As artificial intelligence makes its way into K–12 educational technologies, it’s bringing about a lot of change. For example, it’s helping teachers effectively addresses each student’s preferred learning style and needs.
To take full advantage of these tools, schools need technologies that support and enable AI. One option is devices equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors. These components contain central, graphics and neural processing units, which maximize a PC’s AI capabilities, says Snow White, director of education sales strategy at Intel.
EdTech: Focus on K-12 spoke to White about the ways AI-equipped hardware helps teachers monitor students’ progress, tailor their lessons and encourage engagement, all while offering additional security and extending the life of devices.
EDTECH: What are neural processing units, and how do Intel-powered devices play a role in today’s optimized learning software?
WHITE: We’re seeing a new category of devices that work better with or require an NPU. If a device has an NPU, it’s more than AI-capable, it’s an AI PC.
We’re working with companies to ensure software can determine if something is a CPU or GPU task, or if it’s an NPU task, and we want to accelerate the AI capabilities.
Companies such as Zoom and Adobe are optimizing their software to take advantage of NPU technology. You’re going to have better performance with these tools because they will know which processing unit to use.
If they didn’t, the CPU would have to work in overdrive, which is going to decrease your battery life. Our Core Ultra Series 2 processors have more than a day of battery life because the software has been optimized.
EDTECH: Why are these devices more secure? How do built-in security features protect sensitive student data?
WHITE: Security is based on where schools are storing data and conducting operations. For a long time, everything was on-premises within the school district. Then we saw everything going to the cloud.
We’re seeing the shift now to hybrid models, as schools strategically decide to keep some things on-premises and run some in the cloud.
With Intel’s Core Ultra processor, teachers can use AI offline. That adds a level of data protection because they’re not putting information into the cloud; it’s all being used on a device.
The NPU helps teachers use data in a responsible and safe way, ensuring compliance with protocols that don’t allow it to be shared outside the district.
EDTECH: How do AI PCs benefit data-driven classroom learning?
WHITE: More software is using AI for data analytics, personalized instruction and even interventions.
We’ve always had all of this data in K–12 education: test and benchmarking scores, absentee lists. Now, there are a lot of great AI tools capitalizing on that data and giving teachers guidance. Microsoft just launched Microsoft Learning Zone; Google announced that Gemini is now open to educators and students.
5.9 Hours
The average time teachers save per week using artificial intelligence tools
Some software integrates features such as eye tracking functionality, watching students’ eyes when they’re reading and giving real-time feedback. This allows the teacher to see if a word is consistently being misunderstood, for example.
You want to make sure each student is grasping what you’re teaching, and there are a variety of reasons why they may not. It could be due to distractions or accessibility challenges, but these AI-powered tools can make instruction a better experience for all students.
EDTECH: How does this apply to esports? In what ways can Intel’s equipment and expertise set up a school for success?
WHITE: A lot of districts are getting on board with esports because of the engagement it drives and because there are college scholarships available for kids. Beyond playing, there are roles in esports programs for data analysts, student coaches and even treasurers, which could lead to a career in accounting.
When you peel the layers back, you see all of the science, technology, engineering, arts and math areas within esports.
To support these programs, schools can adapt or upgrade a high-powered career and technical education computer lab to additionally support esports. Using the same space and equipment leads to a better ROI for the school.
Intel consults with schools on how to set up their labs for CTE and esports. We walk them through the nuances of these setups and give them the best performance for their devices so students can use them for both programs.
For example, you need a bigger hard drive if you’re also using the equipment for esports because you’re likely loading more software than if you were just using that device for CTE. You may also need more memory if the software requires it.
It’s really helping districts think through what kind of technology is needed and create a blueprint so other districts can adopt something similar.