Schools across the U.S. are grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence tools that help students write essays and complete assignments. Educators are uncertain about how to manage this new reality, as AI has become widespread and affects traditional methods of assessment. - WYENS News

# Technology Update for Business Owners: AI's Impact on Education and Cheating **What's Happening:** Schools across the U.S. are grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence tools that help students write essays and complete assignments. Educators are uncertain about how to manage this new reality, as AI has become widespread and affects traditional methods of assessment. **Why this matters to your business:** This shift impacts not only the education sector but also businesses that rely on a well-educated workforce. Companies may find that new hires are less prepared or lacking essential skills. Additionally, if your business offers training programs or educational services, you’ll need to rethink your approaches to ensure they remain effective in a world where AI can assist students in ways that traditional methods cannot. **Industry Impact Examples:** - **Retail:** Retailers that provide training for staff may need to adapt their programs. If employees are using AI to assist with customer service queries or product knowledge, training needs to focus more on interpersonal skills and less on rote memorization. - **Manufacturing:** As the industry faces a skills gap, manufacturers might find that new workers who have relied on AI for learning may struggle with hands-on tasks or critical thinking in real-world scenarios. Companies should emphasize practical training and mentorship. - **Healthcare/Professional Services:** Healthcare providers may see a shift in how new graduates approach patient care, relying on AI for diagnostics and treatment suggestions. It’s crucial to ensure that young professionals are trained to balance AI assistance with human intuition and empathy. - **Small Business:** Small business owners should consider how AI tools might affect hiring and training processes. If many candidates come in with AI-generated resumes, evaluate their actual skills through practical tests or interviews. **Bottom line:** - **Opportunity:** Businesses can leverage AI for their training programs to enhance learning experiences, but they must also develop strategies to teach critical thinking and practical skills. - **Risk:** There is a danger that reliance on AI could lead to a workforce that lacks essential skills. Companies may need to invest more in training and development. - **Timeline:** This issue is immediate, as the academic year is in full swing, and businesses should start addressing this concern now to avoid skills gaps in the future. **Action Steps:** 1. **Immediate Action:** Review and update your hiring criteria to assess candidates’ actual skills rather than just relying on their resumes. 2. **Medium-Term Consideration:** Invest in training programs that emphasize critical thinking and hands-on experience, making sure they complement any AI tools being used. 3. **Resource or Expert to Consult:** Consider hiring an educational consultant or partnering with local schools to develop training programs that align with current educational trends. **Questions to Consider:** - How has the rise of AI tools affected the quality of candidates you see in your industry? - What steps can you take now to ensure your training and hiring processes remain relevant in a rapidly changing educational landscape? --- *Stay informed about technology trends that impact your business.*

By: WYENS