One week after summer kicked off, the Otus team traveled to Denver to attend ISTELive 24 – four days of inspiring talks, cutting-edge technology, and visionary leaders. The Otus team was proud to present our upcoming AI features, share insights on personalized learning, and celebrate receiving Tech & Learning’s Best of Show award. Today, we’re catching up with Otus President and Co-Founder, Chris Hull, to take a closer look at what the team has been working on since ISTE and what educators can expect from Otus AI moving forward.
Q: Catch us up on what the team is working on in regards to AI.
Hull: We’ve assembled an incredible team that’s dedicated to researching and shaping our upcoming AI deliverables. One of the exciting features we’re working on is an AI assistant that will be readily available across key Otus pages.
We know that historically, educators have had to dig through their student data to interpret it and determine a course of action – tasks that are both time-consuming and challenging, depending on the individual’s level of data proficiency. We believe that AI will address all of these challenges.
Otus’ AI assistant will provide a summary of student data, giving educators quick, meaningful insights that can be used to guide decision-making. It’s designed to be interactive, so users can ask follow-up questions or request more detailed information if they need it.
Q: What’s Otus’ stance on AI?
Hull: AI is not going to replace teachers; it’s going to make them more efficient. As a former seventh-grade social studies teacher, I understand the unique challenges K-12 schools face. Teachers have a powerful ability to positively impact students’ lives and shape their futures. Our mission at Otus has always been to empower those educators with the tools and insights they need to maximize student outcomes.
Otus is embedding AI into key aspects of the platform to adapt to the needs of all education stakeholders. AI-powered Otus will help schools maximize outcomes for all students more effectively and efficiently, staying true to our original mission. With a decade of historical student data and deep expertise in education technology, Otus is uniquely positioned to make these ambitious goals a reality.
Q: Many edtech tools have announced plans for AI. What will set Otus AI apart?
Hull: Several factors set Otus AI apart. First, we have a comprehensive data set for each student, which allows our AI to generate trustworthy recommendations based on complete information, unlike one-off tools that only have limited student data.
Second, we provide educators with the tools they need to act on these AI-generated recommendations, helping them turn insights into real actions. For example, using the data available in Otus, AI may suggest that Tamera and Joe need support with reading comprehension of informational texts. The teacher can then quickly assign Tamera and Joe to a learning plan focused on reading comprehension, all within Otus.
Lastly, our team is made up of former teachers, school administrators, and technology specialists, so we have the right mix of expertise and experience to deliver the best possible AI solution for K-12 education. We’re approaching this with a deep understanding of the power of technology, the fundamentals of instruction, and the current state of education.
Q: What are some of the requirements of Otus AI?
Hull: Our AI needs to meet several important requirements to ensure it integrates seamlessly with our platform. First and foremost is security. Protecting student data is essential, and we’re committed to upholding the highest security standards.
Next is accuracy. We will continuously advance our AI model to improve the accuracy of insights it provides, making sure educators get reliable and precise information. Reliability is another key factor. Otus currently exceeds 99% uptime, and that standard will not change with the introduction of new AI features.
Lastly, is usability. AI should be easy for everyone to use, regardless of their technical expertise. Scalability is important too. Our AI needs to support our growth and accommodate an infinite number of users without compromising performance.
Q: The Department of Education just released guidance on how edtech providers can build trust with district leaders. One of the risk factors they noted is “a race to release” – what are your thoughts on this?
Hull: Our strategy has always mirrored Apple’s approach of not rushing to release AI features prematurely. We understand the importance of getting it right rather than getting it out quickly. To ensure the quality and reliability of our AI functionalities, we will initially launch with a small number of participating users. This phased approach allows us to gather valuable feedback and make necessary adjustments before a broader release.
Taking our time with the rollout has several benefits. It helps us avoid the pitfalls that can come with a rushed release, such as potential issues with performance or user experience. By starting with a limited group, we can closely monitor the AI’s performance, ensure it meets our high standards, and make iterative improvements based on real-world use. This methodical approach helps build trust with our users, as they see our commitment to delivering robust, reliable, and valuable AI features.
Q: Speaking of trust, what steps is Otus taking to develop responsible AI?
Hull: At Otus, protecting student data and providing a safe and secure AI environment is our top priority. We strictly comply with major student privacy laws, such as FERPA and COPPA, and we adhere to the Student Privacy Pledge and the TrustEd Apps Pledge. Our AI development will be done in close partnership with educators and school leaders to ensure that the tools we create are both easy to use and practically beneficial in real classroom settings.
What’s Next for Otus AI
We’re thrilled about the future of AI at Otus and the potential it has to enhance education. By prioritizing reliability, scalability, security, and ease of use, we’re committed to delivering AI features that truly make a difference for educators and students alike. As we continue to develop and refine these tools, we remain focused on our mission to empower educators with the insights and resources they need to maximize student outcomes.
To get a sneak peek at the exciting AI features we’ve been working on, check out the video below. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and enhance the Otus platform.
