Not only does GenAI present transformational opportunities for the classroom, it also provides capabilities that can enhance efficiency within school systems. The truth is, GenAI can perform some administrative and organizational tasks better than a human can. Consider its ability to analyze student data quickly and accurately. GenAI can also help streamline administrative tasks, freeing up time to focus on more impactful activities.
The following ideas can spark ideas about how using GenAI might transform school operations and systems outside of the classroom. This list is not exhaustive; in fact, conversations regarding AI for non-classroom use are still at the beginning stages and gaining interest. As AI becomes even more integrated in education, opportunities and risks for school and administrative use will become more apparent.
Use GenAI to automate repetitive tasks such as drafting communications and preparing presentations.
AI algorithms can analyze large volumes of data quickly and accurately, making its analysis easily consumable for all users and aiding in data-driven decision-making processes.
Use AI to create a master schedule in minutes, not months. Balancing class sizes, teacher availability, and room assignments while taking into account factors such as teacher certifications, student course selections, and resource availability becomes far less cumbersome.
GenAI tools can aid evaluation processes by organizing notes by the appropriate criteria.
Feed a discipline matrix into GenAI to receive thoughtful, policy-driven recommendations for handling disciplinary matters or individual student situations with unique context.
Use GenAI to draft internal processes and procedures that can be sent to a legal team for review rather than having an attorney develop it from scratch.
Use GenAI to create both video and written steps for internal processes such as taking attendance, accessing a shared drive, submitting a time off request, etc.
GenAI can translate documents, spoken word, or typed information to many different languages simultaneously. It can also answer questions, give directions, and provide information to stakeholders in many different languages.
Over-reliance on AI may diminish the personalized interactions and human connections that are essential for fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.
AI systems are susceptible to biases present in the data used to train them, potentially leading to discriminatory outcomes or reinforcing existing inequities within the school system.
The collection and analysis of sensitive student and staff data by AI systems can raise privacy concerns that must be carefully addressed through robust data protection measures and compliance with relevant regulations.
Implementing and maintaining AI systems requires specialized technical expertise and infrastructure, posing challenges for schools with limited resources or technological capabilities.