Newark Public Schools explores implementing AI tutor chatbot for all students

Newark Public Schools is looking to expand the use of an artificial intelligence tutoring tool called Khanmigo districtwide after a successful pilot at First Avenue School last year. The district is eager to help students catch up from pandemic learning loss and sees the AI program as a valuable resource.

Khanmigo, developed by Khan Academy, acts as a tutor for students and an assistant for teachers. It guides students through lessons, asks questions like a human tutor would, and assists teachers with various tasks. The district is monitoring the implementation of Khanmigo and is considering its effectiveness in helping students regain lost ground.

The tool was piloted in grades 5-8 last year, focusing on core content areas such as math, reading, writing, and science. The district is now exploring the potential for using Khanmigo across all schools to support student learning.

While there is still limited research on the effectiveness of AI tools like Khanmigo, experts emphasize the importance of clear goals and feedback from teachers and students. The district’s data-sharing agreement with Khan Academy will help analyze student growth and achievement associated with using the tool.

As Newark Public Schools navigates the post-pandemic academic landscape, the use of innovative tools like Khanmigo could play a crucial role in supporting student success. With a focus on personalized learning and teacher collaboration, the district aims to leverage technology to enhance educational outcomes for all students.