Florida bill wants mandatory AI education starting in fifth grade

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A bill sponsored by Republican state Rep. Mike Giallombardo proposes mandatory AI education in Florida state schools starting as early as the fifth grade, with teachers and students expressing support for the initiative.

Biology major Xhesi Bano said, "Early on, teaching kids how to use it in a way to help them, I think it's a smart way rather than let it get out of hand, and everybody is using it to do their homework."

FGCU student Kai Inman reflected, "I think if AI was around when I was in 5th grade, I think, of course, teaching to use it responsibly would benefit me in the long run."

Hospitality major Lilly Bomgardener emphasized, "It is a part of our culture, and it's not leaving, and I think teaching people how to use it properly is going to help make sure it doesn't become detrimental to society."

Dr. Leandro Decastro from FGCU College of Engineering questioned, "How can we teach students to use AI and at the same time ensure they acquire the knowledge that we want them to acquire in our courses?"

Rep. Mike Giallombardo said, "We're in a race to modernize the technology, against our adversaries."

He added, "It really starts as early as 5th or 6th grade."

The bill would need to pass in both the House and Senate and be signed by the governor before AI classes become part of the mandatory curriculum.

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