How 4 districts use AI tools to transform education
Simply put, AI can do a lot--it can personalize learning, help students expand on ideas for assignments, and reduce time spent on administrative tasks, freeing up educators to spend more time on instruction.
Key points:
- School districts turn to AI to improve personalized education for students
- With AI coaching, a math platform helps students tackle tough concepts
- 5 practical ways to integrate AI into high school science
- For more news on AI in education, visit eSN’s Digital Learning hub
Simply put, AI can do a lot–it can personalize learning, help students expand on ideas for assignments, and reduce time spent on administrative tasks, freeing up educators to spend more time on instruction.
A recent Google blog post outlines how four different school districts are leveraging Google AI tools, like Gemini and NotebookLM, for innovative teaching and learning.
1. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is using NotebookLM and Gemini for curriculum review and district guidance. CPS staff are creating Gems (custom AI experts in Google Gemini) when they upload the district’s curriculum development evidence guides and rubrics. The Gems evaluate the uploaded information and offer a review of the district’s current curriculum. CPS uses NotebookLM for clear communication and understanding around the district’s guidance and policies, ensuring they’re following district mandates.
“NotebookLM and Gemini are helping people experiment with GenAI in exciting ways, transforming the way they work and allowing them to streamline tasks that would otherwise consume their time,” said Lorne Rodriguez, manager of enterprise generative AI, in the blog post. “Knowing they are covered under our district licenses with Google allows CPS to encourage their use to revolutionize the way we educate our students.”
2. Educators in Miami-Dade County Public Schools use Gemini to generate quizzes and answer keys, and students are creating study materials aligned to concepts they’re struggling with for personalized tutoring and support. Students also use Gemini for real-time academic help, such as asking follow-up questions and details about a particular topic.
“While Gemini is providing our employees with access to generative AI, Gemini for teens will provide our high school students with the focused support of AI in a safer environment with appropriate safeguards,” said superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres.
3. Albuquerque Public Schools is focusing on grant writing and lesson planning. Teachers can use Gemini to create personalized lesson plans in a much shorter amount of time. With Gemini’s help, the district won four grants totaling $100,000, all by using Gemini to aid in grant research and writing.
“With Gemini, my planning is so fast and easy,” said STEM teacher Natali Barretto. “I can adapt my lesson plan to the needs of my students, and it can give me more ideas. I feel like I can give more attention to my students and projects using AI rather than spending my whole afternoon or weekends working on the planning.”
4. Personalized learning and student resources are the focus in the Ottawa Catholic School Board, where teachers use Gemini to give students differentiated experiences for needs such as special education, English as a second language (ESL) and advanced learners. Gemini also explains concepts and lesson material to students in simple and different ways if students don’t have access to a teacher–for instance, during homework or over a holiday break.
“[Gemini] really empowers the students to make sure that they’re gaining these skills so that they can take them with them to whatever role they end up being, whether that’s postsecondary or in the world of work,” says teacher Tara Potter.
