A new school year has started; kids are sharpening pencils and breaking in backpacks. Many are also getting used to another new tool: Artificial Intelligence. 

A slew of tech companies have been offering free or low-cost AI products to schools that will purportedly engage students and help them learn, while also aiding teachers with their day-to-day responsibilities. In a survey by the Consortium for School Networking, more than 50% of districts across the nation said they were training teachers in how to use AI. 

But are these tools actually creating a better learning environment? And who stands to benefit from their growth in American education? We talk to reporter and author Vauhini Vara about her new deep dive into this issue. 

Guest: Reporter and author Vauhini Vara 

Related Links:

How Chatbots and AI Are Already Transforming Kids' Classrooms

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

A new school year has started; kids are sharpening pencils and breaking in backpacks. Many are also getting used to another new tool: Artificial Intelligence.&nbsp;
A slew of tech companies have been offering free or low-cost AI products to schools that will purportedly engage students and help them learn, while also aiding teachers with their day-to-day responsibilities. In a survey by the Consortium for School Networking, more than 50% of districts across the nation said they were training teachers in how to use AI.&nbsp;
But are these tools actually creating a better learning environment? And who stands to benefit from their growth in American education? We talk to reporter and author Vauhini Vara about her new deep dive into this issue.&nbsp;
Guest: Reporter and author Vauhini Vara&nbsp;
Related Links:
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-09-01/what-artificial-intelligence-looks-like-in-america-s-classrooms">How Chatbots and AI Are Already Transforming Kids' Classrooms</a>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

A new school year has started; kids are sharpening pencils and breaking in backpacks. Many are also getting used to another new tool: Artificial Intelligence. 

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