Myth buster: AI isn’t safe for schools

In recent years, AI has become an increasingly common feature in K-12 education, but not without stirring debate. Many parents, educators, and even policymakers express concerns about the potential dangers of using AI in classrooms. These concerns often center on the unknowns of AI technology, as well as its ethical implications, safety issues, and accuracy. While it’s important to address these concerns, it’s equally crucial to recognize the transformative potential that AI holds for education.

In the latest installment of our new ‘myth buster’ series, Kami colleagues Paul Savage (Savvy), and Dane Maslen, our Chief Information Security Officer, link up to explore the myths surrounding AI in schools, and to discuss how AI can be used responsibly to enhance learning.

Paul Savage (Savvy):
Dane, thanks for joining me for the third discussion in this new series. This time we’re turning the spotlight on AI, and specifically the use of AI in classrooms. There’s a belief in some areas that AI isn’t safe for schools. What’s your take on this?

Dane Maslen:
Thanks Savvy. It’s understandable why many people, especially parents of school kids, are cautious. The rapid evolution of AI has led to some legitimate concerns about privacy, security, and ethics, particularly in educational settings. 

However, I firmly believe that these concerns can be mitigated through responsible use. The key is ensuring transparency, safeguarding student data, and using AI tools that are specifically designed to benefit students and educators. 

Amongst other things, AI can enhance the learning experience by personalizing education, providing real-time feedback, and supporting diverse learning needs. The White House’s Executive Order on AI, issued on April 23, emphasizes the importance of using AI responsibly in schools, which is a step in the right direction.

Savvy:
Fascinating, thanks for that great kick-off. I think one of the biggest worries is the fear of AI making mistakes or being inaccurate and unreliable. How does Kami address this concern?

Dane:
Accuracy is critical, especially when it comes to education. Clearly, you and I can only vouch for Kami, but our team is extremely cognizant of the need for credibility.  For instance, Kami’s new “Understand” tools – launched in our latest product update in April – are AI-powered features that help both students and teachers understand content more deeply. Features like the “Explain” button break down text, images, or diagrams in simple terms, while the “Summarize” button condenses lengthy materials into digestible summaries. These tools use AI to clarify and personalize learning, but they’re also built to be transparent, with teachers having the ability to oversee and adjust as needed. This way, AI is used as a tool for guidance rather than a replacement for teacher expertise.

Savvy:
Very interesting, thanks. And what about the big topic of ethics? How can we be sure that AI is used responsibly, and doesn’t introduce bias or unfair treatment for example?

Dane:
Great point. Ethical use of AI is paramount, and that’s something Kami takes very seriously. We ensure that all AI tools used within Kami’s platform are designed with inclusivity in mind. For example, we’ve integrated accessibility features like Read Aloud, Voice Typing, and real-time translation, which ensure that all students, including SPED or English Language Learners (ELL), can engage with the material on as equal a footing as possible. 

Our “Adaptive Accessibility” settings—like dyslexia-friendly fonts and color inversion—are designed to remove barriers, ensuring that AI, at least via Kami, works for everyone. And in terms of bias, we ensure that our AI systems undergo rigorous testing to eliminate any patterns that could result in discrimination, ensuring fairness across all students.

Savvy:
So, on the plus side, AI can help break down barriers to learning. But let’s talk about another concern: the idea that AI could replace teachers. What would you say to that?

Dane:
In my opinion, that’s a common misconception. AI-powered tools at Kami aren’t about replacing teachers; they’re about supporting and empowering them. 

Teachers remain at the heart of the classroom, guiding students through complex topics, providing emotional support, and fostering critical thinking. Our tools are designed to save teachers time by automating routine tasks, such as grading, and providing real-time insights into student progress (as well as other benefits). This frees up educators to focus on what they do best – teaching and building relationships with their students. For instance, AI-powered assessments allow teachers to instantly grade work, while real-time monitoring lets them intervene as soon as a student needs help.

Savvy:
Let’s take a moment to talk about the practical benefits of AI in the classroom. We’ve seen that it can help with differentiation and personalized learning. Can you expand on that?

Dane:
Absolutely. Broadly speaking, differentiation is one of AI’s greatest strengths. With tools like Kami’s “Class View,” teachers can track student progress in real time and adjust instruction to meet the unique needs of each learner. For example, if a student is struggling with a particular concept, the teacher can use the “Relevel” feature to adjust the difficulty level of the material or provide additional scaffolding without having to create a new lesson from scratch. This personalization allows students to learn at their own pace and ensures that no one is left behind, especially in diverse classrooms where students’ needs vary widely.

Savvy:
And what can you tell us about the use of AI for student engagement? 

Dane:
If AI capabilities are harnessed in the right ways, then levels of student engagement can be expected to improve because the students are enabled to be more actively involved in the learning process. For example, Kami’s tools allow teachers to personalize tasks and provide immediate feedback, and generally make the whole learning experience more innovative and dynamic. 

Additionally, our AI-enabled collaboration features allow students to work together in real time, even if they are physically apart, which helps build teamwork and social skills.

Savvy:
Finally, what do you see as the future of AI in schools?

Dane:
In the short term, we’re excited to see how tools like the soon-to-launch Kami Companion (coming in June 2025), which offer even more robust accessibility and comprehension features, will help students at all levels engage with content in new ways. 

Over the longer term, as AI continues to evolve and improve, it will hopefully play a key role in ensuring that every student, regardless of their background or ability, has access to the resources they need to succeed. But the key point to make here is that AI alone is not the answer. It is the responsible, intelligent, and safe use of AI that is the game changer for districts and schools.

Savvy:
Thank you, Dane. To wrap up, what would you say is the biggest takeaway for educators concerned about AI?

Dane:
I would remind them that AI functionality, like that which we offer at Kami, isn’t about replacing human teachers; it’s about enhancing the learning experience for both teachers and students. 

By using AI appropriately, we can address diverse learning needs, save time, and provide real-time insights, ultimately creating a more personalized, equitable, and engaging learning environment for all students.

While the broad concerns surrounding AI in education are valid in some ways, it’s essential to recognize the positive impact AI can have on learning. In America, this is something the White House has started to address, as it attempts to upskill students and teachers in AI-literacy, and future-proof its status as the world’s most innovative and powerful economy. 

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