Schools are catching on to Big Tech’s playbook

THE NEWS

What happened

The article analyzes how Big Tech companies are repeating their historical playbook from the coding era by pushing AI curricula into schools. It highlights a shift in public sentiment, noting that unlike the uncritical adoption of computer science in the 2010s, parents and educators today are actively resisting corporate influence, citing concerns about student autonomy and critical thinking. Key developments include recent bans on AI use in classrooms in New York City and Los Angeles, signaling a grassroots movement against the 'screen-ification' of education.

CONTEXT

Why it matters

Schools are catching on to Big Tech's playbook. Just as they promoted coding decades ago, AI companies now pitch curricula to schools. However, the narrative has shifted. Unlike the uncritical adoption of the past, parents and educators in NYC and LA are actively banning AI use in classrooms. The focus is moving from 'how to use tech' to raising informed citizens who can critically evaluate corporate influence.

AT A GLANCE

Key facts

• Tech companies previously embedded themselves in schools via coding curricula (e.g., Apple Swift, Microsoft Minecraft) to create future customers, a strategy now being replicated with generative AI.
• New York City has banned elementary and middle school students from using AI in classrooms for the upcoming school year.
• Los Angeles announced broader restrictions on AI use including high schools, following New York's lead.
• Critics argue that tech companies prioritize product questions over educational goals like raising informed citizens and helping students discover their passions.
• A vibrant grassroots movement of parents and teachers is currently pushing back against corporate influence in education.