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 relies on. This means ensuring that information is always available and protected in secured on-premises or cloud-based storage solutions. 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 break down complex tasks into understandable steps. 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.
Project Unicorn defines data interoperability as “the seamless, secure, and controlled exchange of data between applications. At the core of interoperability is a focus on better informing instruction and driving student-centered learning experiences.” This smooth exchange of data empowers teachers with the information they need to guide each student’s learning journey. When data flows efficiently between systems, teachers can track progress and discover more effective ways to help every student succeed.
Digital Promise offers an Interoperability Standards for Education activity that districts and schools can use when establishing an enterprise data architecture strategy. The module walks participants through the Key Areas of Interoperability where you will choose the solutions that fit the maturity level of your community.
This process centers on data modernization at your district and/or school. Data modernization means updating old or outdated data infrastructure, tools, and processes so they can handle today’s demands. By moving from legacy systems to current technology, data can be shared securely and in real time to leverage new solutions and tools, like AI. By building automated data flows within an integrated system architecture, data is seamlessly shared from the system of record. This reduces extra work by automating data sharing and helps keep student data safe. Data is encrypted, securely transmitted, and protected with secure access controls. Modern data systems also help teachers, administrators, and families make informed decisions by giving them real-time, accurate, and unified data insights.
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
1EdTech standards and resources to make educational technology work better for everyone!
ProjectUnicorn.org Interoperability Tools and Rubric
Access 4 Learning Community (A4L) Implementation Readiness and Planning resources and the National Data Privacy Agreement
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
- Talk with teachers, students, families, and IT staff to determine their needs and use cases. Once you have the list of requirements, an AI solution can be identified that meets their needs.
- Collaborate with administration to decide how the new tools fit into your school or district’s long-term plans and check if they match your budget.
Evaluate for compliance with accessibility standards and customization (e.g., font size, color contrast, audio outputs, and other sensory modalities)
- Integrate Accessible Educational Technology Systems, Center for Inclusive Technology and Education Systems
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 3.0
- Accessibility Baseline Product Certification, Digital Promise and CAST
- Providing Accessible Guidance to Vendors
- Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)
Check Vendors Carefully
- Make sure companies have strong policies to protect student information and avoid unfair or biased AI as best as possible.
- Why Procurement is Key to the Successful Use of AI
- Use a standard Data Sharing Agreement that a vendor must sign prior to sharing student and/or staff data.
- The best time to have them sign this document is prior to signing purchase contracts.
- Leverage these national resources in your evaluation process:
- TCEA Assessing AI for Classroom Use Rubric
- AI for Education Top 6 Questions for Schools to Ask GenAI EdTech Companies
- Digital Promise: AI Literacy: A Framework to Understand, Evaluate, and Use Emerging Technology
Think About Sustainability
- Aim to use equipment that uses less power – important for long-term budgetary sustainability and helps the environment!
- Ask vendors about recycling, repairs, and upgrades to make sure your tools, systems, and software are up-to-date for your community!