Survey Launched On Use Of Artificial Intelligence in Westport Classrooms

WESTPORT, CT — A survey has been launched in Westport on the value and viability of various Artificial Intelligence tools in the classroom.

Last year, Westport Public Schools partnered with the state Department of Education on a pilot program about the use of AI in the classroom, which involved teachers and students at Bedford Middle School and Staples High School.

Now, the district and Center for Connecticut Educational Research Collaboration is looking to assess certain aspects of the students' and teachers' experience with the AI tools in the classroom during the pilot program.

The survey will be administered the week of Sept. 22, and will be done online through a link provided by the state education department.

"The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete," said Dr. Anna Mahon, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and Natalie Carrignan, Director of Technology, in a joint statement. "The survey is anonymous. Students will be oriented to the survey and their experiences with the specific AI tools prior to taking the survey."

According to Mahon and Carrignan, the survey is consistent with Westport Public Schools Board of Education policy, but participation is voluntary, and parents can opt out if they want.

"If you do not want your child to participate in this survey, your child will not be negatively impacted," Mahon and Carrignan said. "There is also an option for your child to complete a paper and pencil version of the survey."

Parent Form to Decline Participation in the CSDE AI SURVEY

Parent Form to Request a Pen and Paper Version of the CSDE AI SURVEY

The survey questions can be found by visiting this link: CSDE AI SURVEY