FETC - District Administration https://districtadministration.com/category/technology-and-cybersecurity/fetc/ District Administration Media Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:26:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 4 ways tech is helping kids avoid summer learning slides https://districtadministration.com/4-ways-tech-is-helping-kids-avoid-summer-learning-slides/ Tue, 02 Jul 2024 18:20:49 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=164699 What's encouraging you is that a healthy number of students, particularly those in grades 2 through 8, are engaged in summer learning—and parents deserve the credit.

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Nearly 70% of kids spend more time on their devices over the summer compared to the school year, but that probably doesn’t surprise you. It’s time for kids to let loose after two semesters of hard work. What might encourage you is that a healthy number of students, particularly those in grades 2 through 8, are engaged in summer learning—and parents deserve the credit.

That’s according to a recent survey of 1,000 parents by Lingokids, a learning app. The researchers sought to understand how much screen time kids get over the summer and for what purpose.

Despite the low age range of the kids sampled, one might consider their screen time pretty significant. Nearly 62% of children spend more than one hour daily on a device. Another 32% spend more than two hours in front of a screen each day, according to parents surveyed.

However, not every kid’s screen time is wasted on what some parents would consider “brain rot.” In fact, 60% of parents believe that their children consider education screen time fun and playful, and 56% say educational apps help prevent the “summer slide” associated with the extended time away from school.

Parents were also asked how they leverage technology and other methods to mitigate learning loss over the break. Here’s what they said:

  • By letting them use/play educational apps and games (55.66%)
  • Teaching them at home (44.93%)
  • Educational camps (33.49%)
  • TV shows/movies (31.23%)
  • Summer school (30.87%)
  • I don’t worry about my child/ren experiencing “the summer slide” (15.49%)

“We know that reading, math and other academic skills can see slippage when school is out of session for the summer break, while parent involvement is important, interactive learning apps may be effective in moderating summer learning loss by sustaining practice in core areas like English and STEM,” Chair of the Lingokids Advisory Board Suzanne Barchers said in a statement.

Parents also broke down the content their child engages with on their devices. Educational apps (66.15%) emerged as the most common content type, followed by:

  • Games apps (those with no learning objectives (54.83%)
  • Video streaming apps (46.48%)
  • Communication apps (37.54%)
  • Social media (36.11%)
  • Music apps (32.66%)

DA coverage

For a more in-depth look at how kids are spending their summers on their devices, click here. Or, check out District Administration’s recent coverage on student achievement and well-being below:

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What do effective AI guidelines look like? Check out this new approach https://districtadministration.com/what-do-effective-ai-guidelines-look-like-check-out-this-new-approach/ Mon, 01 Jul 2024 12:38:42 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=164613 New Jersey recently published statewide resources for its educators. Let's dive in and learn about their approach to AI in education.

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A number of schools are pioneering artificial intelligence guidelines with the understanding that this technology is here to stay. Others are waiting patiently to see the policies other leaders are implementing. However, the overall consensus is that educators need more information on how to bring AI into their classrooms.

So what should your AI guidelines look like? New Jersey recently released resources to help schools harness AI for teaching and learning. Let’s take a look:

Learning resources

Hosted on the state Department of Education’s Office of Innovation website, the guidelines offer several resources ranging from webinars surrounding the “considerations for artificial intelligence in education” to free documents from national organizations like Common Sense Education, which has published a wealth of use cases for AI in the classroom.

The New Jersey Department of Education also participates in the Teach AI initiative, a consortium of state education departments and international education agencies that work together to create frameworks for AI policy and teaching resources.

“AI is a transformative technology that will open new opportunities for teaching and learning,” Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer said in a statement. “Our goal is to ensure students have the knowledge and skills in working with AI to help prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond graduation.”


More from DA: Teaching apprenticeships: Here are 3 models that work


The state’s guidelines also include several resources to help educators learn how to teach about AI and some free AI tools they can experiment with. Here are some examples:

Teaching about AI

  • The TeachAI website offers best practice guidelines for policymakers, education leaders, teachers and parents.
  • The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) published The Hands-On AI Projects for the Classroom guides for elementary, secondary, elective and computer science teachers.
  • Explore a wide range of learning units for K12 AI literacy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s RAISE initiative.

