TLDR: New Jersey schools and students are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence technologies, moving from initial skepticism to a cautious embrace. A recent report indicates a significant rise in AI use among both teachers and high school students. State grants are supporting initiatives to integrate AI responsibly, focusing on productivity and ethical usage while addressing concerns about plagiarism and the preservation of foundational skills.
New Jersey’s educational landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as schools and students cautiously but increasingly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the classroom. This shift marks a departure from initial apprehension, with educators now recognizing AI’s inevitability and exploring its potential benefits.
According to a report from the Center for Technology and Democracy, the use of generative AI among teachers in New Jersey surged from 51% to 67% between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. Similarly, high school student engagement with AI grew from 58% to 70% during the same period. Amy Allen, an assistant professor at Virginia Tech’s School of Education, noted that students continue to use AI even when explicitly prohibited, highlighting the importance of guiding them on responsible usage. ‘When teachers say you can use it, then that actually gives the teachers a little bit of freedom to be able to help them learn how to use it,’ Allen stated.
Initial reactions to AI among some educators were hesitant. Guy Pridy, a television broadcasting teacher at Gateway Regional High School in Gloucester County, initially reacted with ‘no, no, no’ to AI. However, this sentiment quickly evolved. ‘After my initial ‘no,’ I really wanted to kick the tires on it,’ Pridy explained, seeking to understand its creative potential and ability to produce high-quality content.
To facilitate this integration, the New Jersey Department of Education awarded grants to several school districts earlier this year, supporting AI implementation initiatives. Lawrence Township School District, a recipient of a $75,000 grant, has focused on teaching students good AI habits and keeping teachers updated on the rapidly evolving technology. David Adam, principal of Lawrence High School, described the process as a ‘pendulum swing, from ‘shut it down’ and blocking fully to ‘How do we incorporate it into classroom?”
Students are finding practical applications for AI. Alora Robbins, a senior at Gateway Regional High School, uses AI for organizing notes but expresses strong opposition to its use in creative arts, fearing it ‘diminishes the ability to actually create things on your own.’ Oliver Crumrine, a junior, prefers to minimize AI’s role in his schoolwork. Conversely, administrators at Lawrence Township schools observe students utilizing AI for club activities, viewing it as a tool for ‘productivity or organization of ideas,’ extending its use beyond traditional classroom settings.
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While the embrace of AI is growing, concerns persist regarding potential pitfalls such as plagiarism, cheating, and the erosion of foundational skills like grammar and writing. Dr. Ravi Malhotra, an education policy expert at Rutgers, emphasized the need for ‘guardrails’ to prevent AI from ‘short-circuiting critical thinking skills.’ Many educators are now focusing on teaching AI literacy alongside traditional skills, ensuring students understand AI’s capabilities and limitations. Megan Lopez, a curriculum coordinator in Union County, articulated this balance: ‘A bot can suggest synonyms, but it can’t teach tone, audience awareness, or the rhythm of a good sentence.’ This thoughtful approach aims to prepare a generation that not only uses technology but truly understands it.
