Ramaz Head of N-8 Ms. Ruth Gafni spoke at the United Nations as part of the AI for Developing Countries Forum. She joined in Geneva with policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs across every industry to discuss the future of AI and its global impact. They all agreed it is crucial to plan for navigating AI’s effect on every sector of society, because the effects are already underway.
Ramaz is at the forefront of these conversations: School faculty and administration engage in continual reflection on AI development and are involved in the most cutting-edge discussions. For example, faculty and staff participated this summer in a Professional Development session led by AI expert Nate Green, who trained them in utilizing AI to improve teaching and learning. Central to Ramaz’s mission is preparing students to be their best in a world that is rapidly changing.
Ms. Gafni contributed her perspective on AI in education. She explained the need to ready the next generation for the word social-emotionally and intellectually, cultivating people who are motivated, curious, resilient and community aware, ultimately “helping them be a light and a positive in our world.”
The conference explored the question, “How do we ensure that AI is utilized thoughtfully and ethically?” Attendees recognized the need for value-based education, and they highlighted the benefits of Ramaz’s religious framework, which provides students with a moral and ethical system and an understanding of how to impact the world.
Participants appreciated the insight from Ramaz, an institution that maintains the history, values and traditions that have represented the Jewish people over thousands of years. In any society, a person’s ability to know where they come from helps them to know where they are going. This is a growing concern throughout the rapidly changing world, and Ramaz’s dedication to teaching and upholding tradition makes the school invaluable to this conversation.
Ms. Gafni taught participants about innovative strategies Ramaz uses in the classroom to promote original thinking. Beyond these pedagogical approaches, she explained that the main priority in promoting AI ethics is to teach children how to do the right thing, advocate for themselves, create a sense of community and develop the security to have agency over their bad actions. Thus, Ramaz ties AI ethics closely with social-emotional learning, Jewish life and education on values and tradition.
Ms. Gafni found the conference deeply inspiring. She gained key insights that she will bring back to Ramaz to further strengthen the school, and she built connections with other leaders that will lead to additional opportunities for learning. She looks forward to continuing the conversation!
