Statewide Iowa – An online, interactive “reading tutor” that uses artificial intelligence is now available for Iowa elementary students.
The Iowa Department of Education used pandemic relief money to buy access to the app for this school year, for all public and private schools in the state.
As students read aloud in front of a screen, a digital avatar called Amira responds when a student struggles with words.
The app was developed by Carnegie Melon University and is based on what’s called the science of reading. It features phonics and provides a running tally for each user’s progress.
Iowa Department of Education director McKenzie Snow says reading unlocks a lifetime of potential and this app is part of a push to strengthen early literacy instruction in Iowa schools.
(Image by Susan Cipriano from Pixabay)
