New K-12 Report Explores Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

Washington, D.C. – Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly emerging technology being used throughout society – how might it be used in classrooms? CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) explores the opportunities, as well as the challenges, in a new report released today, titled Artificial Intelligence: Could emerging technologies “humanize” teaching & learning?

The latest in CoSN’s EdTechNext publication series, the report was issued at the CoSN 2018 Annual Conference in Washington, DC.

“AI may hold the potential to personalize instruction and learning. Yet its use in educational settings will require educators and school leaders to develop an understanding of how it can be implemented safely and smartly,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “We’re excited to publish this resource at our 2018 CoSN Annual Conference, where school leaders, scholars and experts are discussing these emerging technologies and how they might shape the future.”

The new report defines AI – a device or computer system that performs human intelligence tasks leveraging complex data sets – looks at the current AI landscape and envisions the future role it might play. As the report details, AI is already showing how it is personalizing learning, lending pedagogical support for teachers and delivering remarkable insights to administrators. Examples include:

  • Mixed Reality. Students are engaging with an educational platform that combines the physical world and virtual world, aiming to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.
  • Augmented Reality. “Smart glasses” are being piloted for teachers, which would allow them to, in real-time, assess student progress and compare performance across the entire class.
  • Cognitive Tutors. A combination of computer science, cognitive science and big data is delivering customized instruction to students and new insights to teachers.

In addition, the report demonstrates how some universities are employing applications that support student learning through time-management systems and chat bots.

The latest edition of the EdTechNext report is made possible by Amazon Web Services, AT&T, Bright Bytes, CDW•G, Cisco, ClassLink, Clever, ContentKeeper, Crown Castle, Dell, Ed-Fi Alliance, ENA, Encore Technology Group, FileWave, Fortinet, Google, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, HP, iBoss Security, Identity Automation, itslearning, Jamf, Juniper Networks, Kajeet, Lightspeed Systems, McGraw-Hill, Microsoft, Pearson, PowerSchool, Promethean, Ruckus Wireless, SAFARI Montage, SchoolDude and Schoology.

To receive a copy of the report, contact Michael Kaplun at [email protected]; learn more about CoSN’s EdTechNext reports at: cosn.org/ed-tech-next-reports.

Featured

  • Washington State District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Cheney School District No. 360 in Spokane County, Wash., recently announced that construction has begun on a new elementary school, according to local news. The district held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 18 in Airway Heights for the yet-to-be-named school, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027.

  • Texas A&M Opens First Building at Fort Worth Campus, Breaks Ground on Research Facility

    The Texas A&M University System marked a major milestone in the development of its Fort Worth campus by opening its first completed academic building and breaking ground on a second facility designed to expand research and industry collaboration.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.

  • Sam Houston State University Completes Athletic Stadium Renovations

    Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, recently announced the reopening of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium after an extensive renovation project, according to a news release. The university partnered with Stantec and DLR Group for the project’s design.