Walpole digital learning coaches outline AI use, digital citizenship and classroom projects

WALPOLE, Mass. — Digital learning coaches from across the Walpole Public Schools on Thursday told the School Committee they have spent the year helping teachers integrate technology — including artificial intelligence tools — into classroom instruction while also teaching digital citizenship to younger students.

The presentation, delivered by a team of district digital learning coaches, described coaching cycles used to identify teacher goals, introduce technology tools, and reflect on student outcomes. "Everything we do is rooted in improving student learning, inspiring engagement, and instructional excellence," said Jamie Milneaux, digital learning coach at Old Post Road.

Coaches described concrete classroom examples. At the elementary level, coaches said they use Common Sense Media curriculum to teach digital wellness and lessons aimed at recognizing misinformation and practicing online etiquette. Kim Farley, Elm Street School's digital learning coach, said those lessons are shared with families through principal newsletters and coffee sessions to keep parents informed.

At the middle and high school levels, coaches showed how AI and multimedia tools were used to personalize learning. Audrey Lamar, the high school digital learning coach, said staff have experimented with SchoolAI and Google Vids. "AI can be a powerful assistant in generating initial drafts, brainstorming ideas, or even creating different versions of materials to suit various learning styles," Lamar said, adding that prompts and teacher guidance are central to avoiding overreliance on AI.

Coaches gave classroom examples: a grade‑4 team created a custom chatbot tied to reading passages to support student writing practice; world‑language classes used AI chatbots and generated images to create immersive conversation and descriptive practice; and students published work with Book Creator and Canva. Dave Kazi described using interactive projectors, Loomio interactive activities, and student podcasts to move classrooms from "stand and deliver" toward student‑led creation.

Presenters emphasized that technology is selected to support instruction rather than replace it; coaches said their role is to keep a curated digital toolbox and to support teacher reflection. Several committee members praised the students' products and asked that schools continue to publicize student artifacts to families.

The coaches asked the committee to support continued collaboration with classroom teachers and to help spread awareness of digital‑wellness lessons to families. Committee members suggested placing examples and summaries in school newsletters and thanked the coaches for showing student work.