Stanford and Code.org launch an AI teaching assistant

In a significant advancement for computer science education, Code.org has joined forces with Stanford University’s Piech Lab to unveil an AI Teaching Assistant. This innovative tool represents a new era in computer science instruction. It is designed to empower educators as they prepare students with the fundamental skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. By leveraging intelligent technology, the AI Teaching Assistant aims to transform how computer science is taught and learned in classrooms across the globe.

The AI Teaching Assistant is designed to streamline the assessment process for student projects, offering thorough and rapid evaluations. By automating administrative tasks, the tool allows teachers to dedicate more time to fostering meaningful connections with students and nurturing their growth. Additionally, it provides intuitive support and resources tailored for computer science instruction, bolstering teacher confidence in the subject.

Karim Meghji, Chief Product Officer of Code.org, emphasized the organization’s commitment to accessible computer science education: “An AI-enabled classroom is a better, more productive classroom – for students to learn and for teachers to lead. The launch of our AI Teaching Assistant takes this to the next level by supporting our educators in an entirely new, AI-enabled way.”

The AI Teaching Assistant is being integrated into Code.org’s popular Computer Science Discoveries (CSD) curriculum, freely available and used by millions of students worldwide. The CSD curriculum covers fundamental concepts such as website development, app creation, animation design, game building, and physical computing systems.

With many CSD educators new to computer science, the AI Teaching Assistant offers crucial resources, guidance, and expertise to ensure effective student learning outcomes. As demand for computer science education continues to grow, this tool reinforces Code.org’s dedication to equipping educators with the necessary resources for high-quality instruction.

Developed in collaboration with The Piech Lab at Stanford, the AI Teaching Assistant is underpinned by cutting-edge research and adheres to a framework prioritizing responsible and ethical AI usage in educational settings. This innovation comes at a critical time, as recent data from Education Week reveals that 85% of educators are considering career changes due to overwhelming teaching responsibilities.

Dr. Chris Piech, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University, highlighted the potential impact of the tool: “Getting automatic feedback tools into the hands of teachers represents a huge step towards the future of computer science education for both teachers and learners. It will lower the barrier to entry which will bring us closer to the goal of making learning and teaching accessible to all.”

As the AI Teaching Assistant rolls out, Code.org plans to expand its capabilities with additional features designed to alleviate further teacher workload, including lesson planning and differentiation assistance. This initiative represents a significant step forward in supporting educators and advancing computer science education in an AI-driven world.