AI education tools are helping students learn, grow and gain confidence
News & Politics
Introduction
In today's educational landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role, especially in schools. According to a recent survey by Education Week, 44% of American teenagers are likely to use AI tools for their assignments. This rising trend has prompted the largest school district in New Jersey to embrace AI technologies in the classroom.
At First Avenue Elementary School in Newark, New Jersey, students and educators have teamed up with Con Academy, an educational nonprofit, to pilot a new AI-driven educational tool called Kigo. Designed to function as a tutor and teaching assistant, Kigo aids students in various subjects including math, science, history, and language arts.
Alan Yeno, a school official, expressed optimism about the program's initial success, noting that it provides prompts for students while encouraging them to ask questions and explore diverse learning paths. The Kigo platform is currently accessible to over 10,000 students in grades 6 through 8 within New York Public Schools, including seventh grader Nayla Rodriguez, who appreciates the tool for simplifying complex problems.
Although still in the pilot phase, Kigo is expanding, reaching more than 40 districts nationwide and serving over 28,000 students and teachers this school year. Yeno emphasized the importance of developing best practices for utilizing AI in education, acknowledging the significance of collaborative learning experiences.
Fifth-grade math teacher Anna Siron, involved in the project, shared her journey in adapting to AI's role in the classroom. Initially hesitant to relinquish control of instruction, she grew to recognize that AI offers guidance without simply providing answers. The structured approach helps students navigate problems independently.
Additionally, Kigo is designed with safety protocols to monitor student interactions. If any inappropriate communication occurs, an alert is immediately sent to the teacher, ensuring a secure environment.
Siron noted that the AI tool particularly benefits shy students, as it encourages them to ask questions they might hesitate to voice in a classroom setting. Conversely, students who excel in mathematics thrive under the challenges presented by Kigo, fostering a sense of ownership over their education.
School districts like New York Public Schools are proactively exploring the future of AI in classrooms. Recognizing that AI technologies are here to stay, educators aim to blend teaching with these advancements, with students eager to share insights and knowledge with their teachers.
With AI tools like Kigo, students are not only learning more effectively but also building confidence and independence in their educational journeys.
Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence
- Education
- Kigo
- Con Academy
- Learning
- Classroom
- Newark, New Jersey
- Student Engagement
- Independent Learning
- Safety Protocols
FAQ
Q1: What is Kigo?
A1: Kigo is an AI-driven educational tool developed by Con Academy that acts as a tutor and teaching assistant for students in subjects such as math, science, history, and language arts.
Q2: How many students are currently using Kigo?
A2: Kigo is accessible to over 10,000 students in grades 6 through 8 within New York Public Schools, and it has reached over 28,000 students and teachers across 40 districts nationwide.
Q3: What are the benefits of using AI tools like Kigo in education?
A3: AI tools like Kigo provide prompts and guidance to students, help shy students ask questions, foster independence in learning, and build confidence among students.
Q4: How does Kigo ensure the safety of students?
A4: Kigo includes safety protocols that monitor student interactions and send alerts to teachers if any inappropriate communication occurs.
Q5: Why are schools adopting AI technologies?
A5: Schools are adopting AI technologies to stay ahead in educational advancements, enhance student learning experiences, and prepare students for a future where AI plays a significant role.
