Dear Midland
Park Families, Staff, and Community Partners,
World-renowned futurist, influencer and thought
leader in the field of business and technology Bernard Marr addresses the
impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our world, “AI has become embedded in every aspect of society. From virtual
assistants like Siri and Alexa to automated industrial machinery and self-driving
cars, it’s hard to ignore the impact. In 2023, more and more of us will find
ourselves working alongside robots and smart machines specifically designed to
help us do our jobs better and more efficiently. Overall, developing the
ability to work with and alongside intelligent, smart machines will become an
increasingly indispensable work skill.”
It is reasonable that the work of futurists
should be considered when framing instructional goals. After all, the skills require to effectively
churn butter do not have much of a place in the curriculum these days. It is a brave, new world indeed and the
former graphic identifiers of education…the little red schoolhouse, the black
chalkboard and white chalk, and the apple for the teacher, have given way to
different symbolic images…the computer, the SmartBoard, and the learning
pod. Change is a constant dynamic in
education and teachers understand the need to adapt and remain afloat—even when
sailing on turbulent seas.
As we look ahead to 2023, we are confident the amazing staff
of the Midland Park School District will continue to meet and master every
challenge that comes its way. When the
day comes that AI finds its way into to the classroom, its rightful place is to
serve as another resource for the teacher.
For only the teacher possesses the innate intelligence to develop
effective instruction for the precious human beings under their care.
We welcome the New Year with excitement and thoughts
turn to MPHS’s Class of 2023…time passes quickly, and these wonderful students
stand poised on the brink of high school graduation! Until we gather together
to watch our seniors march on to the field and accept their diplomas, please
accept my best wishes for a happy and healthy new year and a world where peace
is an attainable reality, rather than a longed-for dream.
Best
regards,
Marie C. Cirasella, Ed.D.