Latest news with #MagicSchoolAI
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
AI Makes Quick Gains in Math, But Errors Still Worry Some Eyeing Reliability
While artificial intelligence has made remarkable gains in mathematics, its well-chronicled shortcomings in the subject continue to frustrate those keen on finding new ways to help kids learn. 'Big picture, AI is not very good at math,' said Alex Kotran, co-founder and CEO of The AI Education Project. 'Language models just predict the next word. You get mixed results using language models to do math. It's not yet mature enough to where it can be trusted to be scaled.' And even if it were to improve, critics worry it might hurt kids' ability to try — and fail — on their own. Much would be lost, Kotran said, if 'we get rid of productive struggle and we build this instinct where the first thing you do is go to AI for help.' Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter But students in the United States and the United Kingdom have a different view. A recent survey found 56% believe AI could go a long way in reducing math anxiety. Fifteen percent of the 1,500 16- to 18-year-old students surveyed said they had already experienced this relief themselves and slightly more than 1 in 5 said their math scores improved because of the technology. Related The survey also included 250 teachers. Sixty-one percent suggested students view AI as 'a mentor or study partner rather than a crutch', while nearly half 'see value for students in using AI for help with the process of learning math concepts, rather than to give answers.' Nicole Paxton, principal of Mountain Vista Community School in Colorado Springs, said her teachers use AI in many ways. Tools like MagicSchoolAI analyze student responses to math prompts, with AI generating 'specific, standards-aligned feedback for each student, focusing on their reasoning, accuracy, and math vocabulary.' Paxton said the tool highlights strengths and misconceptions, 'which helps teachers give timely and targeted next steps.' The practice saves educators time so they can 'more easily differentiate their re-teaching or follow-up, especially when addressing common errors across the class.' Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education, recently looked at the evidence base for using AI in math instruction, including whether it can help the 'shocking number of students' with foundational skills' gaps like those identified in a recent 'Unlocking Algebra' study. The May 13 analysis by TNTP found that almost half of the students sampled started the class with only one-third of the concepts and skills needed from earlier grades. Lake said AI can be used by schools to identify children who are struggling — and, at least to some degree, by the students themselves. 'AI can be very helpful in analyzing data and identifying gaps in student learning,' she said. And, if a student wants to learn a mathematical concept in a different way than what they've experienced in class, she said, AI can provide a valuable alternative. 'A lot of students are already doing this,' Lake said. More districts are training staff to use the technology, though many educators remain reluctant. Terrie Galanti, associate professor at the University of North Florida, said AI success in student learning depends on how teachers are prepared to use it. 'AI can be more than an explainer or an answer giver,' said Galanti, who teaches secondary mathematics and STEM integration/computational thinking. 'With thoughtful prompts, AI can become part of interactive, collaborative conversations to deepen mathematics understanding.' The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics said in a February 2024 position paper that teachers have long been accustomed to technological advances that change the way students learn. Related They had already adjusted to the availability of pocket calculators in the early '80s and, more recently, to the widespread use of PhotoMath, a mobile app that recognizes and solves math problems. It notes that advancements in AI make teachers more, not less valuable, in student learning. Latrenda Knighten, the organization's president, told Education Week in March that students will still need to rely upon their own discernment to solve mathematical problems — regardless of what tools become available. 'We know that children learn math from being able to problem-solve, being able to use reasoning skills, critical thinking, having opportunities to collaborate with each other and talk about what they're doing,' Knighten said. Irina Lyublinskaya, professor in the department of mathematics, science, and technology at Teachers College, Columbia University, distinguished between chatbots like ChatGPT and computational knowledge engines like WolframAlpha. She noted math specific AI-powered applications — including WolframAlpha and Symbolab — work very well. 'AI chatbots can help students learn math, and they can help teachers to support students, but this is not about asking ChatGPT to solve a math problem,' she said. 