From NPR · · 1m 50s
Schools Test AI with Little Evidence
Schools experiment with AI chatbots but lack clear policies or proof of success.
In brief
Schools experiment with AI chatbots but lack clear policies or proof of success. Schools are testing AI tools like Jordan, a social-emotional chatbot, but face challenges measuring effectiveness and privacy concerns. Originally reported by NPR.
Dayton students use Jordan chatbot
Dayton Public Schools students use a social-emotional learning chatbot named Jordan to discuss feelings.
“Lately, I've been feeling like what's the point of any of this? I'm not failing. I just don't care. You ever feel like that?”
Jordan chatbot's role
Jordan presents as angsty, asking students for advice and grading responses for engagement and authenticity.
“Jordan's a little whiner, but I always help him out”
Dayton's AI investment
Dayton schools paid SchoolAI $72,600 last academic year for AI tools including Jordan.
“Dayton Public Schools paid SchoolAI $72,600 last academic year for multiple AI tools”
Jordan's purpose
School administrators designed Jordan to help students open up about emotions for school therapists.
“District leaders said they wanted to see whether Jordan could help students open up about their emotions”
AI in schools nationwide
Schools across the U.S. use AI for lesson plans, student progress tracking, and chatbots for feedback.
“Teachers are using it to develop lesson plans; special educators are using it to track student progress”
Limited research on AI
A Stanford University review found limited research on how schools can use AI safely and effectively.
“According to that report, some of the existing studies suggest that carefully designed AI tools show more promise than general-purpose chatbots”
Measuring AI success
Schools struggle to measure AI's impact on learning and student well-being.
“There are so many questions. This is bigger than individual schools, even individual districts can figure out on their own”
Dayton's AI renewal
Dayton renewed its contract with SchoolAI for $78,650 for the current school year.
“The district also renewed its contract with SchoolAI at a cost of $78,650 for the current school year”
Wichita's cautious approach
Wichita Public Schools introduce AI tools gradually, starting with early grades and expanding to high school.
“In the earlier grade levels, students don't have access to chatbots, but they do learn about the technology”
Salamanca's AI pause
Salamanca City Central School District paused its AI robot pilot after community backlash.
“By the end of July, the district had put the Sally plan on hold”
AI risks for students
Experts warn AI could harm students by reducing critical thinking and social skills.
“I don't think you should just sort of wildly experiment, especially with really marginalized communities”
Schools ban AI tools
New York City and Los Angeles Unified School Districts ban student AI use for younger students.
“New York City Public Schools issued a one-year ban on student-facing AI beginning this school year”
AI's future in schools
Schools continue AI experiments with caution while preparing for future challenges.
“We are still going ahead with caution but with optimism with our students because it is something that is going to impact their lives”
What's next for AI in schools
Schools will need clear policies and evidence to safely implement AI tools without harming students.
“If we really close off AI experimentation, if we prevent kids from learning about AI, learning how to use it really well”
The key point
Schools are testing AI tools like Jordan, a social-emotional chatbot, but face challenges measuring effectiveness and privacy concerns.
