Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has recently implemented new software from MagicSchool AI, a startup based in Denver, Colorado, that offers generative AI tools for teachers to create lesson plans and student feedback more efficiently. The software also includes tools for students to enhance learning and promote responsible AI use. SPS has provided the MagicSchool software to both teachers and students and has introduced resources to support the implementation of these new programs, reflecting the trend of artificial intelligence technology making its way into classrooms.
MagicSchool, founded by former principal and teacher Adeel Khan, has already gained popularity with more than 2,500 school and district partners. The software offers over 60 tools powered by AI models from various sources such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and others. The ability for teachers to prompt the software to generate teaching materials based on their specific needs makes it a valuable resource for overburdened educators seeking efficient support in lesson planning and instructional strategies. MagicSchool also features a chatbot called Raina that can provide answers to questions teachers may have about teaching approaches and behavior management.
While the integration of AI tools like MagicSchool AI into education can improve efficiency and support for teachers, there are ethical concerns surrounding their use in the classroom. Some teachers are using AI to grade essays, which raises questions about fairness and accuracy. There are also concerns about deepfakes, misinformation, plagiarism, and potential misuse of AI technology by students. Despite these challenges, some educators see AI as a valuable tool for promoting creativity and changing how students engage with their work and thinking.
Washington state has issued a roadmap to guide educators, students, and families in using AI in public schools, emphasizing the importance of preparing students and educators to use these tools responsibly, ethically, and safely. SPS has its own guiding AI principles, including protecting academic integrity, human-centered approaches, and mitigating and identifying biases in AI-generated content. While recognizing the benefits of AI tools, the district also acknowledges the importance of critical thinking skills when evaluating work produced by these tools, as the information may be biased, inaccurate, or incomplete.
There has been controversy surrounding the use of AI tools in education, particularly in terms of privacy and access concerns for students. Some feared that tools like ChatGPT could lead to plagiarism and cheating among students, prompting SPS to initially ban the use of ChatGPT on school devices. However, recent research suggests that these worries may not be as prominent as feared, leading SPS to make ChatGPT available to ensure students have access to transformative technology. Despite this, the district does not recommend the use of ChatGPT due to privacy concerns, instead giving approval to AI tools from Microsoft and Adobe.
Overall, the integration of AI technology in education presents both opportunities and challenges for educators and students. While AI tools like MagicSchool AI can enhance efficiency and support in lesson planning and student feedback, there are concerns related to ethics, bias, and potential misuse among students. With proper guidance, training, and critical thinking skills, educators can harness the benefits of AI tools while also mitigating risks and ensuring responsible use in the classroom.
