By: Sarah Mathias
Are you making the most of AI technology? Whether you’re a seasoned user or just getting started, AI benefits K-12 leaders with faster data analysis, improved decision-making, and time and cost savings. AI-powered engagement is especially powerful, facilitating efficient, inclusive conversations and allowing districts to tap into diverse perspectives.
For decades, districts have relied on basic surveys, focus groups, and town halls for engagement. However, these methods can be cumbersome, requiring weeks or months of analysis before taking action. AI survey and engagement platforms offer a comprehensive alternative, allowing leaders to speed up the time from ask to action, gather large data sets, and leverage lightning-speed analysis.
Dr. Yolanda Williamson, DeKalb CSD’s Chief of Community Engagement, acknowledges concerns about using AI in education—like student and staff privacy and ethical use—but she also sees how her district’s changing demographics require new engagement strategies. Responsible AI platforms can help.
Here’s her story:
DeKalb used ThoughtExchange as a key survey and engagement platform to develop its MIRACLES Framework, the district’s strategic plan to improve education quality and academic and operational performance to improve student outcomes.
ThoughtExchange enabled DeKalb’s leadership to gather quality data from a broad range of community members to inform its eight areas of focus—a process that could take months without the instant, in-depth analysis the platform’s proprietary AI specializes in.
AI has transformed Dr. Williamson’s job in terms of efficiency and how effectively she can spend her time acting on community feedback.
“Because of AI, it takes me 30 seconds to get a report and determine what’s next in terms of what we need to discuss and what actions we need to take to move forward.”
Find out how to make the most of AI for community engagement. Get Strategies for responsible AI integration, student privacy, and AI accountability, as well as steps for responsible implementation in your school district. Download ThoughtExchange’s free guide, The Playbook for Responsible Use of AI in Education.