Amazon Introduces Alexa Education Skill API

  • By Sara Friedman
  • 09/26/19
Alexa devices

Amazon wants to give developers the ability to integrate Alexa skills into their education technology services. The Alexa Education Skill API enables students 13 and older to ask Alexa questions about their homework assignments and allows parents to check in with teachers about their child's grades and behaviors in school using Alexa devices.

Developers will be able to incorporate Alexa skills into their learning management systems, student information systems, classroom management tools and massively open online course platforms. Students and parents will be able to retrieve information from multiple skills at the same time by only making one request.  

Through the API, Amazon is creating a voice model for common education requests, which gives developers more time to spend on specializing voice design. Kickboard, ParentSquare, Coursera, Canvas and Blackboard are currently working with Amazon to develop Alexa skills.

Each of the skills are focusing on a use case:

  • Kickboard's skill gives parents the ability to receive school communications about their child’s behavior in school.
  • ParentSquare's skill enables parents to get school messages, posts and updates with Alexa to help parents stay connected to school.
  • Coursera's skill allows students over 13 to stay updated on their coursework and check their progress for any courses they are enrolled in on the Coursera platform.
  • Canvas is improving their skill to enable customers to ask for updates on assignments and school communications for parents and students over 13.
  • Blackboard is developing a skill that includes upcoming assignments for parents and students over 13.

The Alexa Education Skill API will be available in preview by invitation only for the following interfaces:

  • Alexa.Education.Profile.Student
  • Alexa.Education.Course
  • Alexa.Education.Coursework
  • Alexa.Education.School.Communication
  • Alexa.Education.Grade.Course (coming soon)
  • Alexa.Education.Grade.Coursework (coming soon)

Developers can sign up for more information about the Alexa Education Skills API here.

About the Author

Sara Friedman is a reporter/producer for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe covering education policy and a wide range of other public-sector IT topics.

Friedman is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she studied journalism, politics and international communications.

Friedman can be contacted at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @SaraEFriedman.

Click here for previous articles by Friedman.


Featured

  • split-screen digital illustration of two AI-influenced classrooms

    What AI Gets Right and How It Will Be Used in the Year Ahead

    AI has tremendous potential to do good in education while honoring and upholding the essential role of teachers. However, its success will depend on how we choose to use it.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • A geometric pattern of open Chromebook computers with bold outlines, subtle shading, and soft gradients, spaced evenly with vibrant green and blue accents on a neutral background.

    Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for the 'Great Chromebook Refresh'

    During the pandemic, the education community scrambled to provide students with laptops to promote online learning equity and mitigate learning loss. Today, those devices are approaching the end of their useful lives — and a "great Chromebook refresh" has been predicted as schools seek to replace them with newer models.