Sep 24 2024
Software

Leverage Artificial Intelligence in K–12 Education

CDW’s webinar on Oct. 8 will focus on solutions and steps to help schools take advantage of AI in the classroom.

How can K–12 leaders ensure artificial intelligence is appropriately integrated into classrooms? This is the question educational technology experts will tackle Oct. 8 in a CDW Education webinar titled “Achieving Better Student Outcomes with AI and Interactive Solutions.”

Trusted leaders from CDW, Newline Interactive, GoGuardian, Merlyn Mind and Acer will coalesce to discuss artificial intelligence technologies today, how they should be used in the classroom and where schools should start when it comes to investing in these solutions.

The webinar is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and attendees can register for free here. Registered individuals will also receive a recording of the event and supplemental information from the partners following the broadcast.

To appreciate the starting point and scope of the panelists’ conversation, K–12 administrators and IT professionals should first understand the perceptions surrounding AI in education, the challenges accompanying its implementation and the capabilities of this educational technology.

DIVE DEEPER: Integrate artificial intelligence into your K–12 classrooms. 

Current Perception of AI in Education

For some, there is still fear and uncertainty about the use of AI in K–12 classrooms. They may think that “AI will replace the role of teachers and their human input in the classroom, while others may fear that AI is a tool that students will use to cheat on assignments and schoolwork,” says Newline Training Manager Samantha McNabb.

“It can feel threatening,” says Mackey Pendergrast, education strategist for district leadership at GoGuardian. “It can feel like it’s going to create greater uncertainty.”

As AI grows and improves, however, others are focusing on what’s ahead.

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“Now that both the excitement and skepticism about AI in education are tempering, education leaders are starting to focus on important questions,” says Lindsey Sanford, senior field marketing manager at Merlyn Mind.

Challenges Surround AI Implementation in K–12 Classes

As school leaders consider implementing AI-driven technologies, they need to ask the right questions and approach investments thoughtfully. “It’s imperative to establish a foundation of responsible and safe AI implementation,” Sanford says. “In a time when data and privacy considerations are paramount, educators must embrace AI technologies with a profound understanding of … privacy, safety, security, transparency, fairness and accountability.”

Lindsey Sanford, Senior Field Marketing Manager, Merlyn Mind
It’s imperative to establish a foundation of responsible and safe AI implementation.”

Lindsey Sanford Senior Field Marketing Manager, Merlyn Mind

Ensuring that educators are practicing these tenets of appropriate use can be difficult for school districts facing high levels of turnover. “There are so many new teachers in education right now, and there are so many new administrators. With any type of change, even one that’s positive, it’s difficult,” says Pendergrast. “There’s a bit of fatigue with all the change.”

McNabb and West point out that teacher training creates an additional layer of complication. Training on a new technology can pose challenges for new and experienced educators. However, educators, IT professionals and administrators alike should understand the benefits of AI and how, with the right approach, they can outweigh the difficulties.

WATCH NOW: Lay a foundation to support emerging technologies. 

Direct and Indirect Benefits of AI Educational Technology

There are many ways AI can benefit student learning, though some of those benefits may come indirectly by helping teachers improve their workloads.

“Today’s teachers are expected to be superhuman, connecting with a room full of students with diverse learning needs while juggling an endless stream of devices, distractions and behavior,” Sanford says. “AI has the potential to automate low-value tasks in common instructional workflows, making more time for teaching and learning.”

“Now, we’re in an environment where we’re saving teachers time,” Pendergrast says. “So, teachers will have more energy to develop healthy relationships with the kids and have more impactful lessons.”

There are also more direct benefits to students and student learning.

“For students with varied learning abilities, AI can quickly digest complex material into concepts that can be easily understood at their current level of learning,” says Newline Product Training Specialist Kathleen West. It also helps prepare students for the technologies they will see and use in the workforce, she adds.

MORE ON EDTECH: Personalize the user experience with data and AI.

October’s webinar will tackle implementation challenges and give K–12 leaders an actionable insights on how to build AI into their classroom workflows. Registration is open now. Click here to reserve a spot.

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