The rise of AI promises new solutions to long-standing challenges. It also introduces some unique challenges. In addition to concerns about privacy, bias, and trustworthiness, AI is sparking a flood of new products in a wide range of fields, including education. With so many options to choose from, school districts and schools struggle to find effective solutions amidst all the clever marketing and bold promises.
as a member of learning networkis a federally funded initiative dedicated to supporting the development and expansion of high-quality education products and programs, and I have worked with researchers, developers, practitioners, and education leaders across the country. . Over the years, our team has gained unique insight into why some products succeed, why others fail, and what districts and schools consider when choosing new tools and programs. I’ve been doing it.
One of the lessons we learned is that the current wave of AI-powered edtech isn’t all that different from the products and programs we’re used to. Some products are promising. Others fall flat. Although options are more abundant and technology is advancing, schools must remain diligent in their selection process. Based on our work and conversations with leaders in the field, here are some important questions to ask when looking for an AI-era edtech solution.
What do you do?
Effective educational technology is never, and never should be, designed to replace human relationships with students. With the rise of school-based AI programs, policymakers in states like California and Minnesota and organizations like the National Education Association are pushing to keep educators at the center of education. Quality education technology, whether it leverages AI or not, must work to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of education.
One key differentiator that decision-makers may consider is between student AI, with which students interact directly, and products and programs designed for practitioners, administrators, and other staff. It’s a point. Both usages require unique considerations. For example, for student products, it is essential that developers use guardrails to prevent bias, protect privacy, and ensure authenticity. For management applications, the focus is likely to be on whether edtech improves efficiency while leveraging human expertise.
Is there a solid evidence base?
The most important factor when choosing an edtech is its evidence base. Is there research to support that claim? If so, how reliable is that research? As we have found in our work, these questions can be difficult to answer.
of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Stage of Evidence It can provide a useful framework for evaluating edtech that accounts for the different degrees of research that may underlie a product. However, simply meeting the ESSA level of evidence does not guarantee validity. For example, products and programs that meet ESSA’s minimum levels may be based solely on strategies and practices that are supported by evidence. The product itself may have never been tested. Researchers Mary Bratsch-Hines and Heather Aiken, leaders of the TRI-Reading app, expanded on the importance of comprehensive assessment in a recent episode. SRI Homeroom Podcast.
“Sometimes people claim that just because they cover the National Reading Council’s five elements, they are following the science of pure reading. ” — Mary Bratsch-Hines, senior manager of research and evaluation at the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning.
Edtechs that meet ESSA’s highest levels of evidence, Tier 1 and Tier 2, are evaluated more rigorously and their results are cited in repositories such as: What Works Clearinghouse.
However, a lack of evidence does not necessarily mean a product is ineffective. Some edtechs, especially in the AI era, may be too new to boast an extensive research base. In these cases, the product should at least make a strong case and meet the priority needs.
Schools may also consider compiling their own evidence. Consider the developer’s brief, talk to colleagues in similar situations, and if you decide to move forward, run a pilot to generate real-world local evidence. H. Alix Gallagher, director of strategic partnerships at California Education Policy Analysis (PACE), recently said: I wrote about the pilot process For LEARN Network blog.
Does it really meet your needs?
Evidence is very important, but it is not the only factor influencing the success or failure of a new product or program. Schools and districts also need to carefully consider their goals. Is there a specific challenge you’re trying to address or a set of results you’d like to improve? Take the time to research your needs, talk to your team members, and make sure you fully understand the scope of the challenge and its root causes. Please.
Some products claim to provide broad and general benefits and improvements for schools, faculty, staff, and students. among us Conversation with education leadersHowever, we know that if teachers do not perceive a problem as important, they are less likely to adopt a solution to the problem. For successful implementation, it is important to ensure that the technology meets the identified needs.
Does it fit your school situation?
Edtech only works if it can be implemented effectively. Products can fail if they’re too cumbersome, don’t fit into staff workflows, or don’t align with existing programs. Examine your current systems, staff competencies, and competencies to determine if the product is right for you.
For example, the developers of A2i, an influential and large-scale tool designed to improve young students’ literacy skills, attribute some of its success to Integration with various learning management systems. Implementation can be difficult if the product requires significant deviations from established processes, obligations, or expectations.
School districts and schools can also consider the unique needs of their communities. Are there structural, cultural, or environmental factors that might limit access to the new product for some members or limit its effectiveness for the community as a whole? Ensuring compliance is critical to the success of your product.
How was the product developed?
Effective edtech often emerges from extensive discussion, collaboration, modification, and iteration involving a variety of stakeholders. The LEARN Network encourages researchers and developers to involve school and district leaders, educators, and community members in the design phase of their work. Products that lack sufficient input may face unexpected challenges during implementation.
among us recent webinars A panel of researchers, practitioners, and education leaders warns against a “drive-through approach” to product design, focusing on rural schools and communities, and developing more inclusive and community-focused approaches. encouraged developers to adopt the approach.
Do you prioritize fairness?
Edtech should be designed to foster growth and equity through education and meet the needs of all students. If a product or program is not relevant or accessible to members of the community it serves; inadvertently cause harm.
The rise of AI-powered education technology provides districts and schools with a unique opportunity to explore new tools and programs that are accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of diverse learners. in Recent LEARN Network BlogsWe spoke to leading voices from the Strategic Education and Research Partnership (SERP) Institute and SRI about this opportunity and some possible paths forward.
An effective way to emphasize equity in the educational technology search process is to increase student voice. Students are self-aware, highly technically competent, and have unique experiences and perspectives on learning. By involving students in the piloting and procurement process, districts and schools can help ensure the adoption of technology that works for all members of the community.
Decision makers can also prioritize student voices in their education technology searches by considering products designed and developed in collaboration with students. LEARN Network researcher Ela Joshi expanded on the value of student voice: this recent podcast.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to power effective new tools and approaches, reduce the burden on schools, promote equity and inclusion, and help students overcome long-standing barriers. However, as seen in other fields, the word “AI” does not necessarily indicate quality.
As we explore the next generation of edtech solutions, we all need to avoid flash and continue to focus on the fundamentals. Education by prioritizing evidence, understanding specific needs, ensuring suitability to the context, examining how products are developed, emphasizing equity, and including diverse voices in the search and selection process. Leaders can navigate the complexities of AI-powered edtech and find products that truly make a difference. result.
Information reported here was supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences through grant R305N220012. SRI International. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent the views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education.
