When students feel more confident participating, engage more deeply, and collaborate with ease—it’s clear that something powerful is happening in the classroom.
That’s exactly what the team from Curipod discovered during a recent visit to Meads Mill Middle School. Frikk Fossan, co-founder of the AI-powered teaching tool, traveled from Norway to see firsthand how Northville Public Schools is transforming learning through technology.
“So it's always super cool to see,” Fossan said. “A big part of Curipod is kind of making sure that lessons are varied enough so that all the students are able to participate.”
Used by teachers across Northville, Curipod helps create interactive lessons using AI—turning traditional slideshows into dynamic experiences that include polls, quizzes, drawing prompts, and more.
“Curipod came to see how we're using it in action and what it really looks like in the real world, in real classrooms,” said Jen Lawson, Instructional Technology Coach for Northville Public Schools. “They're taking our feedback. They're making observations. They're talking with staff and students.”
One of the tool’s most impactful features is the ability for students to share answers anonymously, allowing even shy or anxious learners to participate more freely.
“Kids get to explain their thinking and they get to do it anonymously as well,” Lawson said. “So it's a safe space and it encourages students to share their knowledge.”
“The AI really helps you if you don’t understand something,” said Ryan, a Meads Mill student. “It tells you what you did right or wrong—and it’s anonymous, so that makes it easier.”
Fossan and two of his software engineers visited multiple classrooms and met with students and teachers to gather real-time feedback—something they say is central to how Curipod continues to improve.
“We use classroom visits to find new ideas and understand what we’re trying to solve,” Fossan said. “From high-engagement classrooms to quieter ones, it helps us better serve both teachers and students.”
Rather than isolating students behind screens, Curipod is designed to foster real-world collaboration and movement within the classroom.
“You’ll see movement in the classroom,” Fossan explained. “High-five discussions, Think-Pair-Shares... it’s a lot more noise and a lot more collaborative learning.”
“It’s a great honor to have the founder come all the way from Norway to see our classrooms,” Lawson added. “The engagement piece is incredible.”
Lawson was recently recognized for her leadership in educational technology, but on this day, the spotlight was on the students and staff who brought AI learning to life.
Northville Public Schools continues to be at the forefront of using technology in thoughtful, meaningful ways that enhance—not replace—teaching and learning.