Free AI tools

Moving forward, New Jersey’s Office of Innovation will gather feedback from educators to learn how AI is being used in the classroom, which will help inform policy implementation in the future, according to a press release from the NJ Department of Education. Click here to take a deeper look at the state’s AI guidance.

DA’s AI coverage

We’ve also published numerous articles that dive into research about AI and how your peers are using the technology to meet their community’s needs. You can find some of those articles below:

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EdTech Top 40: It’s all about unique tools and interoperability https://districtadministration.com/edtech-top-40-its-all-about-unique-tools-and-interoperability/ Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:55:32 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=164455 This year's EdTechTop 40 list shows districts, teachers and students are continuing to experiment with a wider range of digital tools.

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This year’s EdTechTop 40 shows districts, teachers and students continuing to experiment with a wider range of digital tools.

The 2024 list, from LearnPlatform by Instructure, features many familiar names—such as Canva, Google Classroom and YouTube—and five new entrants: PBS, Panorama Education, Scratch, Adobe and Grammarly.

“As districts continue to explore different tools to enhance learning, the obstacles they now face aren’t just about picking the best tool, but picking safe, effective and interoperable tools that work together to build a highly effective learning ecosystem,” said Melissa Loble, Instructure’s chief academic officer.


‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: What’s top of mind for 15 superintendents, according to an edtech CEO


“Districts need trusted guidance and transparent information to empower them to make efficient and effective decisions that will improve teaching and learning,” Loble adds.

The EdTechTop 40 covers nearly 4 million student and teacher interactions and finds schools using 8% more digital tools than they did in the prior academic year. Districts accessed an average of 2,739 distinct edtech tools during the school year, with an average of 1,436 per month.

The list comprises learning management systems, supplemental platforms, courseware platforms, study tools, classroom response and assessment tools, and sites and resources.

EdTech Top 40
(Graphic: LearnPlatform by Instructure)

“On the one hand, we know districts are actively looking for opportunities to consolidate their edtech, but with the explosion of new AI-enabled tools, there has been a lot of experimentation,” notes Shiren Vijiasingam, Instructure’s chief product officer. “We expect scrutiny on how these tools are helping the teaching and learning process.”

The top three reasons educators are using technology are to boost student engagement, personalize learning and save time. When it comes to accountability, just under a third of the tools on the 2024 Edtech Top 40 have met one of the Every Student Succeeds Act’s four tiers of evidence.

Here is the EdTech Top 40 (in alphabetical order):

  1. ABCya!
  2. Adobe*
  3. Blooket
  4. Canva
  5. Canvas LMS
  6. ClassLink
  7. Clever
  8. Code.Org
  9. Cool Math Games
  10. Desmos
  11. EdPuzzle
  12. Encyclopedia Britannica
  13. Epic!
  14. Gimkit
  15. GoGuardian
  16. Google Classroom
  17. Google Workspace for Education
  18. Grammarly*
  19. History.com
  20. i-Ready
  21. IXL Learning
  22. Kahoot!
  23. Kami
  24. Khan Academy
  25. Math Playground
  26. Nearpod
  27. NYTimes.com
  28. Panorama Education*
  29. PBS*
  30. PhET Interactive
  31. Prodigy
  32. Quizizz
  33. Quizlet
  34. Scholastic
  35. Scratch*
  36. Securly Filter
  37. Study.com
  38. Weebly
  39. Wikipedia
  40. YouTube

*Indicates the product is new to Edtech Top 40

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Want to teach AI literacy? Here are 5 new strategies https://districtadministration.com/want-to-teach-ai-literacy-here-are-5-new-strategies/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:00:14 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=164433 In order to support AI literacy, it's best to teach educators and students how to understand, use and evaluate AI tools, declares a new report.

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Artificial intelligence has immense potential to enhance student learning experiences—if implemented correctly. In order to support AI literacy, it’s best to teach educators and students how to understand, use and evaluate AI tools.

That’s according to a new AI literacy framework from Digital Promise, a nonprofit that seeks to advance equitable education systems. AI literacy—which the organization defines as “the knowledge and skills that enable people to critically understand, evaluate and use AI systems and tools to safely and effectively participate in an increasingly digital world”—has emerged as a necessary skill set for both students and educators.

