WEST JORDAN — Initially, when ChatGPT made its debut, the Jordan School District imposed restrictions on its access through the district network. However, this limitation did not signify a complete rejection of artificial intelligence integration in classrooms.
Anthony Godfrey, the superintendent of Jordan School District, expressed his quest for a solution to effectively link students and teachers with artificial intelligence. Interestingly, at a national conference, Godfrey stumbled upon SchoolAI, a Lehi-based company dedicated to incorporating generative AI into K-12 educational settings.
Reflecting on this encounter, Godfrey remarked, “Sometimes, it takes stepping out of town to meet someone right next door who can assist you in achieving your objectives.”
Subsequently, Godfrey facilitated the collaboration between SchoolAI and the district’s information systems team, initiating a pilot program involving 100 teachers during the summer, which garnered immense popularity.
One key factor contributing to its success was SchoolAI’s proactive engagement with district teachers, soliciting their input to tailor software development according to their feedback.
By the commencement of the 2023-24 academic year, an additional 300 teachers enrolled in implementing SchoolAI in their classrooms, a number that has now escalated to 2,350 teachers.
But what exactly does SchoolAI offer to support both educators and students?
The platform provides a plethora of resources, including over 1,000 activities with AI tutors, interactive games, simulations, well-being check-ins, and a repository of grade- and subject-specific materials. Additionally, teachers benefit from dashboards offering real-time feedback and management tools, enabling them to monitor student progress effortlessly and devise personalized learning strategies to cater to individual needs.
Describing SchoolAI’s functionality, Godfrey likened it to a student tutor and a teacher’s assistant, capable of generating assignments tailored to each student’s requirements. For instance, if a student struggles with run-on sentences, SchoolAI can generate exercises focusing on rectifying this issue, all while customizing the lessons to the student’s reading level and personal interests.
In a statement, Caleb Hicks, CEO of SchoolAI, emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing the learning experience for students and educators alike. He underscored the importance of providing students with AI exposure to propel them to new heights, emphasizing the platform’s role in empowering teachers to deliver personalized curricula at scale.
Despite the integration of SchoolAI, teachers retain the final authority over lesson plans and evaluations.
Eric Price, principal at West Jordan Middle School, advocated for the incorporation of AI in classrooms to equip today’s students for a future intertwined with AI technologies. He stressed the necessity for educators to evolve their teaching methodologies to cultivate critical thinking skills essential for navigating an AI-driven world.
Godfrey reiterated the significance of teachers in shaping student learning experiences, noting that SchoolAI affords educators more time for direct student interaction by streamlining various tasks.
“As access to knowledge expands, our approach to education must adapt,” Godfrey remarked. “Just as we adjusted our teaching methods with the introduction of calculators and search engines, the emergence of artificial intelligence presents a similar opportunity to enhance student learning and readiness for the future.”
