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Parents raise AI and screen-time concerns during Malden School Committee public comment
Summary
Residents urged caution on classroom use of generative AI and criticized widespread unstructured screen time; speakers warned about impacts on student voice, learning and development and asked the district to set clear policies.
During public comment on May 4, several residents urged the Malden School Committee to take a conservative approach to classroom use of artificial intelligence and to set clearer limits on non-instructional screen time in K-8 classrooms.
Robert Title, a software engineer, told the committee he uses AI tools at work and shared an example where an AI editing tool removed the unique voice from his son's creative writing. He warned that classroom AI tools can "shortcut the learning crucial for deeper understanding" and risk eroding students' sense of authorship and critical skills.
Several parents (including a speaker identified as Andrew and Jennifer D'Angie) described children reporting heavy Chromebook/YouTube use during unstructured times, and parents asked the district to provide a clear, research-based framework for when and how screens are used in instruction and recess/brain-break moments. Commenters asked for policies to support teachers and protect instructional time for developing foundational skills.
Committee response and next steps: Members acknowledged the concerns. The superintendent noted an AI-and-learning working group exists and that the district will receive recommendations from that group in coming weeks; the draft strategic plan also referenced a review of technology plans. Committee members asked that any policy reflect stakeholder input, and the district said it will incorporate recommendations from the working group and may propose policy revisions.
Why it matters: Technology choices affect classroom practice, equity and how students develop writing and critical-thinking skills; districts across the state are wrestling with these issues and the committee has an active working group reviewing AI and technology deployment.
Next steps: The district's AI-and-learning working group will provide recommendations; the committee and administration may propose or revise policy language based on those recommendations.
