Artificial Intelligence

New Research Project Exploring AI in K–12

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 04/29/19

A Canadian university is working with a Canadian and American education technology company to research the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 classrooms. Specifically, the project will explore the impact of AI-driven learning experiences on student outcomes, including academic growth and social emotional learning. Participants will also develop research and best practices on the responsible use of AI in regards to equity, student privacy and teachers' abilities to personalize their students' learning experiences.

The initiative involves Thierry Karsenti, a professor at the University of Montreal and Canada research chair on information and communication technologies, and Classcraft CEO, Shawn Young. Karsenti has recently been involved in a research effort that delivers mobile education on smartphones using AI to adapt professional development for teachers in Africa. Classcraft uses gaming to generate data in the classroom that can be used by schools and educators to make better educational decisions. The latest announcement came during a digital education summit, which the university recently hosted.

 

"Very few projects related to education and artificial intelligence have been conducted and definitely not enough in elementary and high schools," said Karsenti in a statement. "This research could help teachers, principals and even parents by providing them with consistent educational recommendations that can positively impact students' academic motivation and even increase their success at school."

"Today's students will be entering a job market defined by new technologies like automation, AI and genetics. To thrive in this future, our students must develop deep non-cognitive skills as well as the ability to think critically and solve problems together," added Young. "When teachers use Classcraft, they create new kinds of data that help us understand how students are progressing--not just as learners, but as people. We want to marry this data to an AI-powered recommendation engine that will give teachers personalized insights on how to best empower their students to reach their full potential."