KLEM Newscast for Friday, September 25, 2026 - KLEM 1410
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Artificial Intelligence "Brunch & Learn"
Artificial Intelligence is changing the way many people work- but using it effectively requires more than simply asking Chat GPT a question. That was the message from a Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce "Brunch & Learn" session held yesterday.
Carmen Wilson, Associate Dean of Corporate College at Western Iowa Tech, told those in attendance to use the acronym W-I-T when using AI.
Wilson says users should always verify the information AI gives you.
She says to remember that AI is the co-pilot and not the captain.
Wilson said that Artificial Intelligence can be a tool, an editor, and a thinking partner.
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Plymouth County receives free arsenic testing kits
Free arsenic testing kits are being provided through a University of Iowa research project to private well owners in six Iowa counties, including Plymouth County. The effort aims to provide data in a study of drinking water safety.
Steven Chapman, the Plymouth County Sanitarian, spoke about the kits.
Chapman said he isn't aware of any major arsenic problems due to the lack of tests.
Ordering the tests is simple.
Visit the Plymouth County website at plymouthcountyiowa.gov/departments/sanitarian for more information on the testing kits.
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Dordt professor introduces project to help educators with struggling students
Dr. Kathleen VanTol, professor of education and director of the Master of Special Education program at Dordt University, has created a free open educational resource (OER) designed to help educators create positive, proactive learning environments and respond effectively when students struggle with behavior. The framework is organized around three principles: Just Opportunities, New Actions, and Hope (JONAH).
Drawing from the biblical story of Jonah, VanTol says the resource challenges educators to adopt a framework centered around setting students up for success, accountability, and hope for change. VanTol stated, "Rather than beginning with the question, 'How do we make this student behave?' JONAH encourages educators to ask, 'Are we creating the conditions this student needs to meet expectations? What new skills or actions does the student need to learn? And how do we continue to respond with hope, even when change is difficult or slow?'"
Ultimately, VanTol hopes the resource can be one more tool to help equip educators to think proactively about student success and promote a sense of belonging among all students. JONAH has been reviewed by the Council for Exceptional Children, leading to Dordt receiving funding to translate the resource into Spanish.
The resource includes eight modules, along with videos, discussion questions, examples, and practical tools that can be used individually or for professional development with groups of educators. As an open educational resource, it is freely available for educators and schools to use. The link can be found below.