Key points:
- Administrators would like help creating comprehensive classroom AI policies
- What’s the latest on AI in education?
- AI: Can it think like your students do?
- For the latest news on AI in the classroom, visit eSN’s Digital Learning page
To date, only six states have formulated a comprehensive AI policy absent federal guidance for districts to look to, according to findings from The 2024 Administrator AI Report: Perceptions, Practices, and Potential in Education, a new report from digital curriculum solution provider Imagine Learning. The report aims to identify administrators’ perceptions on the benefits and advantages of generative AI and benchmark its current rate of adoption.
Although several organizations, such as the CoSN, ISTE, and the Council of the Great City Schools have released generative AI guidelines and best-use practices for K-12 educators and districts, according to the report, 47 percent of administrators are planning to implement comprehensive policies on their own and 54 percent have indicated they would also like help from education solutions providers to reduce risks and concerns associated with generative AI.
One-third of administrators also expressed a desire for education companies to publish and use a code of ethics when developing generative AI, while 36 percent plan to implement guiding frameworks for adoption and use within their schools.
These findings suggest the need for a strong call-to-action to increase technology use and services, as well as training and official guidance for safe AI implementation in schools, with education solution providers at the forefront of this push alongside schools.
Other notable findings from Imagine Learning’s report indicate the following sentiments and intentions from administrators:
- AI’s Net Positive Outlook in Education: 64 percent of administrators believe generative AI will positively impact education, with only a minimal number (5 percent) planning to ban it.
- Positive Student Engagement with Generative AI: The majority of students using generative AI use it ethically to improve knowledge, with research (70 percent), writing refinement (65 percent), and creating study aids (55 percent) as top uses.
- Easing the Burden on Teachers with Personalized Learning and Efficiency: Over one-third of administrators recognize generative AI’s role in creating personalized learning materials and saving time, a significant priority in K-12 education.
- Supporting Teachers and Curriculum Development: 50 percent see generative AI aiding in lesson planning, with notable contributions to idea generation and individualizing lesson materials that aid teachers in completing repetitive tasks, easing teacher burnout.
“Districts are willing to integrate AI into their classrooms, but currently lack the proper resources, governance, and training needed to do so successfully,” said Sari Factor, Chief Strategy Officer at Imagine Learning. “Our survey reveals a critical opportunity for shaping AI’s role in education. It’s a collective call to action, urging us to work alongside policymakers and education organizations to craft guidelines that ensure AI’s integration is as responsible as it is transformative.”
The results are encouraging when it comes to analyzing how AI might improve teachers’ day-to-day experiences.
“While protecting students’ data privacy is a top concern and priority in the digital age, we’re very excited that teachers and administrators see the benefits of AI use in the classroom,” Factor added. “Teachers are under so much pressure today, and the question must be, ‘How can we support teachers and lighten their loads using AI to drive personalized learning and lesson plan creation to improve student engagement and achievement?’”
“This survey isn’t just about understanding AI’s role in education—it’s a roadmap for responsible implementation,” said Kinsey Rawe, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Courseware & Instructional Services. “By understanding firsthand how AI tools enhance teaching and learning, we’re poised to guide the development of policies that are both innovative and attuned to the real needs of educators and students in a digital-first learning environment.”
Consistent with recent findings from Imagine Learning’s 2023 Educator AI Report, both teachers and administrators recognize the potential for generative AI to alleviate much of the burden currently impacting teachers.
This press release originally appeared online.
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