From Vision to Practice: Part 3. Field Notes From Year 1 Of AI In Schools

By Aviv Weiss

Having spent an entire school year immersed in the implementation of AI across various school districts, I can confidently say that this technology is changing the world for our children. I understand the concerns about safety, ethics, and the anxiety parents like me feel when it comes to their kids using AI. And as former teacher and instructional coach myself, I know how overwhelming (and seemingly unnecessary) the introduction of yet another new technology can be. We explored these topics in Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, and I encourage you to read the recaps or watch the recordings if you can. All that said- I have never had more faith than I do today in the possibility of supporting teachers and engaging learners. This belief is rooted in the real-world experiences my team and I have had all year long, and I’m thrilled we can share some of what we’ve learned with you today.

In late June, we held Part 3 of our webinar series on AI, “From Vision to Practice”, and in this grand finale we got to hear directly from Khan Academy’s Directors of Professional Learning and District Success. They worked hands-on with 60 school districts last school year, and were able to share with an expert in AI for education and our manager of school partnerships, Danielle Sullivan, real notes from the field on what worked, and what didn’t. You can watch the recording of the conversation to get the details including specific stories, and/or catch the key takeaways below. 

What Worked for School Districts

1. Strategic Planning: The most successful districts had a well-thought-out strategy for implementing AI. It wasn’t about rolling out the most advanced tech, but rather how it was integrated into the learning environment.
2. Strong Professional Development: Teachers play a significant role in the successful implementation of AI. Providing consistent, quality training for educators was paramount in creating an environment where AI could thrive.
3. Parental Engagement: Engaging parents in the process and addressing their concerns right from the outset helped to foster an open, transparent environment.
4. Student-Centric Focus: AI was most effective when used as a tool to support personalized learning, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

What Didn’t Work for School Districts

1. Rushing the Process: Those districts that tried to implement AI without a comprehensive plan often faced disappointment.
2. Ignoring the Learning Curve: Failing to address the steep learning curve for educators led to resistance and a lack of engagement.
3. Limited Troubleshooting Support: Without adequate support, minor tech glitches often snowballed into major roadblocks.
4. Lack of Communication: Districts that didn’t communicate effectively with parents, students, and teachers often faced backlash and resistance.

Embracing AI isn’t about abandoning traditional teaching methods but making them better. From my experience, I’ve seen how, with the right approach, districts can effectively integrate AI into classrooms, making education more interactive, personalized, and exciting. As Dina and Stacie made clear last week, the journey with AI is a marathon, not a sprint—success lies in continuous learning, adapting, and growing.

Learn more at districts.khanacademy.org