As mentioned previously, the framework defines three interconnected “modes of engagement” crucial for supporting engagement:

  • Understand: Obtaining basic knowledge of what these tools can do and how they work leads to informed decisions about using AI systems.
  • Use: Interacting, creating and problem-solving with AI as a progression of use for specific contexts and purposes.
  • Evaluate: Centering human judgment and justice to consider the pros and cons of AI to individuals, society and the environment.

“Public schools have a critical role to integrate AI literacy throughout PK-12 education so that our current and future communities are aware and able to critically evaluate AI systems,” the framework reads.


More from DA: Reversing pandemic slides: How does your state compare?


Digital Promise also outlines five strategies you can start using today to promote AI literacy in your classrooms. Here’s a look at each of them:

  1. Provide guidance for adoption and evaluation (systems leaders and policymakers)
  2. Integrate AI literacy across grades and subject-area learning (system and school administrators)
  3. Facilitate ongoing, just-in-time professional learning (instructional leaders)
  4. Design powerful learning experiences (teachers and instructional leaders)
  5. Promote awareness and agency (leaders, teachers, learners, caregivers and community members)

“Informed users are essential for the safe and effective use of AI,” the paper reads. “We call on school leaders and policymakers to champion AI literacy for all learners, educators and community members.”

Read the full paper which includes examples of each literacy framework here.

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How to take advantage of the CoSN Resource Library https://districtadministration.com/how-to-take-advantage-of-the-cosn-resource-library/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:27:50 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=164448 The Consortium for School Networking is pleased to offer easy access to the CoSN Resource Library, a list of more than 20 edtech topics designed to meet the ongoing digital transformation needs of K12 district leaders.

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The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is pleased to continue to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations.  

The CoSN Resource Library
In its role as the premier association designed to meet the ongoing digital transformation needs of K12 district leaders, including superintendents, chief technology officers, school leaders and their teams, CoSN is pleased to offer easy access to the CoSN Resource Library, published on the CoSN website and open to anyone. Resources provided in the CoSN Resource library come in a variety of formats, including toolkits, documents, web pages, podcasts and webinars. 

When one opens the link to the CoSN Resource Library a list with over 20 EdTech topics is readily available. One can filter a search for a specific individual topic or select “Any” to see an assortment of links to a variety of articles and tools. Below is a sample list of 10 of the current 20+ topic categories, each with its own multiple resources, available in the CoSN Resource Library: 

  1. Artificial Intelligence 
  2. Communications  
  3. Cybersecurity 
  4. Data Management 
  5. Disaster Preparedness 
  6. Emerging Technologies 
  7. Ethics and Policies 
  8. K-12 Innovation 
  9. Leadership 
  10. Strategic Planning 

The CoSN Resource Library is readily available at https://www.cosn.org/tools-resources/resource-library/ 

The CoSN Experience: The Ultimate Virtual Collaboration Series
In order to keep the learning and collaboration going beyond the recent CoSN 2024 conference, CoSN is now offering “The CoSN Experience.” This virtual collaboration series features monthly conversations and knowledge sharing. This inaugural series comprises six monthly live conversations, which commenced in April 2024 and will continue through November 2024. You are welcome to participate individually or as a team. For more details and access to registration information please visit https://www.cosn.org/event/the-cosn-experience/. 

CoSN Membership: If you, your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN, please contact membership@cosn.org.  

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Why this tech director isn’t racing to adopt AI https://districtadministration.com/why-this-tech-director-isnt-racing-to-adopt-ai/ Thu, 20 Jun 2024 06:45:10 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=163544 Tech director Brian Miles and his IT team at Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District are waiting for guidance and watching how other districts are bringing AI into their classrooms.

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Wisconsin’s Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, voted the No. 1 high school in the Madison metro area by U.S. News, is home to one technology leader who is pioneering student-centered initiatives that drive instruction with technology. Meet Brian Miles.

Now the director of technology services and in his 17th year with the district, Miles has served his community since he was 21. He taught for 15 years, establishing deep roots within the community and his staff.

For instance, Miles works closely with his instructional leaders to ensure data privacy and safety for students. Much of the innovation comes from the district’s teachers, he adds, because they’re the ones tasked with deploying these tools.

“They bring tools to leadership all the time for evaluation,” he adds. “It’s exciting. We live in a world, especially because of our district’s culture, where ideas are freely shared. Folks feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things and figuring out what tech tools are right for them.”

