Researchers assessing AI's ability to measure student engagement

Researchers at University of Montreal are partnering with ed tech firm Classcraft to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to measure student engagement and survey potential classroom management changes. The research will take place with data collected on Classcraft's technology, which attempts to use engagement managing tools to improve school climate, academic scores and social-emotional learning, Education Week reports. This study reflects a movement aimed at deploying AI into schools in order to improve social cultures, but critics claim the technology could deliver the wrong information, as well as leave students' personal data exposed to potential breaches, Education Week notes. The Classcraft engagement management system -- which the organization says is in place in 75,000 classrooms across 160 countries -- lets educators give points for positive, supportive behaviors including empathy. However, the software currently does not predict how the points will improve the climate, nor does it offer teachers ideas to make changes.