Technology shaping students' futures | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette piece argues that technology and artificial intelligence are increasingly shaping students’ career readiness, spotlighting a West Memphis initiative. The educator-author says Google’s investment in West Memphis has been “transformational” for the local economy and for students, recalling that shortly after ground was broken, a Google leader asked how the partnership could help. Beginning this fall, West Memphis Schools will launch a technology and AI-focused pilot for ninth-grade students in partnership with Google and Code Crew. The program aims to build skills and career pathways aligned with a rapidly changing workforce. The article also frames the effort as benefiting teachers and staff as they learn alongside students and as preparing the community to treat AI and technology as the future rather than passing trends. It references a broader context of past skepticism around the internet, drawing parallels to current AI adoption.