For example, WeVideo has emerged as a popular tool for educators and students to create podcasts to demonstrate learning. “We’re looking for different options for assessment,” he says. “We’re trying to get away from that traditional final at the end of the year and I think multimedia has been a focus for a lot of our teachers.”

Discussions surrounding AI

Like most districts, Miles says Middleton-Cross Plains is in the “observational phase” of AI adoption. “We’re not behind, but we’re also not out in front,” he says. Instead, they’re evaluating what other districts are doing to bring AI into the classroom and eagerly awaiting additional guidance from the state.

“We’re assessing the scene a little bit before we start diving in and adopting tools,” he explains. “A lot of the tools are 18+, right? So, what does management look like and what are the expectations?”

Data protection surrounding AI is top-of-mind for Miles. “How do we protect our student data and make sure we’re using AI tools for productivity purposes without compromising sensitive information?”


More from DA: 3 innovative ways schools are using AI to improve learning


To answer these questions, Miles is leading an AI team comprising the director of teaching and learning and two principals. They’re tasked with creating guidance, establishing system-wide learning criteria and narrowing down which AI tools best fit the district’s goals.

He expects he and his AI team will be ready to roll out some AI guidelines by the start of the school year.

Addressing screen time

Miles says they’re already gearing up for the 2024-25 school year, which includes tackling several top-of-mind issues to set students up for success. The district’s 1:1 device model allows every student to get their hands on a Chromebook and the main question is: How to maximize technology for teaching and learning while avoiding some of the negatives, such as excessive screen time?

“For me, screen time is a really important topic that we should be talking about universally,” he says. When designing instruction, he wants educators to consider how much screen time they’re assigning students.

“The expectations are robust,” he concludes. “We want folks to feel like we’re using this tech as a tool and not just providing another opportunity to watch YouTube and play games.”

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Selecting the right AI tools for learners: 5 key considerations https://districtadministration.com/selecting-the-right-ai-tools-for-learners-5-key-considerations/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:31:21 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=164278 Explore 10 AI-powered tools in today's free FETC webinar, which will highlight each platform's features and benefits so administrators and teachers can grow their skills and begin implementing new technologies with students as lessons are planned for next fall.

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The landscape of educational technology has transformed dramatically in the last year, exploding with the rise of AI tools that offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing learning experiences. Districts are busy formulating AI policies, integrating digital literacy pedagogies and hosting schoolwide conversations redefining what learning and assessment looks like with AI-powered tools in the hands of teachers and students. This revolution is fueled by the increased curiosity and student engagement that AI-powered tools produce in the learning process.

As schools increasingly begin to integrate these digital tools, understanding AI tools for student use is crucial. AI-powered tools facilitate personalized learning, productivity and efficiency, content creation, knowledge building, content review, tutoring, collaboration, communication and developing technology skills in an equitable fashion for the future.

AI is more than just prompt engineering; it is a catalyst for sparking creative formats for synthesizing information. Students can deepen their learning through various AI-enabled activities including having conversations with historical figures, working with an online debate partner (chatbot) to build an argument or creating projects in 3D immersive environments to engage classes with AI tools to improve learning while empowering students’ choice and voice. The possibilities are endless, and the list of emerging AI tools is too.

AI-powered tools offer instant feedback and real-time individualized tutoring support and enrich understanding through careful Socratic-style interactions. The edtech market is full of options with many companies offering many new AI tools. However, selecting the right AI-powered tool for your district or school requires careful consideration. Here are five key factors to guide superintendents, administrators, principals and teachers in making informed decisions:

1. AI tools align with educational goals

Before diving into the myriad options available, it’s fundamental to define your district’s educational objectives. What specific outcomes are you aiming to achieve with AI? How can they be measured and does the tool offer the data analytics needed to make future decisions and improve student learning? Whether it’s personalized learning, improved student engagement or enhanced administrative efficiency, the AI tool you choose should directly support these objectives. By matching the tool’s capabilities with your strategic vision, you ensure the investment delivers meaningful and measurable benefits.

