in the University of Mississippi's School of Education, said the conversation shouldn't center on whether children should use AI, but on how they should use it.\n\"I don't think parents should fear AI, but I also don't think our parents should blindly trust AI,\" Gilbert said.\nAI is not going away. It's here to stay.\nInstead of trying to keep students away from the technology, Gilbert said parents and educators should focus on teaching responsible use. \"I think the best way for us to approach AI is not, 'How can we keep our kids from using it?' but instead, 'How can we teach our children to use it responsibly?'\"\nGilbert encourages students to think of AI as a tutor rather than an answer key.\n\"So I like to tell my students to think of AI as your personal tutor,\" he said. \"It can help you practice for a test, understand a math problem you're struggling with and walk you through that step by step. I want students to think about how they can utilize AI to enhance their learning, not just get to a finished product.\"\nShe said the role of teachers is also evolving.\nRather than relying on assignments that simply ask students to recall information, Gilbert said educators are redesigning lessons that require students to explain their thinking, defend their answers and demonstrate understanding—making it much harder for AI to replace genuine learning.\nGilbert also believes AI can benefit teachers by reducing time spent creating lesson plans and differentiated instruction, allowing educators to devote more time to working directly with students.\nFor parents, she recommends using AI as a learning tool instead of a shortcut.\nWhether helping explain equivalent fractions, creating study guides or generating practice questions, Gilbert said AI should help students understand concepts rather than simply provide answers.\nWe want to teach our students to use it responsibly... Have it as a tool to really enhance and deepen our understanding—not just create the finished product\nAs Alabama leaders continue discussing artificial intelligence in schools, Gilbert said the question is no longer whether students will encounter AI, but whether schools and parents will prepare them to use it thoughtfully and responsibly.","image_url":"https://abc3340.com/resources/media2/16x9/3500/1320/0x183/90/10f4cad0-a371-4513-85eb-7b598381ae43-AP25217544822086.jpg","lang":"en","published_at":"2026-07-24T18:48:13+00:00","fetched_at":"2026-07-24T21:15:04+00:00","status":"read","starred":0,"extract_state":"ok","summary_auto":"Parents divided over AI in elementary as expert says focus should be on responsible use\nBIRMINGHAM, Ala. 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(WBMA) — A proposal to introduce artificial intelligence education to Alabama students at a young age is sparking a lively debate among parents, educators and technology experts.\nTommy Tuberville advocates for AI education in K-12\nThe discussion gained momentum after U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he wants Alabama to become a leader in artificial intelligence education, arguing students should begin learning about the technology while they're young.\nTuberville told ABC 33/40, \"We've got to teach kids in the classroom because they're going to learn it regardless.\"\nWe've got to teach AI\nTuberville also said AI instruction should focus on more than just technology.\n\"We have to remember this: learn the basics first, learn the ethics first, because it could be used the wrong way,\" he said. \"We want to train our teachers, and then we want to start teaching in our schools at a young age. And every year, let them advance because AI is not coming. It's already here.\"\nSocial media response\nSome parents argued students need to begin learning the technology early if they hope to remain competitive. \"They need to be taught how to use it responsibly,\" one viewer wrote.\nAbsolutely if they want to be competitive in tomorrow's workplace!\nOthers said they were hesitant but believed AI skills will become essential. \"I'd like to say no however AI knowledge will be needed in most careers... unless we want our kids to fall behind, then yes,\" another viewer commented. \"I don't see anyway to get around it.\"\nMany, however, expressed concern that schools should prioritize traditional learning before introducing artificial intelligence. \"NOOOOOOO!!!!\" one commenter wrote.\nThis is so weird AI does NOT need to be in a classroom.\nOthers questioned whether schools should focus on other topics. \"How about teach kids real life skills,\" one viewer commented.\nExpert weighs in on AI in classrooms\nDr. Sam Gilbert, a clinical assistant professor in the University of Mississippi's School of Education, said the conversation shouldn't center on whether children should use AI, but on how they should use it.\n\"I don't think parents should fear AI, but I also don't think our parents should blindly trust AI,\" Gilbert said.\nAI is not going away. It's here to stay.\nInstead of trying to keep students away from the technology, Gilbert said parents and educators should focus on teaching responsible use. \"I think the best way for us to approach AI is not, 'How can we keep our kids from using it?' but instead, 'How can we teach our children to use it responsibly?'\"\nGilbert encourages students to think of AI as a tutor rather than an answer key.