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Shawn Braxton, executive director of IT customer excellence for the district, says digital tools can help when one-on-one time is limited.
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District is incorporating artificial intelligence into its classrooms to enhance instruction and provide additional support for students, marking a significant shift in learning methodologies.
Shawn Braxton, the executive director of IT customer excellence for the district, emphasizes that these digital tools offer an opportunity to provide personalized attention and instruction that might otherwise be unavailable due to limited staff for one-on-one interactions with students.
AI technology allows teachers to assign educational programs specifically matched to each student's reading level. This individualized approach enables students to progress at their own speed, without holding back the rest of the class, fostering independent growth.
Addressing concerns about AI reducing critical thinking, Braxton clarifies that the district's deployed AI tools are designed to assist students through the learning process, encouraging them to work through problems rather than simply receiving answers. This aims to strengthen their analytical skills.
Student and staff safety is a paramount concern for the district. Certain platforms, such as ChatGPT, are blocked on student devices. Furthermore, the district requires robust agreements with technology developers to protect all district data, ensuring it remains confidential and is not sold or transferred.
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District is actively updating its artificial intelligence policy, initially drafted in October, to align with new state guidance. Braxton anticipates that AI will open up new, previously unimaginable employment opportunities for students in the future.