Carl Hooker, author of Learning Evolution: The New Era of AI in the Classroom, reflects on staying focused in your selection of tools aligned to overall educational goals, “What we are experiencing with AI right now is very much a repeat of what happened when the app store was launched. ‘There’s an app for that’ became a common phrase. Now that there is ‘an AI for that’ we have to think about the purpose of the tool and how ‘evergreen’ it might be. Don’t just purchase a single AI tool because it helps with one subject, find one that can help in all areas of learning.”

2. Ease of integration and use

Collaboration between the curriculum and IT departments is crucial. The success of any technological implementation depends on how seamlessly it can be integrated into the existing infrastructure and is compatible with various devices and platforms. Choose AI tools that offer intuitive interfaces from reputable providers that offer ongoing support, updates and professional development resources to ensure effective implementation and sustained use.

Tools that can integrate with your current systems and workflows will reduce disruptions and maximize the benefits of AI from the outset. Select AI tools that are easy to use for educators and learners, minimizing the learning curve and maximizing engagement. This approach reduces disruptions and accelerates the adoption process, allowing your district to benefit from AI-enhanced learning right away.

3. Focus on critical thinking and creativity

AI should enhance rather than replace human interactions and enable students to concentrate on critical thinking and creativity by automating routine tasks. Dan Fitzpatrick’s principle of outsourcing the “doing”—but not the “thinking”—to artificial intelligence, highlights the importance of using AI to handle administrative or repetitive tasks. This allows students and educators to focus on deeper learning and problem-solving activities that foster essential skills for future success.


‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Why K12 branding and marketing are more important than ever


AI should empower students to focus on critical thinking and creative problem-solving by taking over routine tasks. Fitzpatrick emphasizes a key principle from his book, The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education: “Outsource your doing, not your thinking.”

“One of the most powerful sessions I lead involves teachers and students creating bespoke AI assistants. Students often make study companions, career mentors and even sleep coaches,” he notes.

This allows students to connect the power of AI to handle tasks and support their goals while focusing on the critical thinking and creative problem-solving that will propel them forward in their educational journey and beyond. Tools that automate administrative tasks or provide intelligent tutoring can free up valuable time for students and teachers to engage in deeper learning activities.

4. Accessibility, equity, transparency and student empowerment

Equity, transparency, and student empowerment must be prioritized when integrating AI into the classroom. Ken Shelton, author of The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered The Chat, advises: “When choosing AI tools for the classroom, educators must prioritize equity, transparency, and student empowerment. They should seek out AI systems/platforms designed with diverse learner needs in mind, offering clear explanations of their design and decision-making processes, and engaging students as active creators and critical thinkers, not just passive consumers of technology.”

Additionally, in The AI Infused Classroom by Holly Clark, she provides the following recommendations for selecting the right AI tools for learner empowerment: “Look for AI tools that allow for customization and personalization to cater to individual learners’ needs, interests, and learning styles.” By choosing AI tools that address diverse learning needs and multilingual access and promote active participation, you create an inclusive, transparent and engaging learning environment.

5. Data privacy and security

In an era where data breaches and privacy concerns are rampant, it’s essential to prioritize the security of student and staff data. When selecting an AI tool, ensure that it complies with local, state and federal regulations regarding data privacy.

Look for tools that offer robust security measures, such as encryption and regular security audits. Protecting sensitive information safeguards your district and builds trust among students, parents and educators. Protecting students is mission-critical.

Strategic approach

Selecting the right AI-powered tool for your district involves aligning it with educational goals, ensuring ease of integration, enhancing human interactions, focusing on critical thinking and creativity and prioritizing equity, transparency and student empowerment. By carefully considering these factors, district administrators and superintendents can leverage AI to create enriched, effective and equitable learning environments.

As districts begin to explore what tools are available with these criteria in mind, they can select those that align to their goals and student needs while providing equity, security and privacy for all learners. Now is the time to embrace AI as a powerful ally in advancing education while maintaining a focus on the human elements that are fundamental to learning and growth.

Free FETC webinar

Explore 10 AI-powered tools in a free FETC webinar on Thursday, June 20th at 2 pm ET. This introduction to AI-powered edtech tools highlights their features and benefits so administrators and teachers can grow their skills and begin implementing new technologies with students as they plan for lessons next fall. Watch this fast-paced round of 10 demos and choose an AI tool to try right away! This webinar will enable participants to harness the momentum and revolutionize student learning with AI-powered tools.

