Paper-Based AI Classes Arrive in Swampscott

Overture is launching a paper-and-pencil artificial intelligence literacy program in Swampscott this fall through a partnership with the local Recreation Department. The initiative is designed to introduce young students to AI concepts without requiring them to use personal devices or spend time on screens. By keeping the technology out of the children's hands, the program seeks to create a controlled environment where instructors can manage exactly what data is processed and how the algorithms respond.

Aspen Buckingham, co-founder of Overture, explained that the goal is to ensure students become responsible users and critical thinkers rather than passive consumers of technology. Buckingham noted that many children already encounter AI through smart speakers, search engines, and video platforms, often without parental oversight. The approach introduces these concepts in a trusted setting, allowing educators to guide the conversation and ensure safety before students navigate these tools independently.

Teachers Manage the Digital Interaction

In these classes, students write down their ideas and design concepts on paper while the teacher operates the technology. For example, a student might draw a character for a movie project, detailing its name and appearance, before the instructor inputs those descriptions into AI tools like Google Gemini or Runway. This method allows children to understand the creative potential of AI without being placed directly in front of a screen. Buckingham emphasized that this preserves human connection and prioritizes critical thinking over app usage.

Addressing the Elementary School Gap

A 2025 report from the RAND Corporation found that over 60% of middle and high school teachers use AI in core subjects, but these tools are less common in elementary education. This disparity may leave a gap in how younger children learn to navigate new technologies. Overture aims to fill this void by partnering with schools and youth centers in Massachusetts and Illinois. The company operates in towns such as Acton, Cambridge, and Winchester, providing structured courses that focus on agency and safety.

Local Schools Develop New Policies

Meanwhile, the Swampscott school district is developing its first comprehensive AI policy to balance innovation with academic integrity and student privacy. The district is not banning the technology but is training teachers to understand its mechanics and adapt assignments to prevent learning from being outsourced to algorithms. Brandy Wilbur, a high school digital learning specialist, led a professional development series last fall to help staff adapt. While research on teaching young children about AI is limited, Overture’s model offers a practical solution for parents who want their children to understand the technology without unsupervised access. The program represents a cautious step toward digital literacy that prioritizes foundational thinking skills over immediate technical proficiency.