How AI translators could boost K-12 student engagement

AI translation tools are emerging as valuable resources in K-12 education, helping Minnesota schools bridge communication gaps with non-English speaking families, though educators remain cautious about their limitations and potential pitfalls.

Current Implementation: Minnesota educators are adopting machine learning-powered translation tools to communicate with families in multiple languages, addressing a growing need as districts welcome more students new to the country.

• Mounds View social studies teacher Zoe Kourajian uses TalkingPoints app to send translated messages to parents in languages including Arabic and Tigrinya
• South Washington County Schools employs AI technology for website and document translation
• The technology enables quick translation of worksheets, classroom instructions, and parent communications

Real-world challenges: Early adoption of these translation tools has revealed significant limitations and accuracy concerns across different Minnesota school districts.

• St. Paul Public Schools issued apologies to Hmong, Karen, and Somali families due to substandard computer-generated translations
• Rochester schools discovered specific terms like “referendum” did not translate accurately in communications about ballot measures
• South Washington County Schools noted varying accuracy levels between different languages, with Somali and Hmong translations being less reliable than Spanish

Hybrid approach emergence: Districts are developing strategies that combine AI translation tools with human oversight to ensure accuracy and cultural appropriateness.

• South Washington County Schools verifies AI translations through their team of interpreters
• The district plans to implement an app connecting teachers with live interpreters for parent conferences
• St. Paul schools now include disclaimers about potential translation inaccuracies in their newsletters

Expert perspective: Education professionals emphasize both the potential and limitations of AI translation in educational settings.

• University of Minnesota Professor Panayiota Kendeou advocates for cautious implementation, noting the lack of quality control
• Natalia Benjamin, Rochester Public Schools’ director of multilingual learning, positions AI translation as a gap-bridging tool rather than a replacement for face-to-face communication
• Educators stress the importance of maintaining personal relationships alongside technological solutions

Looking ahead: The integration of AI translation tools in K-12 education presents a delicate balance between technological efficiency and communication accuracy, suggesting a future where hybrid solutions combining AI and human expertise become increasingly common in educational settings.