Generative AI in Schools: A Closer Look and Future Predictions

Since ChatGPT's introduction last autumn, educators have been thinking through the potential impact of generative AI on education. While its full transformative potential remains uncertain, AI shows promise for teachers grappling with resource constraints and demanding workloads. Here’s a closer look at the concurrent AI landscape in schools — and a prediction of what the future holds.

Creating Ed Tech Stickiness: 10 Tips for Success

"Ed tech whiplash," or the constant addition and removal of tech solutions in schools, is a real issue and has been negatively impacting teachers and students for years. During the 2022–23 school year alone, K–12 school districts accessed, on average, 2,591 different ed tech tools. As a former director of technology in public education, I saw educators struggle to keep up with the always-growing list of ed tech tools being implemented in their schools. And I also saw teachers become heavily invested in solutions that improved efficiency and efficacy in their classrooms, only for the solution to be removed within a short time due to a lack of "ROI." This type of back and forth is not only frustrating for teachers, but it leaves students with a lack of consistency in their learning environment.

Teachers Plan to Learn and Use AI More in the 2023–2024 School Year

Thirty-eight percent of educators expect to adopt AI tools in the coming year, and 57% said they believe such tools should be used, according to a new report.

Educators See Potential Uses for Generative AI, Concerned about Losing Tech to Budget Cuts

In a new national survey of more than 1,100 educators, a substantial 64% said they are somewhat or very worried about losing technology resources in the classroom owing to funding cuts.

Most Districts Still Early in Their Digital Transformation Journey

Digital transformation is still largely in its infancy in K–12 schools and districts. According to the 2023 THE Journal Digital Transformation Survey, nearly two-thirds of respondents said they have not yet begun to implement their strategies or roll out technologies.

Educators See Teacher Burnout, Shortages, and 'Unfinished Learning' as Top Concerns

A national survey of educators and a survey of parents revealed the top concerns of both groups going into the 2023–2024 school year. Both cited "unfinished learning" from the 2021–2022 school year as one of their major issues.

Small Minority of Parents Oppose Generative AI in Schools

A survey of nearly 1,000 parents revealed that only a small minority oppose the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT for academic help in schools.

Budget Restrictions, Culture, and Digital Literacy Top Obstacles for Digital Transformation

Even with the massive influx of technology spending in K–12 over the last few years, digital transformation in schools continues to be a work in progress.

Chromebooks See Minor Contraction as Tablets Continue Plunge

Four of the top-5 tablet makers saw double-digit declines in shipments in the second quarter of 2023 — including Apple — according to recently released preliminary market data. Meanwhile Chromebooks declined only slightly in the quarter, with the top-2 companies seeing positive gains.

Applications Open Till Nov. 1 for Numerous Grants for Math Teachers

The National Council for Teachers of Mathematics is accepting applications through Nov. 1, 2023, for nearly two dozen different grants for primary and secondary educators who teach math, instructional coaches, and leaders.

$1.25 Million Contribution to Fund STEM projects through DonorsChoose Organization

United Airlines has pledged to donate $1.25 million through the DonorsChoose charity to help fund K–12 aviation and STEM projects in classrooms.

Discovery Education to Acquire DreamBox Learning

Discovery Education reported today that it will acquire ed tech company DreamBox Learning, the maker of DreamBox Math and DreamBox Reading. Its tools are in use by some 600,000 educators and 6 million students, according to the companies.

Free 'AI 101 for Teachers' Training Series Launched by Code.org, ETS, ISTE, and Khan Academy

The series focuses on explaining what AI is, how it works, how to use it responsibly, and how it can be used in teaching, especially in freeing up teachers' time from routine administrative tasks. It opens with an introductory fireside chat between Khan Academy founder Sal Khan and Code.org CEO Hadi Partovi.

Microsoft Rolling Out Bing Chat Enterprise for Faculty and Search Progress

Microsoft has introduced two new search features: Bing Chat Enterprise for Faculty and Search Progress, a new learning accelerator built into Teams Assignments.

McGraw Hill and Verizon Add New Free AR/VR App Lesson Plans for K–12 Teachers

K–12 teachers across the United States looking to incorporate virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into their classrooms can take advantage of a partnership between McGraw Hill and Verizon, who created the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ and have recently added new lessons to its repository.

SchoolStatus Acquiring ClassTag, Will Integrate Its Mobile App, Newsletter, and Automation Tech

K–12 data and communications software provider SchoolStatus has acquired ClassTag, a unified family communication and engagement platform for educators, schools, and districts, according to a news release.

Scribbles Adds 'Mass Lottery' Feature to Simplify Managing Complex Lotteries

Records and enrollment provider Scribbles Software has rolled out “significant updates” to help schools and districts streamline and improve lottery management, particularly those managing complex lottery systems, according to a news release.

Vernier Science Education Adds 2 New Sensors to Environmental Science Equipment

Scientific data collection company Vernier Science Education has introduced two new sensors to its lineup of equipment for high school and college environmental science. The two sensors are wireless and connect to student devices to collect and analyze data.

Goodnotes 6 Debuts with AI Handwriting Features AI Math Help – Exclusive to Apple Devices

Digital paper app Goodnotes has launched Goodnotes 6 exclusively on Apple platforms with AI-powered Spellcheck, handwriting capabilities, and AI Math Assistance, according to a news release.

Free Curriculum Designed to Help Young Students Understand AI

KinderLab Robotics has released a new, free curriculum for grades 1–3 designed to help them understand "how AI tools work and think critically about how these tools can improve lives in their communities."

New & Upcoming K–12 Grants