Beachwood Schools Teach Kids Ethical Use of AI

In Beachwood, the power of AI is also reaching beyond boardrooms and into the classroom.

In September 2024, Beachwood Schools began using MagicSchool, an AI-powered platform that’s designed to support educators and students in the work they do each day, according to Gregory Murphy, director of communications for Beachwood City School District. 

Conversations to implement the technology began during the 2023-2024 schoolyear.

The platform offers tools to encourage classroom engagement for students, which includes building chatbots, creating skits and giving tailored writing feedback.

“MagicSchool allows teachers to tailor instruction for students and also offers many other engaging tools for students to enhance experiential learning and classroom engagement,” Murphy says. “Also, automating resource creation AI frees up teachers’ time, allowing them to focus more on direct instruction and personalized student interactions.” 

However, Murphy stresses that it’s important for students to maintain their role as critical thinkers while using AI and only use it as another tool in the toolbox rather than the only tool. 

To ethically use AI, Beachwood schools have several precautions in place to ensure that AI technologies are employed responsibly and safely. 

First, students only engage with AI-powered tools such as MagicSchool under supervision. Also, the schools are continually developing AI training programs for both teachers and students. 

“These programs are designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate AI tools effectively and ethically,” Murphy says. 

Overall, the goal is to create a safe learning environment that fosters responsible AI use while supporting educators in meeting the diverse needs of students. 

“AI is poised to become an integral part of education as we continue to move forward into the future,” Murphy says. “By using these platforms, students are able to develop the necessary skills needed as AI becomes an integral part of everyday life.”