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

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Acquires VPS Architecture

    Full-service planning, architecture, and engineering firm Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has acquired VPS Architecture, according to a news release. The move will help strengthen Wold’s education and public-sector design expertise, industries in which both companies have strong pre-existing ties and relationships.

  • From Approval to Opening: Inside Travis Unified School District’s Fast Tracked Campus Expansion

    The Travis Unified School District (TUSD) in northern California includes several elementary and high schools serving over 5,400 students. In 2024, the TUSD Board approved the addition of sixth grade to the Golden West Middle School campus for the 2025–26 school year, setting in motion an accelerated effort to bring new facilities online in less than a year.

  • Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts

    Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • Indiana University Launches Capital Campus in D.C.

    Indiana University recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new IU Capital Campus in Washington, D.C., according to university news. The eight-story facility will provide a central hub for the university’s existing programs and business operations based in D.C., uniting them under one roof and providing the opportunity to expand.