At Otus, our mission has always been to empower educators with the data and tools they need to maximize learning for every student. From day one, our vision centered on the belief that harnessing data—with the support of machine learning and AI—could unlock new possibilities for schools. We built our platform from the ground up to accomplish this goal. Today, our responsible approach to AI builds on that foundation by delivering accurate and secure insights drawn directly from classroom data—removing barriers educators face when synthesizing data, so they can take action with confidence.
Simply put, responsible AI means using artificial intelligence in ways that are ethical, transparent, and accountable. In education, this means partnering with educators to ensure AI tools enhance decision-making, support personalized learning, and protect student privacy—without replacing the essential human touch of teachers.
Our approach to AI is rooted in the robust, structured data we’ve built into Otus over the years. By integrating data from SISs, classroom assessments, attendance, and more, our platform delivers accurate, real-time insights that empower educators to make informed decisions in a way that no other tool can provide. This structured approach not only boosts accuracy but also ensures transparency and equity in every decision. Security and ethics are integral to our design—our tools are built to keep data anonymous and secure while ensuring precise, reliable insights. Our carefully structured database guarantees that the right answers are generated without compromising student privacy.
Our drive to harness data and innovative technology for meaningful educational change has guided our responsible AI journey. We’ve continuously refined our approach to empower educators with tools that are ethical, transparent, and secure. Here’s a look at our key milestones.
Otus CEO Andy Bluhm and President & Co-Founder Chris Hull began exploring how machine learning and data could address educators’ challenges. Their early work laid the foundation for our vision of empowering teachers with real-time insights.
We connected with experts at the University of Pennsylvania, sparking early discussions that informed our data-driven approach to transforming education.
The Otus AI domain was established, and early conversations with leaders like Deborah Quazzo helped shape our perspective on leveraging AI in education.
Collaborations with the University of Chicago provided valuable insights into predicting student outcomes with AI-driven data. This year also marked the beginning of our partnership with AWS, which has ensured a reliable, scalable foundation for our AI efforts.
Our network expanded through engagements with Google and Stanford University, further exploring the possibilities of AI in education.
Our work with Harvard deepened our understanding of data-driven personalization in learning, while partnerships with Narrative Science and Northwestern University allowed us to explore generating personalized “performance stories” and uncovering new insights from our data.
Discussions with Microsoft’s head of AI opened fresh perspectives on cutting-edge technology, reinforcing our commitment to responsible innovation.
We evaluated new support solutions with Capacity and explored additional machine learning applications with partners like JoeZoo to further enhance our offerings.
Guidance from thought leader Charles Martin spurred ideas on virtual assistance. Then, on November 30, the release of ChatGPT marked a turning point in public AI access.
Otus launched its AI-powered question generator, a key step in streamlining assessment creation and driving data-informed decision-making.
We assembled a dedicated team to research and shape Otus AI. With expert input from Associate Professor Ethan Mollick of the Wharton School and the formation of an Otus AI advisory board, we continue to refine our responsible AI strategy—ensuring our tools remain ethical, transparent, and exceptionally accurate.
Otus launched its AI-powered assistant, Otus Insights, integrated into the Standards Gradebook. Insights gives teachers a clearer picture of student performance and streamlines daily tasks—from grouping students to preparing for conferences and planning lessons—by harnessing real-time data for effective, informed instruction.
Our vision for AI remains clear: empower educators with secure, accurate, and actionable insights that enhance learning. As we continue to evolve, we remain focused on supporting teachers, safeguarding data, and ensuring that every innovation serves the best interests of students and communities.
At Otus, our journey with responsible AI is ongoing—and each milestone brings us closer to a future where data-driven, ethical technology enhances education for the better.