Keeping An Eye On Artificial Intelligence

By: Spencer Deery

This week I participated in a hearing on artificial intelligence (AI) as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

The rapid progression of AI is expected to be one of the most life altering innovations of our day and, as with all technology, it will be used for both good and evil.

The hearing included several hours of testimony from experts about the possibilities on all sides.

It is important to start thinking about these issues now as scammers and other criminals are already using AI in ways that make them more threatening to Hoosiers.

On the other hand, artificial intelligence has the potential to improve education in wonderful ways. Through AI, it may be possible to give every student a personal, digital tutor that uses the same patient Socratic method used by high-quality teachers. We obviously will always need great people in the classroom, but AI could expand the abilities of our teachers and become the breakthrough we need to truly leave no child behind.

While I won’t pretend to have all the answers after a single hearing, I believe lawmakers should proactively seek evidence-based policies and these summer study sessions are invaluable toward that end.

If you have ideas on how to protect Hoosiers from the bad and how to promote the good of artificial intelligence, please send me a note at [email protected].

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Fountain Central FFA Students Competing on National Stage

Several students from Fountain Central High School’s FFA program will represent the school at the National FFA Convention next week in Indianapolis.

Jessie Frazee, Anthony Lopez, Jaylin Payne and Erin Sillery will all compete in the agronomy competition.

Good luck to these bright individuals as they compete against students from across the nation.

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Stay Safe this Halloween

Happy Halloween to all of you next week.

The Indiana State Police has released a list of tips to stay safe on the holiday.

– Spencer Deery is an Indiana State Senator serving District 23 which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion, Warren and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.