A sophomore at Miami Lakes Educational Center is helping leaders in Miami-Dade County Public Schools further the use of artificial intelligence in the district.
Jacob Orellana, 15, interned last summer with School Board Member Roberto Alonso.
Alonso credits the teen with helping him draft a proposal to the board that brought the ethical use of artificial intelligence into classrooms.
“[We’re] advocating for students that are in the special needs community,” Alonso said. “The work that Jacob has been doing with the technology has helped disabled students have a better learning experience. The beautiful thing about Jacob is that he just doesn’t advocate for himself, he advocates for all.”
Jacob uses a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy. Though born prematurely, he has excelled at learning information technology and AI applications that help students with their schoolwork and to overcome physical barriers.
“My goal is to show people is that AI is not something to be feared,” Jacob said. “This isn’t "The Terminator," like most people think.”
Jacob said artificial intelligence can make the world a better place if used correctly.
In March, he was a speaker with Daniel Mateo, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation & School Choice for the district at the Florida K-12 AI Education Task Force at the Tallahassee State College Center for Innovation.
“I use it as a study tool and as an essay assistant writer,” Jacob said. “My problem is that I can have a conversation about AI, but when it comes to putting it down on paper, that’s my struggle.”
He also described how AI can help students who cannot move their limbs.
“Google released a new feature on their Chrome books called Eye Tracking,” he said.
“They can control their computer with their face, with eye movement and certain muscles as well," he told a task force audience. "I turned a 100-slide PowerPoint into [digital] flash cards that I can study to be prepared in time, which can maximize efficiency and raise my scores.”
Alonso said he’s learned a lot from Jacob about some of the struggles disabled students may face to meet test deadlines as well as the types of technology that may better support them.
Teachers and aides may use AI to fashion individualized programs for their students, help with planning and creating classroom worksheets and develop lesson plans.
As a speaker at the task force where he met experts in the industry, Jacob said, “Being able to establish those connections for those possible future advantages is very important to me.”
Fla. Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes, presented a Florida House of Representatives Tribute to Jacob that described the physical challenges of his young life and his achievements so far, including how he earned multiple industry certifications in digital literacy, cybersecurity, data science and network security.
In his academic career, Jacob has made honor roll in every grade, was accepted into the gifted program in second grade and has excelled in advanced and honors classes. He is in an advanced placement class in high school, the Tribute said.
The Orellana family – Jessy and Jose, their daughter Jennilyn and son Jacob -- toured the Capitol during the trip, which was a highlight, Jessy Orellana said.
Alonso hopes to have Jacob intern with him again this summer to continue the expansion of AI programs in schools.
Jacob said he looks forward to working with Alonso and the school district again.
His goal is to become a cybersecurity analyst.