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Technology, Infrastructure, and Sustainability

Imagine a classroom in Florida where students aren’t just learning about AI, they’re using it to explore the world around them. This vision requires a solid foundation – a robust technological infrastructure that empowers every student, regardless of where they live in our state.

Think of this infrastructure as the backbone of AI in our schools. It starts with powerful computers, like those used to create stunning visual effects in movies or analyze complex scientific data. These machines, with their speedy processors and ample memory, can handle the heavy lifting required by AI, allowing it to understand language, recognize images, and learn from vast amounts of information.

But it’s not just about raw power. We need a smart system that can store and access the massive amounts of data AI thrives on. This means secure local servers working in concert with cloud-based storage, ensuring that information is always available and protected. Connecting all of this requires a high-speed network, like a superhighway for data, allowing AI systems to communicate seamlessly with devices and users.

By investing in this comprehensive technological infrastructure, we can create a fertile ground for AI to flourish in Florida’s K-12 schools. This foundation will not only support today’s AI initiatives but also pave the way for future innovations, ensuring that our students are prepared for an AI-powered world.

Data Interoperability and Modernization

Now, let’s bring AI to life in the classroom. Imagine students using AI writing assistants to refine their essays, exploring personalized learning platforms that adapt to their individual needs, and interacting with virtual assistants that answer their questions and provide support. These AI tools can unlock a world of learning opportunities, making education more engaging and effective.

We need to ensure that all the pieces work together seamlessly, like a well-oiled machine. This means prioritizing compatibility and interoperability between hardware, software, and existing school systems. And because AI is constantly evolving, our infrastructure needs to be flexible and scalable, ready to accommodate the next wave of advancements.

Data interoperability means that different computer programs can share information safely and easily. This smooth exchange of data can help teachers get the information they need to guide each student’s learning journey. When data flows well between systems, teachers can track progress and find better ways to help every student succeed.

This process centers on data modernization at your district and/or school. Data modernization means updating old or outdated data systems so they can handle today’s needs–like sharing information securely in real time and supporting advanced tools, like AI. Modern data systems can help teachers, administrators, and families make better decisions by giving them faster, more accurate information. Modernizing your educational data can also reduce extra work by automating data sharing and helping keep student data safe.

Florida Spotlight

Florida Collaborative on Operational Data for Educators (FLCODE) is a non-profit collaborative whose mission is to simplify how schools and districts bring data together–such as attendance, discipline, grades, and test scores–so educators can access all the information they need in one place. If you’re looking to improve data sharing or integrate the Ed-Fi framework, consider reaching out to FLCODE for support!

Supporting Resources

Florida DOE PK-12 Database Manuals

1EdTech standards and resources to make educational technology work better for everyone!

ProjectUnicorn.org Interoperability Tools and Rubric

Digital Promise’s State of Data Interoperability in Public Educationand theirData Ready Playbook
Ed-Fi Alliance Data Standard and ecosystem of Ed-Fi Technologies

Access 4 Learning Community (A4L) Implementation Readiness and Planning resources and the National Data Privacy Agreement

GIDA CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance

Data modernization: 10 steps to a data strategy framework

We identify four key areas for school and district administrators to address:

Imagine choosing the perfect ingredients for a big family meal: each item matters, and everything needs to work well together. The same is true when picking AI tools and devices for your schools. Here are some simple, practical steps to guide you:

Start with a Needs Assessment
  1. Talk with teachers, students, families, and IT staff about what AI tools they need–their input ensures you spend money on technology that really helps learning.
  2. Collaborate with admin to decide how the new tools fit into your school or district’s long-term plans and check if they match your budget.
Check Vendors Carefully
  1. Make sure companies have strong policies to protect student information and avoid unfair or biased AI as best as possible.
  2. Use a standard Data Sharing Agreement that a vendor must sign prior to a sharing student and/or staff data. The best time to have them sign this document is prior to signing purchase contracts.
  3. Leverage these national resources in your evaluation process:
    1. TCEA Assessing AI for Classroom Use Rubric
    2. AI for Education Top 6 Questions for Schools to Ask GenAI EdTech Companies
    3. Digital Promise: AI Literacy: A Framework to Understand, Evaluate, and Use Emerging Technology
  4. Support accessibility for all students–these resources are here to help:
    1. Integrate Accessible Educational Technology Systems, Center for Inclusive Technology and Education Systems
    2. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
    3. Accessibility Baseline Product Certification, Digital Promise and CAST
    4. Providing Accessible Guidance to Vendors
Think About Sustainability
  1. Aim to use equipment that uses less power – important for long-term budgetary sustainability and helps the environment!
  2. Ask vendors about recycling, repairs, and upgrades to make sure your tools, systems, and software are up-to-date for your community!