AI in the Classroom: How local school districts are managing the tech expansion

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Local school districts are expanding their use of artificial intelligence this school year, working to ensure the technology is used responsibly and as a resource.

One key platform, MagicSchool AI, is designed specifically for educational use. Similar to ChatGPT, the platform is built to reduce prep work for educators by helping generate worksheets and lesson plans, and even creating educational songs. While free features are available, districts can also pay for premium access.

According to the platform’s website, administrators and teachers are the primary users, though students can also use it under teacher-monitored guardrails.

MagicSchool AI is rolling out in Columbus and Pender counties this year, while New Hanover and Brunswick counties are currently reviewing the tool.

Brunswick County Schools

Brunswick County Schools has established an AI Steering Committee. The committee comprises staff from various roles to review emerging tools, develop guidance, and determine appropriate classroom use of AI, according to a spokesperson from the school district.

While students currently have access to approved AI features within Canva and Adobe, none have access to Google Gemini. However, the district is evaluating whether to provide structured access to high schoolers through its secure Google Education environment. Staff already use Gemini, which the district recommends for its enhanced security features.

Brunswick officials are also preparing for the potential rollout of MagicSchool to middle and high school students.

“Another part of this work is giving teachers and students a common language around AI use,” a district spokesperson said.

To do this, the school system adopted the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s “0 to Infinity” AI Use Continuum, which helps teachers clarify how, or if, AI can be used on specific assignments.

“We are also using the CRAFT prompting framework and the EVERY framework for ethical use to teach students how to use AI responsibly, critically and transparently.”

Pender County Schools

Pender County Schools adopted Policy 3221, the Generative AI Guidance Policy, to define the technology and establish usage guidelines. The district also updated several technology and student discipline policies to address AI.

According to the spokesperson for Pender County Schools. The district pioneered MagicSchool AI with staff last year and is expanding its use this term, working with teachers to build assignments that incorporate student use. District officials selected the platform due to its student safety guardrails and monitoring tools.

Additionally, the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is developing high school courses focused on AI development.

“Because AI technology continues to change rapidly, much of our work remains focused on practical guidance, training and responsible implementation rather than trying to address every use through formal policy,” a district representative said.

New Hanover County Schools

According to a spokesperson for New Hanover County Schools, the district has distributed a generative AI guidance document to teachers and administrators to support the responsible, effective integration of generative AI in the classroom.

The spokesperson shared that the district is taking a phased approach to implementation:

• 2024-25: Focused on developing a districtwide plan, building basic AI literacy among staff and students, and exploring classroom uses.
• 2025-26: Expanded to school-specific literacy, rethinking traditional instructional methods, and drafting student introduction plans.
• 2026-27: Continuing literacy training while shifting focus to teaching with AI and integrating these tools directly into daily instruction.

While the 2026 Appropriations Act provided funding for districts to access platforms like MagicSchool and Khanmigo, New Hanover administrators are still reviewing those applications to determine how they might support staff and students.

“Our goal is to ensure that AI is approached thoughtfully and responsibly, with an emphasis on AI literacy, appropriate classroom use, and preparing students and staff to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world,” a school system spokesperson said.