Part of the AI for Families resources for schools developed as part of the online professional development course The AI-Empowered Teacher, this activity helps families understand what “new possibilities” might mean for their school or district.

Activity

Purpose: Invite families to explore how AI might unlock new opportunities for students — especially those who’ve been historically underserved. This activity blends imagination and grounded reflection, helping families
co-define what “new possibilities” could mean in your school or district.

Instructions

Step 1

Set the Frame: “We’re exploring how smart tools like AI might help students access support, opportunities, or learning that was harder to reach before. But the best ideas don’t come from tech companies; they come from the people who know kids best: families and educators. Tonight, we’re gathering your ideas and hopes.”

Step 2

Browse “Now Possible” Scenarios (7–10 min): Post 4–6 scenarios around the room (on posters). Each shows one way AI could expand opportunity.

• Real-Time Language Support: A multilingual student uses AI to get real-time translation or vocabulary support while reading a science article.
• Career Exploration Companion: A student uses an AI chatbot to explore future careers based on their interests and strengths, then gets help drafting questions for a job shadow visit.
• Flexible Tutoring on Demand: A student who missed a lesson uses an AI tutor to catch up on key concepts with tips tailored to how they learn best.
• Parent-Friendly Progress Summaries: A school uses AI to generate personalized, plain-language summaries of student progress — translated automatically and available on-demand.
• Creative Writing Partner: A student with writer’s block uses an AI tool to brainstorm ideas and structure their story before adding their personal voice.
• (Optional) Create-your-own-poster: “Have an idea? Add it here!”

Step 3

Dot the Wall: Give each participant:

• 1 green dot for “This excites me”
• 1 red dot for “This concerns me”
• 1 yellow dot for “More info needed”

Invite them to place their dots on any scenario poster(s). Encourage conversation as they walk around.

Step 4

Share and Reflect: In small groups or as a whole, ask:

• What stood out in the dot patterns?
• Which ideas sparked excitement — and why?
• What do you wonder about or want to explore more?
• Are there possibilities here we hadn’t considered before?

About This Activity

This resource was developed with support from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) through a collaboration with the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation and the Kentucky Department of Education, New Mexico Public Education Department, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and Wyoming Department of Education. The materials reflect shared priorities across the four states while allowing schools and districts to adapt them for their local communities.