Flexi, CK-12's AI Student Tutor Spring 2025 Study
Overview
In spring 2025, CK-12 partnered with Leanlab Education to evaluate Flexi (Student), an AI tutoring tool designed to foster independent learning and provide real-time academic support in classroom settings.
Purpose
The study aimed to understand how students and teachers experienced Flexi (Student), CK-12’s student-facing AI tutoring tool, in real classroom settings. Specifically, it explored:
- What value the AI tutor brings to students and teachers
- How teachers incorporate the AI tutor into classroom practice
- What challenges and barriers arise when using the tool
Methodology
Over six weeks, ten middle and high school math and science teachers across five states integrated Flexi into their instructional routines. Teachers encouraged students to use the AI tutor both in and out of the classroom. Data was collected through:
- Pre- and post-surveys measuring teacher comfort with AI and perceptions of student outcomes
- User diaries at two points in the study documenting classroom experiences
- Focus groups and interviews capturing teacher perspectives and student responses
The sample included a mix of teachers with varying prior exposure to AI tools and diverse student populations, including English language learners, special education students, and students with inconsistent internet access
Key Takeaways
- Student outcomes: Teachers observed greater student engagement, confidence, and curiosity, particularly among independent learners.
- Teacher attitudes: Modest improvements in comfort with AI and perceptions of positive shifts in student academic behaviors.
- Instructional benefits: Flexi saved teachers time and offered clearer insight into student thinking.
- Barriers: Students struggled with prompting, lower-readiness learners faced comprehension challenges, and reactions to the AI’s tone varied.
- Teacher concerns: Overreliance, plagiarism risks, and the need for explicit guidance on productive AI use..