\n\"So I like to tell my students to think of AI as your personal tutor,\" he said. \"It can help you practice for a test, understand a math problem you're struggling with and walk you through that step by step. I want students to think about how they can utilize AI to enhance their learning, not just get to a finished product.\"\nShe said the role of teachers is also evolving.\nRather than relying on assignments that simply ask students to recall information, Gilbert said educators are redesigning lessons that require students to explain their thinking, defend their answers and demonstrate understanding—making it much harder for AI to replace genuine learning.\nGilbert also believes AI can benefit teachers by reducing time spent creating lesson plans and differentiated instruction, allowing educators to devote more time to working directly with students.\nFor parents, she recommends using AI as a learning tool instead of a shortcut.\nWhether helping explain equivalent fractions, creating study guides or generating practice questions, Gilbert said AI should help students understand concepts rather than simply provide answers.\nWe want to teach our students to use it responsibly... Have it as a tool to really enhance and deepen our understanding—not just create the finished product\nAs Alabama leaders continue discussing artificial intelligence in schools, Gilbert said the question is no longer whether students will encounter AI, but whether schools and parents will prepare them to use it thoughtfully and responsibly.","excerpt":"Parents divided over AI in elementary as expert says focus should be on responsible use\nBIRMINGHAM, Ala. 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(WBMA) — A proposal to introduce artificial intelligence education to Alabama students at a young age is sparking a lively debate among parents, educators and technology experts.","source":"WBMA","date":"2026-07-24T18:48:13+00:00","content":"Parents divided over AI in elementary as expert says focus should be on responsible use\nBIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — A proposal to introduce artificial intelligence education to Alabama students at a young age is sparking a lively debate among parents, educators and technology experts.\nTommy Tuberville advocates for AI education in K-12\nThe discussion gained momentum after U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he wants Alabama to become a leader in artificial intelligence education, arguing students should begin learning about the technology while they're young.\nTuberville told ABC 33/40, \"We've got to teach kids in the classroom because they're going to learn it regardless.\"\nWe've got to teach AI\nTuberville also said AI instruction should focus on more than just technology.\n\"We have to remember this: learn the basics first, learn the ethics first, because it could be used the wrong way,\" he said. \"We want to train our teachers, and then we want to start teaching in our schools at a young age. And every year, let them advance because AI is not coming. It's already here.\"\nSocial media response\nSome parents argued students need to begin learning the technology early if they hope to remain competitive. \"They need to be taught how to use it responsibly,\" one viewer wrote.\nAbsolutely if they want to be competitive in tomorrow's workplace!\nOthers said they were hesitant but believed AI skills will become essential. \"I'd like to say no however AI knowledge will be needed in most careers... unless we want our kids to fall behind, then yes,\" another viewer commented. \"I don't see anyway to get around it.\"\nMany, however, expressed concern that schools should prioritize traditional learning before introducing artificial intelligence. \"NOOOOOOO!!!!\" one commenter wrote.\nThis is so weird AI does NOT need to be in a classroom.\nOthers questioned whether schools should focus on other topics. \"How about teach kids real life skills,\" one viewer commented.\nExpert weighs in on AI in classrooms\nDr. Sam Gilbert, a clinical assistant professor in the University of Mississippi's School of Education, said the conversation shouldn't center on whether children should use AI, but on how they should use it.\n\"I don't think parents should fear AI, but I also don't think our parents should blindly trust AI,\" Gilbert said.\nAI is not going away. It's here to stay.\nInstead of trying to keep students away from the technology, Gilbert said parents and educators should focus on teaching responsible use. \"I think the best way for us to approach AI is not, 'How can we keep our kids from using it?' but instead, 'How can we teach our children to use it responsibly?'\"\nGilbert encourages students to think of AI as a tutor rather than an answer key.\n\"So I like to tell my students to think of AI as your personal tutor,\" he said. \"It can help you practice for a test, understand a math problem you're struggling with and walk you through that step by step. I want students to think about how they can utilize AI to enhance their learning, not just get to a finished product.\"\nShe said the role of teachers is also evolving.\nRather than relying on assignments that simply ask students to recall information, Gilbert said educators are redesigning lessons that require students to explain their thinking, defend their answers and demonstrate understanding—making it much harder for AI to replace genuine learning.