Iowa Educators Explore AI’s Workforce Impact in Cedar Rapids

Educators in the College Community School District participated in a professional development program aimed at understanding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future workforce. This event, held in Cedar Rapids on March 12-13, 2024, was designed to equip teachers with insights about the local economy and the critical role education plays in shaping resilient communities.

Doug Wheeler, the district superintendent, emphasized the importance of collaboration between educators and workforce leaders. “We are preparing students for a future that we don’t know what will look like,” he stated. He highlighted that building stronger communities and economies begins with educators working together.

Connecting Education with Emerging Technologies

The event, organized in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, focused on current workforce trends, particularly in technology and AI. Educators were welcomed by Juliet Abdel, the new President and CEO of the Economic Alliance, who took on her role in July 2023. Abdel noted the significant influence educators have on shaping future leaders and professionals, stating, “Your role is such an important factor in the future of our leaders, the future of our entrepreneurs, the future of business professionals and even service members.”

As part of the program, educators toured local businesses to gain firsthand insights into industry requirements. Presentations included insights from a representative of Google and Manda Marshall, an AI support team manager from the University of Iowa. This hands-on experience allowed teachers to understand the skills needed in various sectors.

During the presentations, Tieg Weathers, a site facility manager for Google, discussed the rapid growth of data centers, such as those being developed by Google and QTS in Cedar Rapids, which are designed to store and manage data for AI applications. Weathers noted that the demand for data centers is “fast and furious,” as companies increasingly seek AI solutions. He shared his educational journey, detailing how he transitioned from studying anthropology to a career with Google.

AI Literacy as a New Educational Frontier

Marshall addressed the importance of incorporating AI literacy into the curriculum. She explained that teachers now face the dual task of teaching digital literacy alongside AI literacy. “We’re committed to making sure our students know how to utilize AI,” she remarked, also stressing the ethical implications of AI use. Marshall highlighted the need to ensure students understand when and how to use AI responsibly, rather than relying on it to complete their work.

One innovative approach discussed by Marshall involved asking students to compare their essays with those generated by AI. This method not only enhances their writing skills but also helps them engage critically with AI-generated content. She encouraged educators to experiment with AI tools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining student confidentiality when using these technologies.

In addition to Marshall’s insights, panelists from the Career Academy Advisory Committee shared their experiences with AI in their respective businesses. Danielle Monthei, community impact manager at Van Meter Inc., expressed enthusiasm for employing AI to solve problems and enhance customer service. She acknowledged concerns about data security but asserted the urgency to adapt to technological advancements.

Jillian Walsh, senior manager of business development at Travero, described how AI is utilized to provide pricing information to customers outside of regular business hours. “If we’re not in the office to provide a price, you can lose that bid in a matter of minutes or seconds,” she explained, highlighting the competitive edge AI offers in logistics.

The professional development event not only informed educators about the evolving job market but also reinforced the crucial role of education in preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven world. As AI continues to influence various sectors, the collaboration between educators and industry leaders will be essential to ensure students are equipped with the necessary skills for their futures.