Watch: CZI, Anaheim School Leaders Discuss AI’s Impact

Our head of education and vice president of product, Sandra Liu Huang, recently visited Dale Junior High School in the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence tools in enhancing teaching and learning.

AUHSD has developed, trained teachers on, and implemented new tools that leverage AI. These tools, co-created with the nonprofit eKadence Learning Foundation, help teachers efficiently develop projects aligned with the district’s priorities for fostering students’ life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. They build on research from the University of California, Irvine, funded by CZI, to help educators understand students’ progress in life skills. As a result, students receive timely support on their projects, and school leaders have access to real-time data on the progress students and teachers are making.

During a roundtable discussion with district leaders and educators, Huang learned how Anaheim teachers use AI to create asset-based learning experiences tailored to each student. Educator and student input has played a critical role in shaping these AI tools, ensuring they are contextually relevant, accurate and aligned with learning goals.

“Now we have a tool in our tool belt where we can differentiate and personalize instruction to create meaningful experiences that prepare students for life after high school, for work, and to help them find their purpose and identity,” says Tyler Sherman, a teacher on special assignment at AUHSD.

Huang praised AUHSD for being at the forefront of AI innovation and thoughtfully integrating AI into their strategic goals. The visit also coincided with the announcement of three new grants to support AI education initiatives, empowering educators as co-creators of future technologies.

Watch the video above for more insights from the roundtable discussion, including educators’ reflections on how using AI tools to learn is equipping students for their futures beyond school.