'I know of research-based initiatives that use AI to adapt learning materials to students' learning styles and abilities and these definitely help students learn.' One, she noted, was EvidenceB, developed by researchers and educators in Europe, and is now being tested in NYC. Related 'Chatbots can be trained as teaching assistants or tutors that can provide students proper scaffolding and feedback, helping them to learn math the same way they would with a real person,' she said. Zachary A. Pardos is an associate professor of education at the University of California Berkeley where he studies adaptive learning and AI. He found, in a study conducted a year ago, that 25% of the answers provided by ChatGPT in algebra were incorrect. 'That's pretty high,' he noted. 'Much higher than you would want.' But the technology has improved since then. 'With the right techniques — at least in algebra — from an error perspective, I feel it is ready for real-time intervention in math,' he said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bay District School makes moves to implement AI in the classroom
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – On April 23, President Trump signed an executive order for school districts to start using AI. But Bay District school officials were prepared for this transition. They'd already formed a task force to begin the process well before the announcement. 'We just wanted to get ahead of the game,' Instructional Tech. & Media Resources Supervisor Susan Tierney said. The AI task force, made up of teachers and administrators, set out to test different educational platforms. 'We gave our committee members several tasks to do without a whole lot of guidance. And they completed those tasks with three different products, and ultimately, unanimously, it was decided that Magic School AI would be the product that we chose,' Tierney said. Magic School AI provides educators and, eventually, Bay District school students with access to over 80 AI-powered tools. Panama City officials hope to improve pedestrian safety with potential trail system It will help teachers generate lesson plans, rubrics, and craft parent communications. Tierney said the task force felt Magic School was user-friendly and intuitive. Once educators become well-versed, there will be a roll-out process. 'It will be a year-long process. So we're going to start at the teacher level and really train teachers in understanding what AI is. All of the good and the bad that is AI and then eventually we will roll that down to students. So with the Magic School, teachers, will have control over what AI tools they can select for their students to use. So it'll make them feel more comfortable with AI and having their students use those tools,' Tierney explained. Tierney said teachers will still maintain control over their implementation of the product into their curriculum. Bay District School Board members approved a one-year contract to try out the platform. The total cost for the trial will be $88,000, funded by half-cent sales tax. Tierney feels the long-term impacts will be worth it. 'We want to make sure that our students are ready for careers that, like I said, don't exist currently right now. And so we want to be prepared for that,' Tierney added. Some people are suspicious of AI. But school district officials said Magic School AI prioritizes data security and privacy, with strict measures to protect student and staff information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
09-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Kasuo Electronics Integrates AI to Enhance Internal Workflow
Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R. April 09, 2025 --( Kasuo Electronics Co., Ltd., a leading distributor of electronic components, has integrated advanced AI technologies, including Character AI, AI image generator, and AI-driven automation, to optimize its internal workflow and improve operational efficiency. By leveraging AI stock analysis, Perplexity AI for predictive analytics, and AI-generated images for product visualization, Kasuo Electronics has enhanced inventory forecasting, streamlined order processing, and improved customer service. Additionally, the company utilizes AI text-to-speech and AI answer generators to provide instant customer support. 'Incorporating AI-powered solutions like Magic School AI and AI picture generator has allowed us to automate complex tasks, reduce processing time, and enhance decision-making,' said Jayden Zheng, CEO of Kasuo Electronics. 'These innovations ensure our clients receive faster, more accurate service.' Furthermore, Kasuo Electronics has adopted AI website builder and AI resume builder to enhance its online presence and recruitment processes. The company also utilizes AI image upscaler and AI image enhancer to improve digital product catalogs. With AI playing a key role in optimizing business operations, Kasuo Electronics remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the electronic components industry, ensuring smarter, more efficient, and more reliable solutions for its global partners and customers. Since the AI integration, the company has seen a 15% improvement in inventory fulfillment rate, an 8% increase in customer satisfaction, and a 40% reduction in manual labor costs. Or visit our website: Jayden Kasuo Electronics Co., Ltd. 0085265556843 Contact Information: Kasuo Electronics Co., Ltd. Jayden Zheng +85265556843