Hear about the following AI enhanced products: K12Brix.ai, Khanmigo, Magic School, MegaMinds, Meritus AI, Padlet, Perplexity, PowerBuddy, Quizizz, and Snorkl. Even if you aren’t able to attend the live event, feel free to register and you will receive access to the presentation and the event recording. All registrants will receive a link to the recording and a professional development CEU certificate post event.

Register here to learn more about edtech professional development offerings. FETC is proud to produce events with our partners that propel education forward to continuously improve the future of teaching and learning!

 

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Survey: AI adoption is lacking for these 3 reasons https://districtadministration.com/survey-ai-adoption-is-lacking-for-these-3-reasons/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:29:55 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=164221 Despite widespread experimentation with such tools, educators simply need more support and professional development, a new survey finds.

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There has been significant progress in the reliability and functionality of AI tools since ChatGPT’s release in November of 2022. As a result, we’re seeing AI adoption and experimentation skyrocket among teachers. But it’s still not enough to encourage widespread use.

That’s because teachers lack experience with AI tools, a new survey from Imagine Learning suggests. Specifically, teachers say they’re unhappy with the current level of implementation for three reasons:

  • Insufficient training
  • Lack of exposure
  • Not enough clear policies or guidelines for educators

However, the survey reveals significant familiarity with AI tools. Fifty percent of teachers reported an increase in its use by both students and educators this school year.

“The survey highlights how quickly AI is becoming a significant influence in today’s classrooms,” Jason Fournier, vice president of product management for AI initiatives at Imagine Learning, said in a statement.


More from DA: AI in education—Who’s more excited: Administrators or teachers?


Additional findings from the report include:

  • AI and its positive impact: 55% of respondents agree that AI will positively affect the classroom. Furthermore, 88% believe it will improve accessibility for students.
  • Teacher resources: More than eight in 10 said the biggest need is training that covers practical applications and ethical use of AI. However, only 28% say they have the resources to address issues as they begin implementing AI tools.
  • Popular generative AI use cases: The most common ways teachers use generative AI include:
    • Analyzing student data (68%)
    • Creating instructional material (67%)
    • Grading (65%)
  • Top AI concerns: Most of all, teachers worry about cheating (84%) and misinterpretation of the results AI provides (69%); 74% also cited concerns about the potential negative impact on students’ writing skills.

Click here for a detailed look at the survey’s findings.

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Get to the point! More cybersecurity funding and accelerated summers https://districtadministration.com/get-to-the-point-more-cybersecurity-funding-and-accelerated-summers/ Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:13:42 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=164097 In this new series, District Administration covers what you need to know for the coming school week: There's a new pilot program to protect schools from cyberattacks and ideas for closing the digital divide and accelerating summer schools.

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Despite their best cybersecurity efforts, schools have been under siege from hackers, ransomware and other online threats. But there’s good news: the FCC, which helped speed up internet connections during the pandemic, is putting $200 million into fortifying cybersecurity in schools and libraries.

The pilot program will provide Universal Service Funds to districts and libraries to upgrade software and hardware and will also gather data on the most effective ways of bolstering cybersecurity. It can take a district months to recover from a cyberattack, disrupting learning and incurring unwelcome expenses, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement.

“The vulnerabilities in the networks we have in our nation’s schools and libraries are real—and growing,” Rosenworcel noted.


Superintendent turnover : 3 big districts make important changes


The digital divide is another tech challenge that many districts are working to solve. “I still see kids in the middle of Brooklyn doing their homework in a Taco Bell parking lot so they can get access to WiFi,” InnovateEDU CEO and edtech expert Erin Mote says in the latest episode of District Administration’s Talking Out of School podcast.

In the interview, Mote shares ideas for closing the divide and guides superintendents, principals and their teams on getting comfortable using AI.

Direct from DA

Speaking of K12 leaders, this week’s spotlight shines on Superintendent Jim Nielsen, Principal Joshua Smith and Orchard View Public Schools in Michigan. The district’s “Middle Vision” program brings CTE into the sixth grade to give students hands-on career experiences that get them thinking more concretely about life after high school graduation.

“We’re helping these kids figure out their passions … and school makes much more sense when they can say, ‘Oh, now I know I want to be in food service,’” Smith told DA. “They’re more invested and more excited about school.”

