JOE GANNO IS ON A CRUSADE

 

After talking to School Committee candidate Joe Ganno, it’s obvious to me that he is on a crusade. Not a medieval kind of crusade. Rather, a crusade to enlighten.

And Joe is not as menacing as the guy in the picture. In fact, he is not menacing at all. He is a modern-day crusader with a big heart, a warm smile, and infectious energy who is busy sounding the alarm on what he calls “the biggest educational challenge of our generation” — the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.

Joe is busy telling anyone who will listen (including me) that the AI revolution is not a future problem that can be dealt with like any other item on a school district’s agenda. AI is already reshaping education, jobs, careers, and society faster than schools can adapt, putting both students and teachers at risk of being left behind.

Here are my takeaways from our conversation:

As a new member of the Watertown School Committee, he will fight for policies that will close the AI literacy gap — ensuring that every child, teacher, and parent understands how AI works, its potential, and its pitfalls.

As voters consider the future of education, he hopes they’ll see that this isn’t simply a tech issue — it’s a children’s issue, a teacher’s issue, and a community issue.

Watertown’s economic future depends on using our taxpayers’ dollars to graduate tech-savvy students who go on to become Watertown’s next generation of community leaders.

 And, he says, “it’s an equity issue. Along with teaching reading and math skills, AI literacy is an irreplaceable skill that prepares every student, regardless of their circumstances, to compete and succeed outside of the classroom.”

It all makes perfect sense to me, but what about a game plan? I asked. Since there is no time to waste, what might the school district do to get the fastest start possible?

“I’m glad you asked,” he said, with a smile. And then, he listed these initial steps.

First, establish clear, community-informed policies on responsible AI use and data privacy. AI will gather huge amounts of personal data on students and teachers that have to be safeguarded.

Second, partner with local universities and tech organizations to bring AI  learning labs and after-school programs to students.

Third, create an AI Ethics and Literacy Curriculum, teaching students to question bias, understand automation, navigate misinformation, and become first-class critical thinkers.

Our kids will inherit a world where algorithms decide what information they will and will not see. Educators need to use every tool at their disposal to make sure our kids understand how those systems work. Their future and Watertown's future will depend on it.

“Okay,” I said.” You’ve got my vote.”

“Wait,” he said, I’m not a one-issue candidate. “Let me tell you about the rest of my platform.”

Some people just won’t take yes for an answer.

 

Bruce Coltin, The Battle For Watertown