Giving Compass' Take:

• Ed tech firm, Classcraft, is exploring how artificial intelligence can help teachers better engage students in the classroom. 

• What are the challenges of working with artificial intelligence and educators? How do they find the right balance?

• Read more about how artificial intelligence could help teachers. 

Researchers at University of Montreal are partnering with ed tech firm Classcraft to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to measure student engagement and survey potential classroom management changes.

The research will take place with data collected on Classcraft’s technology, which attempts to use engagement managing tools to improve school climate, academic scores and social-emotional learning, Education Week reports.

This study reflects a movement aimed at deploying AI into schools in order to improve social cultures, but critics claim the technology could deliver the wrong information, as well as leave students’ personal data exposed to potential breaches, Education Week notes.

The Classcraft engagement management system — which the organization says is in place in 75,000 classrooms across 160 countries — lets educators give points for positive, supportive behaviors including empathy.

Artificial intelligence is not expected to replace teachers, but it could alter the way their jobs are done. It could help with differentiating and individualizing lessons that allow students to progress at their own pace, and it can make lessons more interactive and fun for each student. AI also allows students to get as much tutoring as they need and stretches the boundaries of the resources and learning possibilities available in the classroom.

For teachers, artificial intelligence can be beneficial in helping teachers take over the mundane or time-consuming parts of instruction and free up more time to spend with students and to plan their lessons. In addition, the data collected can help schools identify students that are excelling and those who are struggling and give each one the personalized supports needed to succeed. Theoretically, fewer students will fall through the cracks.

Read the full article about artificial intelligence for teachers by Shawna De La Rosa at Education Dive.