How artificial intelligence will save teachers time

Teachers spend about 20% to 40% of their time--or about 13 hours a week--on activities that could be automated using technology, according to a new report on artificial intelligence by the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Preparation time has the biggest potential for automation, making teachers more effective and efficient in lesson planning. For instance, adaptive math software lets teachers more quickly and accurately assess student performance, place learners in groups and provide the next assignments. Collaboration platforms, meanwhile, allow teachers to share relevant materials. "Technology has the least potential to save teacher time in areas where teachers are directly engaging with students: direct instruction and engagement, coaching and advisement, and behavioral-, social-, and emotional-skill development," the report found.