CLEVELAND — Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm over the last few years and we have seen industries from across the spectrum implement this new technology, including education.

What You Need To Know

  • An elementary school in Cleveland is using AI to help teach students to read

  • The school started using the program last year

  • The program teaches both Spanish and English

Last year, Buhrer Dual Language Academy in Cleveland began using an artificial intelligence program called Amira Learning that helps teach students to read.

The AI program listens to students read aloud in English and Spanish and assesses when they struggle. It then provides immediate feedback.  

Third grade teacher Lori Kurek said her students use the program around two or three times per week.

She explained it is similar to having a personal tutor for every student.

“I can’t be around 25 children all at once. So they are on their program with the instant feedback and they re-read,” Kurek said. “It’s exactly what I would do with them in a small group.”

Michele Ibarra, school principal, said students’ reading abilities have already improved.

“We’ve seen a huge growth,” Ibarra said. “We have had a 40% growth from fall to winter in reading instruction.”

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