ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – As Roanoke County Public School students prepare to head back to the classroom, the division is preparing to lay down new ground rules for emerging technology. On Thursday, the Roanoke County school board met to discuss key updates to its artificial intelligence policy. School leaders said it’s about being proactive.
“Our message about AI is basically grounded in this: AI is here. And so there’s two ways you can deal with that, right? We can stick our head in the sand and pretend that AI is not here and that kids aren’t using it… or we can be proactive and really be strategic and map out how to teach kids how to use AI as a tool without replacing the ability for them to think on their own,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jamie Soltis.
Dr. Soltis said ignoring the progress of Artificial Intelligence is not an option. Instead, the division is implementing “AI zones” for teachers and students. Zone Zero bans AI use entirely, keeping work completely student-driven. Zone One permits AI only as a “thinking tool” for feedback, while Zone Two fully embraces AI for creative cognitive collaboration. But he stressed that no matter what the zone, brain development comes first.
“But at the same time, as our brains develop when we’re young, we need to develop those baseline skills to where we understand that AI is there to help support us, but it can’t replace human thought,” said Dr. Soltis.
Roanoke County isn’t the only division navigating the fine line of disruptive innovation. In Radford, school leaders are also concerned about maintaining core educational outcomes.
“Artificial Intelligence is here and who knows where it’s going, but it can’t take away original thoughts. And it cannot take away my handwriting, it cannot take away my firm handshake or my eye to eye contact,” said Radford City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Adam Joyce.
Radford’s Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melissa McDaniel warned that over-reliance on these emerging technologies could rob students of key skills needed beyond the classroom.
“If they are dependent on Artificial Intelligence or something else to create all of their projects and all of their writing, they’re not really learning the process. And that’s not creating a good citizen or good workforce for the future,” said Dr. McDaniel.
It’s a reality that parents in the region are navigating directly. As students access flashier and quicker generative chatbots, concerns are mounting about when support turns to crutch.
“The AI, it does throw a little curveball in there. But it can also turn to something where they’re relying on that instead of using their critical thinking skills,” said parent & teacher, Samantha Worles.
Roanoke County school leaders agree that retaining those original, human component skills are paramount. Thursday’s board discussion will set the compass for how to draw the line between innovation and original mindpower.
For more information on the policy update, visit Roanoke County Public Schools.
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