California Educator

October/November 2023

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that we experience in the real, tactile one. We can produce art virtually, but the experience of it requires a physical presence. And not just by ourselves. Art requires a shared experience from another real human being. Whether they are the watcher, the dance partner, the viewer or the eater, art requires not a person and an AI — it requires people in the plural sharing their feelings about the art. AI has no feelings. AI will not be equitable, nor will it affirm any- one's identity, culture or empower anyone For AI to do a modern teacher 's job, it would have to com- plete all of the impossible tasks that a real human does just by being human. But there is more required, because a teacher must also consider equity, culture and identity in their classroom. In Race After Technology by Ruha Benjamin, the author gives compelling evidence for why technology, including AI, can't do our job humanely. She expertly illustrates that technology 's track record is not something anyone should be happy about, whether you are in a minority or a majority. Additionally, AI does not, nor ever will possess the human ability to understand our differences, or the ability to under- stand why those differences are beneficial, and often, lead to bias that benefits one group over another. I feel very sure that artificial intelligence isn't going to teach our kids anytime soon. Unless that is, we haven't learned from our earlier experiments with turning children into testing robots. That part does scare me a little. Because if we no longer prioritize very real human qualities like appre- ciation, equity, stewardship, perseverance and compassion, somebody, somewhere, wanting to earn a buck, is going to give it a try. And it won't take long until we terminate what is best in us as a society. The good news is that to do that would be a very human decision. One which we, not AI's, control. Thomas Courtney, a 25-year educator and member of San Diego Education Association, was the 2021 Elementary District Teacher of the Year and a 2022 SDSU Guide Teacher of the Year. He teaches humanities, ELA and ELD at Millennial Tech Middle School. 18 cta.org Spotlight THE CTA ® CUSTOMIZED CASH REWARDS VISA SIGNATURE ® CREDIT CARD This offer is unique to this solicitation. Our credit card offers may vary and this offer may not be available elsewhere, such as, if you visit ctamemberbenefits.org. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now. For more information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the credit card, call the toll-free number above or visit www.newcardonline.com and refer to the disclosures accompanying the application. Residents of the US and its territories only. See full disclosure for details. Federal law prohibits students from receiving a premium. Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association, and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. The Contactless Symbol and Contactless Indicator are trademarks owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC. ©2023 Bank of America Corporation CC050923 5868596 MB01023-AD-CAEDU MAXIMIZE YOUR REWARDS TO APPLY TODAY: call 888.758.7946 or visit newcardonline.com Mention Priority Code HC02QH 3 % CUSTOMIZED CASH BACK in the category of your choice – now with enhanced categories Gas & EV Charging Stations • Online Shopping, Cable, Internet, Phone Plans & Streaming Dining • Travel • Drug Stores & Pharmacies • Home Improvement & Furnishings $ 200 Amazon.com Gift Card Bonus Offer! after you make at least $500 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening (students not eligible) PLUS, A

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