Common Sense Media and OpenAI offer free AI training to educators

The rapid adoption of generative AI in education has created a pressing need for teachers to understand how to effectively incorporate these tools into their classrooms while maintaining educational integrity.

The Initiative Overview: OpenAI and Common Sense Media have collaborated to launch a free online course titled “ChatGPT Foundations for K-12 Educators” designed to help teachers navigate the implementation of AI in education.

• The one-hour course covers essential topics including data privacy, ethical usage, AI fundamentals, and practical classroom applications
• Early pilot testing across twelve school districts has shown promising results, with 98% of participants reporting they gained new applicable strategies
• The course is accessible to all educators regardless of whether they have a ChatGPT Edu subscription

Educational Impact and Accessibility: The program aims to address the growing need for AI literacy among educators while removing traditional barriers to professional development.

• Teachers can learn how to leverage AI tools for lesson planning, grading, and creating personalized learning materials
• The course is designed to be simple and accessible, focusing on practical applications beyond just ChatGPT
• The training is available at no cost through the Common Sense Media website

Strategic Partnership: This initiative represents a significant step in the collaboration between education technology and child advocacy organizations.

• The course marks the first public partnership between OpenAI and Common Sense Media
• Both organizations have indicated plans for future collaborative projects
• OpenAI’s VP and GM of Education, Leah Belsky, emphasizes the importance of stakeholder collaboration in ensuring positive educational outcomes

Looking Forward: As AI continues to reshape education, this partnership between OpenAI and Common Sense Media represents an important step toward establishing best practices for AI implementation in schools, though the long-term impact will depend on educator adoption rates and the evolution of AI tools in the classroom.

Educators can access the course here.