\nGilbert also believes AI can benefit teachers by reducing time spent creating lesson plans and differentiated instruction, allowing educators to devote more time to working directly with students.\nFor parents, she recommends using AI as a learning tool instead of a shortcut.\nWhether helping explain equivalent fractions, creating study guides or generating practice questions, Gilbert said AI should help students understand concepts rather than simply provide answers.\nWe want to teach our students to use it responsibly... 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(WBMA) — A proposal to introduce artificial intelligence education to Alabama students at a young age is sparking a lively debate among parents, educators and technology experts.","full_text":"Parents divided over AI in elementary as expert says focus should be on responsible use\nBIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — A proposal to introduce artificial intelligence education to Alabama students at a young age is sparking a lively debate among parents, educators and technology experts.\nTommy Tuberville advocates for AI education in K-12\nThe discussion gained momentum after U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he wants Alabama to become a leader in artificial intelligence education, arguing students should begin learning about the technology while they're young.\nTuberville told ABC 33/40, \"We've got to teach kids in the classroom because they're going to learn it regardless.\"\nWe've got to teach AI\nTuberville also said AI instruction should focus on more than just technology.\n\"We have to remember this: learn the basics first, learn the ethics first, because it could be used the wrong way,\" he said. \"We want to train our teachers, and then we want to start teaching in our schools at a young age. And every year, let them advance because AI is not coming. It's already here.\"\nSocial media response\nSome parents argued students need to begin learning the technology early if they hope to remain competitive. \"They need to be taught how to use it responsibly,\" one viewer wrote.\nAbsolutely if they want to be competitive in tomorrow's workplace!\nOthers said they were hesitant but believed AI skills will become essential. \"I'd like to say no however AI knowledge will be needed in most careers... unless we want our kids to fall behind, then yes,\" another viewer commented. \"I don't see anyway to get around it.\"\nMany, however, expressed concern that schools should prioritize traditional learning before introducing artificial intelligence. \"NOOOOOOO!!!!\" one commenter wrote.\nThis is so weird AI does NOT need to be in a classroom.\nOthers questioned whether schools should focus on other topics. \"How about teach kids real life skills,\" one viewer commented.\nExpert weighs in on AI in classrooms\nDr. Sam Gilbert, a clinical assistant professor in the University of Mississippi's School of Education, said the conversation shouldn't center on whether children should use AI, but on how they should use it.\n\"I don't think parents should fear AI, but I also don't think our parents should blindly trust AI,\" Gilbert said.\nAI is not going away. It's here to stay.\nInstead of trying to keep students away from the technology, Gilbert said parents and educators should focus on teaching responsible use. \"I think the best way for us to approach AI is not, 'How can we keep our kids from using it?' but instead, 'How can we teach our children to use it responsibly?'\"\nGilbert encourages students to think of AI as a tutor rather than an answer key.\n\"So I like to tell my students to think of AI as your personal tutor,\" he said. \"It can help you practice for a test, understand a math problem you're struggling with and walk you through that step by step. I want students to think about how they can utilize AI to enhance their learning, not just get to a finished product.\"\nShe said the role of teachers is also evolving.\nRather than relying on assignments that simply ask students to recall information, Gilbert said educators are redesigning lessons that require students to explain their thinking, defend their answers and demonstrate understanding—making it much harder for AI to replace genuine learning.\nGilbert also believes AI can benefit teachers by reducing time spent creating lesson plans and differentiated instruction, allowing educators to devote more time to working directly with students.\nFor parents, she recommends using AI as a learning tool instead of a shortcut.\nWhether helping explain equivalent fractions, creating study guides or generating practice questions, Gilbert said AI should help students understand concepts rather than simply provide answers.\nWe want to teach our students to use it responsibly... 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(WBMA) — A proposal to introduce artificial intelligence education to Alabama students at a young age is sparking a lively debate among parents, educators and technology experts.","source":"WBMA","date":"2026-07-24T18:48:13+00:00","content":"Parents divided over AI in elementary as expert says focus should be on responsible use\nBIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — A proposal to introduce artificial intelligence education to Alabama students at a young age is sparking a lively debate among parents, educators and technology experts.