At Beanstack, we’re driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to help educators and librarians grow a culture of reading in their communities. We achieve this through proven gamification principles, exceptional customer service, and a deep commitment to our values of love, inclusion, and awesomeness.
At the recent EdWeek Market Brief Summit, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion on the evolving role of technology in education. It was inspiring to explore how emerging tools, like artificial intelligence (AI), can meaningfully support teachers, librarians, and students. While AI offers exciting possibilities, the conversation reaffirmed the importance of balancing innovation with ethical responsibility—a balance the team at Beanstack is committed to achieving.
Although AI is not currently part of our product, we see its potential to enhance the independent reading experience. Embracing AI at Beanstack is not just about what it can do but also about ensuring it aligns with our mission and values. To that end, we are taking proactive steps to establish an AI Ethics Statement—a foundational guide for responsibly approaching AI integration in the future.
Our Ethical Approach to AI
The foundation of our AI strategy rests on four key principles:
- Equitable, Human-Centered Approach
At Beanstack, we champion inclusivity and fairness. AI systems we might develop will be rigorously tested to identify and address biases, ensuring equity for all users. Importantly, we see AI as a tool to support and amplify the efforts of educators, librarians, and our own team members—not replace them. AI will empower people to be more productive, creative, and focused on what truly matters: cultivating relationships and fostering a love for reading. - Transparency
Trust is built on transparency. We are committed to clear communication about how AI technologies operate and interact with user data. This means providing simple, straightforward explanations that foster confidence and understanding. - Privacy & Safety
Protecting our users’ privacy and ensuring their safety is non-negotiable. Any AI we introduce will adhere to strict data protection standards and prioritize user security. This includes robust safeguards against misuse and full compliance with relevant data laws. - Accountability
AI is only as ethical as the humans behind it. We pledge to remain accountable for the AI systems we design and deploy, with clear processes for addressing concerns and feedback. Our users will always have a voice in shaping how these tools evolve.
Our Path Forward
Implementing AI responsibly requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach. At Beanstack, this journey will include:
- Careful Planning: We will evaluate AI opportunities through the lens of our mission and ethical principles, ensuring alignment at every stage.
- Ethical Development: Reviews and safeguards will be embedded in the development process to prioritize fairness, transparency, and safety.
- User-Centered Communication: We will inform our community, explaining how AI tools enhance their experience while maintaining privacy and control.
- Continuous Improvement: Ongoing monitoring and updates will ensure our AI practices evolve with new technologies, regulations, and best practices.
Looking Ahead
AI offers an incredible opportunity to deepen our impact. At Beanstack, we are committed to ensuring that any AI we integrate enhances—not diminish—the human connections that make reading so powerful. By proactively developing our AI Ethics Statement, we reaffirm our dedication to ethical practices, innovation, and the people we serve.
The future of AI at Beanstack is one of possibility and responsibility. We’re excited to chart this course thoughtfully and transparently, always guided by our mission to inspire readers and strengthen communities.
Keep reading,
Felix Lloyd
CEO, Beanstack