DA also provides year-round solutions through the Future of Education Technology Conference. In our latest post from FETC, 2025 featured speaker and renowned thought leader Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh, junior high principal at Quest Academy, cover the eight steps necessary to unlock the power of personalized learning. 

“Embracing personalized learning is a transformative journey that requires vision, commitment and collaboration,” they write. “School leaders can create a learning environment where every student can thrive by creating a supportive culture, empowering teachers, leveraging technology and involving all stakeholders.”

If you’re looking for ways to transform summer school, a new study of about 450 schools in eight big-city districts offers more evidence that “intensive, daily in-person instruction” gets impressive results. Students in the Summer Boost program, initially launched in New York City, participated in at least 20 days of classes, with 90 minutes each of English language arts and math each day, and a maximum student-to-teacher ratio of 25:1.

Students gained an average of four to five weeks of math learning and three to four weeks of ELA learning compared to non-participants. These gains were seen across demographic groups and grade levels.

Who’s accepting AI?

No weekly education roundup would be complete without a mention of AI. We’re sure you’ve asked yourself: Who’s more excited about AI—administrators or teachers?

A new survey shows superintendents and other administrators are, compared to teachers, a little more comfortable with artificial intelligence. Just over half of educators told the edtech firm Carnegie Learning that they “always,” “often” or “sometimes” use AI. This number includes 67% of administrators but just 53% of teachers.

Along with establishing policies and offering more training, the survey recommends that district leaders continue to talk to teachers and hold community forums about the best use of AI in school.

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3 innovative ways schools are using AI to improve learning https://districtadministration.com/3-innovative-ways-school-are-using-ai-to-improve-learning/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 06:29:02 +0000 https://districtadministration.com/?p=163709 One-quarter of public school teachers say AI does more harm than good for K12. However, that's not stopping these schools from innovating.

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If you’re into data, here are some statistics for you: One-quarter of public school teachers believe AI does more harm than good. A mere 6% believe the opposite. However, that’s not stopping educators from tapping into its potential.

Grading and feedback

Take California, for instance, where school districts are signing contracts to allow AI tools to help them with things like grading, CalMatters reports. Computer Science Coordinator for the California Department of Education Katherine Goyette told CalMatters that chatbots are the most common form of AI adoption in schools.

Although teachers say it helps them give students feedback even quicker, guidelines regarding AI use in the state are vague. Last year, California was one of seven states to issue guidance about how teachers should leverage the technology in their classrooms. Its contents include:

  • “Where is AI in the world of today and tomorrow?”
  • “Where might AI fit within California schools?
  • “Fundamental skills for educators and students.”

“While artificial intelligence can be a valuable learning tool for educators and students, it must be evaluated according to usage terms, and clear guidelines for data collection should prioritize student safety,” the guidance reads.

However, the state doesn’t track what AI tools school districts are adopting. Goyette told CalMatters she’s interested to see if the state passes Senate Bill 1288, which would require the state’s superintendent to implement an AI working group to issue further guidance for schools.

Preserving culture

Princeton High School in New Jersey is another example of how educators are leaning into AI. They’re leveraging an AI-powered stuffed animal named Che’w that speaks Mam, a Mayan language originating in the western highlands of Guatemala and Mexico, CNN reports. A small portion of Princeton students also speak Mam.


According to UNESCO, the language faces potential extinction—but that’s where Che’w steps in.

“In the beginning of the school year, we talked about how AI is the world we’re in now and we have a responsibility to prepare kids for the world they will inherit,” Joy Barnes-Johnson, the science administrator for PHS, told CNN. “The idea is that it will help people connect and learn, so we [as teachers] have to not be afraid of it.”

Teaching responsible AI adoption

For the past year, Greenville County Public Schools has been training teachers to use tools like ChatGPT and Magic School AI, a platform that helps educators with tasks like lesson plans, the Greenville Journal reports. The district believes in the technology’s ability to reduce workloads for teachers and enhance learning if used properly.

“While these tools can provide valuable support, they should never substitute the critical role of teachers in fostering meaningful student engagement and facilitating personalized learning experiences,” the district said in a statement about AI use.

For instance, the district recommends that teachers use AI in balance with other learning activities.

“Encourage your student to engage in hands-on learning experiences, discussions and critical analysis alongside AI use,” the district wrote.

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