AI tools like ChatGPT are creating challenges for educators as they tackle plagiarism and misinformation, but local teachers are also finding ways to embrace the technology.

Why it matters: While some schools label ChatGPT as a "cheating tool," local educators are leveraging it to improve student learning and tailor instruction.

State of play: At Parkview Middle School in Ankeny, teachers are using ChatGPT and the education-specific Magic School AI to help in two different ways.

Zoom in: For ESOL teacher Alexa Long, Magic School AI bridges language gaps with her students and their families, especially for less common languages not covered by Google Translate, like those used in some African villages, she tells Axios.

Plus: Jennifer Janes, a reading interventionist, says ChatGPT helps her create more tailored reading passages for skills she's trying to teach.

• For example: A group of her students was interested in Taylor Swift, and she was trying to work with them on reading skills.
• She asked ChatGPT to generate a 300-word biography on Swift at their reading level that included more complex sentences and at least five words that used the prefix "con-."
• It created more engaging and relevant materials without all the legwork, she says.

Reality check: Both teachers say their students are not using AI programs by themselves in class.

• "I think we all want to know more before we put it in the hands of students and encourage use," Long says.

The big picture: AI programs can be helpful tools, but it's important to have parameters and proceed with caution, Hyesun You, assistant professor at the University of Iowa's College of Education, tells Axios.

• They can provide inaccurate information, she warns. She asked ChatGPT to answer 10 specific science questions and it only answered 50% correctly.
• Assignments like writing essays shouldn't involve ChatGPT, since that process requires students to use important skills like brainstorming, reflection and theorizing, You says.

Zoom out: In Colorado, multiple districts are embracing AI and using it to help create homework assignments, sharpen writing skills and even improve bus routes, Axios Denver reports.

The bottom line: The key for educators, and the rest of us, is making sure to use AI judiciously, You says.

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Demonstration Garden produced over 4,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables for the Urbandale Food Pantry last year, volunteer Mary Rolfes tells Axios.

Why it matters: Organizers want to grow the program at a time when metro food banks are seeing record requests.

Zoom in: The garden began in 1988 and is the oldest of the Polk County Master Gardener projects, a volunteer service program.

State of play: The next Master training for Polk residents starts Sept. 3.

• Volunteers attend classes at Iowa State University and receive the Master Gardener title in exchange for their service.

Stop by: People are encouraged to "come hangout" at garden worknights. The next one is Aug. 26 at 5pm.

• 3305 92nd St. in Urbandale

Friday

😋 World Food & Music Festival starts today and goes through Sunday in Western Gateway Park. | Times vary | Free | Details

Saturday

🎸 Mixtape, an '80s rock band, plays at the Johnston Town Center. | 7-10pm | Free | Details

🕺 Watch a breakdancing showdown outside Raygun in the East Village. | 3:30-5:30pm | Free | Details

👾 The Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra plays a jazz show at Colby Park. | 7-8pm | Free | Details

🎉 Ingersoll Live is a family-friendly block party celebrating all things about the neighborhood at the 2300 block of Ingersoll Ave. | 3-10pm | Free | Details

Sunday

🍺 Beechwood Lounge celebrates its 18th anniversary. | Noon | Free | Details

A decade before Caitlin Clark took the WNBA by storm, former Minnesota Lynx star Maya Moore was the face of the league — a fact that's not lost on Clark.

Why it matters: When Clark watches Saturday night as Moore's #23 jersey is retired at Target Center, it will be a symbolic moment because of the influence Moore had on Clark.

The big picture: Clark, 22, grew up idolizing Moore, 35, when the Lynx were winning titles in the 2010s. Her interest in the sport "was because of her (Moore) and how good the Lynx were," she told USA Today in May.

• "I wanted to be just like her."
• Clark's family used to make the 3.5-hour drive from Des Moines to Target Center to watch the Lynx play.

What's next: Clark's Indiana Fever takes on the Lynx tomorrow night.

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