\nTommy Tuberville advocates for AI education in K-12\nThe discussion gained momentum after U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he wants Alabama to become a leader in artificial intelligence education, arguing students should begin learning about the technology while they're young.\nTuberville told ABC 33/40, \"We've got to teach kids in the classroom because they're going to learn it regardless.\"\nWe've got to teach AI\nTuberville also said AI instruction should focus on more than just technology.\n\"We have to remember this: learn the basics first, learn the ethics first, because it could be used the wrong way,\" he said. \"We want to train our teachers, and then we want to start teaching in our schools at a young age. And every year, let them advance because AI is not coming. It's already here.\"\nSocial media response\nSome parents argued students need to begin learning the technology early if they hope to remain competitive. \"They need to be taught how to use it responsibly,\" one viewer wrote.\nAbsolutely if they want to be competitive in tomorrow's workplace!\nOthers said they were hesitant but believed AI skills will become essential. \"I'd like to say no however AI knowledge will be needed in most careers... unless we want our kids to fall behind, then yes,\" another viewer commented. \"I don't see anyway to get around it.\"\nMany, however, expressed concern that schools should prioritize traditional learning before introducing artificial intelligence. \"NOOOOOOO!!!!\" one commenter wrote.\nThis is so weird AI does NOT need to be in a classroom.\nOthers questioned whether schools should focus on other topics. \"How about teach kids real life skills,\" one viewer commented.\nExpert weighs in on AI in classrooms\nDr. Sam Gilbert, a clinical assistant professor in the University of Mississippi's School of Education, said the conversation shouldn't center on whether children should use AI, but on how they should use it.\n\"I don't think parents should fear AI, but I also don't think our parents should blindly trust AI,\" Gilbert said.\nAI is not going away. It's here to stay.\nInstead of trying to keep students away from the technology, Gilbert said parents and educators should focus on teaching responsible use. \"I think the best way for us to approach AI is not, 'How can we keep our kids from using it?' but instead, 'How can we teach our children to use it responsibly?'\"\nGilbert encourages students to think of AI as a tutor rather than an answer key.\n\"So I like to tell my students to think of AI as your personal tutor,\" he said. \"It can help you practice for a test, understand a math problem you're struggling with and walk you through that step by step. I want students to think about how they can utilize AI to enhance their learning, not just get to a finished product.\"\nShe said the role of teachers is also evolving.\nRather than relying on assignments that simply ask students to recall information, Gilbert said educators are redesigning lessons that require students to explain their thinking, defend their answers and demonstrate understanding—making it much harder for AI to replace genuine learning.\nGilbert also believes AI can benefit teachers by reducing time spent creating lesson plans and differentiated instruction, allowing educators to devote more time to working directly with students.\nFor parents, she recommends using AI as a learning tool instead of a shortcut.\nWhether helping explain equivalent fractions, creating study guides or generating practice questions, Gilbert said AI should help students understand concepts rather than simply provide answers.\nWe want to teach our students to use it responsibly... Have it as a tool to really enhance and deepen our understanding—not just create the finished product\nAs Alabama leaders continue discussing artificial intelligence in schools, Gilbert said the question is no longer whether students will encounter AI, but whether schools and parents will prepare them to use it thoughtfully and responsibly.","confidence":0.9,"diagnostics_url":"/api/diagnose?url=https%3A//abc3340.com/news/local/parents-divided-over-ai-in-elementary-as-expert-says-focus-should-be-on-responsible-use","quality_bucket":"high","failure_kind":"none","retryable":false,"quality_reason":"High confidence: full text extraction produced 4275 characters.","quality_profile":{"profile_version":"extraction_quality.v2","bucket":"high","confidence":0.9,"failure_kind":"none","retryable":false,"retry_after_attempts":0,"reason":"High confidence: full text extraction produced 4275 characters.","operator_guidance":{"severity":"ok","recommended_action":"trust_full_text","next_step":"Use the extracted full text as the primary article source.","operator_label":"Ready","can_retry":false,"can_use_summary":false,"diagnostics_required":false},"content_depth":{"contract_version":"content_depth.v1","category":"full_text","label":"Full text","has_full_text":true,"has_summary":true,"content_length":4275,"summary_length":283,"usable_text_length":4275,"source_field":"content"},"legacy_collapsed":false,"signals":{"extract_state":"ok","extract_error":null,"extract_retries":0,"content_length":4275,"summary_length":283}},"tags":[],"format_contract_version":"news_item_formats.v1"}}}