CDA SCHOOLS: Watch out for AI in classrooms

If you have an elementary student in CDA School District I recommend looking into the use of AI in class. The program they use for tests and tutoring, Amira, is RECORDING students. It is saving the recordings. The Amira program says they do not share “student data” but in the next line says they “de identify” all recordings so they are not attached to a student. They do not say that they don’t share the “de identified” data. 

It has been proven that it does not matter how safe and encrypted anything is, someone can still access it. With all we know about AI, how unethical it is, and the disgusting things it can create WHY are parents NOT being informed? Why are elementary students being pushed AI? How is it morally okay to put kids in front of AI when they can’t comprehend what it is or what it means. Why are they recording the students without parental knowledge? 

I spoke with the district; you are able to opt your student out of the use of all Amira programs. I encourage anyone who is concerned about their child’s safety and the use of AI to request their child not use Amira or any AI programs at school. I encourage you to contact the district as well as the principal of your child’s school. When I asked the principal of Skyway Elementary, I was told I was not able to opt out, but the district said I was able to.

KRISTEN PEARCE

Coeur d’Alene