AI-based teaching will take place in what is called a “charter school” in the United States. It is a school considered public even if it is managed independently of the academy where it is located. She therefore has a certain autonomy over the program taught. This status of public school is sometimes debated in the United States. But the parents of the students do not pay registration fees and the financing is public. In addition, these “charter schools” have an obligation to achieve results and the program, as well as the objectives, are defined by contract. There are approximately 8,000 such establishments in the United States, serving nearly 4 million students, less than 10% of the public.
Arizona is one of the states with the most charter schools. It is therefore not necessarily a coincidence that Unbound Academy, the structure which created this teaching using artificial intelligence, chose to set up there.
This experience will concern around 250 students, from CM1 to IV. It's actually an online school. In the morning, for two hours, children learn traditional subjects – reading, grammar, mathematics, science – via computer. The afternoon is devoted to more concrete subjects: public speaking, computer coding, working in a team, learning about money management, discovering the basics of entrepreneurship.
If we are to believe Unbound Academy, the artificial intelligence – which is not that of ChatGPT, will adapt to the learning of each student, according to their pace, their level of understanding, etc. A sort of tailor-made teaching. In theory, therefore, there is no longer any need for a teacher, but adults are still needed in the room to assist and monitor the students.
Unbound Academy already has other structures, in Florida and Texas. However, the students at his school in Austin reportedly have results that place them among the best in the country. In this private and very expensive establishment, called Alpha School, artificial intelligence would allow children to learn twice as much in just two hours. Hence this organization, in the afternoon; to “take advantage” of the time freed up by the efficiency of AI. If the results are satisfactory, Unbound Academy plans to expand its Phoenix school and is already looking to expand into Utah and Arkansas.
