Lightning Chat Episode 9: Artificial Intelligence in K-12 

Lightning Chat Episode 9 Artificial Intelligence in K-12

Hello everyone, Donal McMahon here, Chief AI Officer at Lightspeed Systems. If you’re reading this, you probably already know: AI is having a moment. And when I say a moment, I mean a seismic shift in how we live, learn, and interact.

AI Companions in School: Promise and Peril

Light bulb and bachelor cap on blue background showcasing AI and innovation in schools

September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, and lately every month seems to be AI awareness month. These two things have come together in tragic ways, with recent stories about AI companions encouraging suicidal ideation in teens.

AI Is Supercharging Cyberattacks on Schools. Here’s How to Fight Back

CYBERSECURITY

Ransomware attacks against K–12 schools are rising fast, and getting smarter. According to Comparitech, ransomware incidents in education jumped 23% in the first half of 2025, with an average ransom demand of $556,000. Semperis reports that 61% of IT and security leaders in education say their organizations were targeted in the past year.

Webinar Recap: Meet BOB, The AI Assistant Purpose-Built for Schools

Hi everyone! I’m Amy Bennett, Chief of Staff at Lightspeed Systems, and I just have to say, I was absolutely thrilled to share the latest about BOB 3.0 with my colleague and long-time partner-in-webinars, Rob Chambers. Over the past 17 years, we’ve done a lot of these, but honestly, this one felt truly special.

AI Use in the Classroom

AI is a hot topic in our modern landscape – it’s on our phones, our laptops, even on our television sets. The classroom is no exception. AI is making its way there too. In this blog, we’re hoping to help you find solutions to make AI a safe and useful tool in your classrooms.

BOB 3.0 Is Here — Lightspeed’s AI Assistant Gets a Major Upgrade

There’s a new hero in town—and it’s a bot. We’re introducing BOB 3.0, the AI assistant built for K–12 education. If you’ve ever wished your edtech platform came with a brilliant, tireless teammate to help you make sense of data, streamline your tasks, and keep students safe—BOB 3.0 is your new favorite coworker.

New in Lightspeed Classroom: Digital Hall Monitor & AI-Powered Class Insights

That’s why we’re excited to introduce two new features in Lightspeed Classroom: Hall Monitor and Class Highlights! At no additional cost, these innovative tools are designed to help teachers streamline digital learning management, support student safety, and enhance student engagement – both in the digital and physical classroom.

From Safe AI to Safer AI: Google Gemini + Lightspeed Alert 

Lightspeed Alert & Gemini

Artificial intelligence isn’t a “next big thing” — it’s a now thing. Students across the country are using tools like Google Gemini to learn faster, explore deeper, and ask bigger questions. And that includes questions about mental health, self-harm, and violence.