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

  • Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, OR

    Preserving Legacy, Designing for the Future

    As historic academic buildings age, institutions face a difficult decision: preserve and adapt or demolish and rebuild. How do we honor the legacy of these spaces while adapting them to meet the needs of modern learners?

  • Stanford Completes Construction on Graduate School of Education Facility

    Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., recently announced the end of construction on a new home for its Graduate School of Education, according to a news release. The university partnered with McCarthy Building Companies on the 160,000-square-foot project, which involved two major renovations and one new construction effort.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.