New Research Project Exploring AI in K–12

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.

New Research Project Exploring AI in K-12 

"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."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Abstract AI circuit board pattern

    Nonprofit LawZero to Work Toward Safer, Truthful AI

    Turing Award-winning AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a nonprofit aimed at developing AI systems that prioritize safety and truthfulness over autonomy.

  • abstract pattern of cybersecurity, ai and cloud imagery

    Report Identifies Malicious Use of AI in Cloud-Based Cyber Threats

    A recent report from OpenAI identifies the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime, social engineering, and influence operations, particularly those targeting or operating through cloud infrastructure. In "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: June 2025," the company outlines how threat actors are weaponizing large language models for malicious ends — and how OpenAI is pushing back.

  • tutor and student working together at a laptop

    You've Paid for Tutoring. Here's How to Make Sure It Works.

    As districts and states nationwide invest in tutoring, it remains one of the best tools in our educational toolkit, yielding positive impacts on student learning at scale. But to maximize return on investment, both financially and academically, we must focus on improving implementation.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.