Responsible AI: Wittly by Classworks™ Aligns with U.S. Department of Education's AI Guidelines
July 23, 2024
At Classworks, we're committed to responsible AI development in education. Our AI-powered learning assistant, Wittly by Classworks™, aligns closely with the U.S. Department of Education's July 2024 guidance, "Designing for Education with Artificial Intelligence: An Essential Guide for Developers." Let's explore how Wittly embodies these principles.
The report emphasizes that AI should "start with strong attention to education-specific values and visions." We created Wittly to address a key educational challenge: supporting diverse learning needs in a classroom of independent learners. By integrating seamlessly into the Classworks instructional toolbar, Wittly keeps "humans in the loop," a key recommendation from the Department's 2024 AI Report.
The guidance stresses the importance of "clearly articulating how they have incorporated evidence-based practices into their products." Classworks has always been rooted in evidence-based practices, validated by the National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) and endorsed by The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). Wittly's impact is continuously evaluated, aligning with the Department's call for developers to "build evidence about the risks and outcomes associated with, and impacts of, the use of their product and services."
The Department of Education emphasizes that "developers who are equity-centered will better address the potential for algorithmic discrimination." Wittly addresses this by offering communication in both English and Spanish and allowing students to choose a voice they find engaging. Our use of Constitutional AI, which emphasizes safety, transparency, and fairness, aligns with the Department's call to "guard against civil rights violations" and "advance accessibility for all users."
The guidance states that "developers must be aware of the federal laws and related guidance regarding privacy and data security." We've implemented rigorous measures to protect student information:
These measures demonstrate our commitment to "identify and mitigate risks that go beyond privacy and cybersecurity."
The report emphasizes that "transparency contributes to trust." Wittly's operation within Classworks is transparent. By allowing educators to monitor student interactions with Wittly, we're promoting the "two-way communications with educators, students, and others in the ecosystem about AI" that the guidance recommends.
The report notes that "AI is evolving rapidly," and our commitment to responsible development remains steadfast. We're dedicated to creating tools that enhance teaching and learning while prioritizing safety, equity, and educational excellence.
We invite you to explore Wittly and see how it can support your classroom. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to innovate and improve, embodying the Department's call for "strong feedback loops with educational communities."
Thank you for your continued trust in Classworks. Together, we're shaping a future where AI truly serves every learner's needs, which aligns with the Department's vision for safe, secure, and trustworthy AI in education.
We'd love to hear about your experiences with Wittly! As encouraged by the report’s guidance, your insights help us refine our tools and contribute to the broader conversation about AI in education. Email us at hello@classworks.com.
Jerry Henley is the Vice President of Technology at Curriculum Advantage, one of the creators of the Classworks platform. With 18 years of experience in Educational Technology, Jerry leads product technical vision, strategy, and development. He oversees teams to drive innovation, define product roadmaps, and prioritize enhancements.
