Frequently asked questions

Who created Skye?

Skye has been built by the same team of former math teachers and technologists who’ve built Third Space Learning’s tutoring programs since 2013, with extensive input from teachers following testing and pilot programs starting in July 2024.

How does the unlimited package work?

You’ll pay just one low fixed yearly cost and are free to run as many sessions for as many 3rd – 8th graders as needed with no impact on this fixed cost. If you ever need to add more spaces, you can do this without having to find more space in your budget.

How does Skye work?

Rather than a chat-based connection which is common with other other AI tools, each child will communicate with Skye via a shared screen and an audio connection, talking to each other one-on-one. Audio is automatically transcribed and shared with Skye, who has been specially trained to interpret and respond in the best way to help them solve math problems.

How has Skye been trained to teach?

The system prompt guides Skye to apply essential tutor moves such as motivation, relating to interests, modelling, waiting, rephrasing, scaffolding, affirming relationships, and encouraging verbal reasoning to enhance math learning throughout the session. Lessons are structured in small steps using the CRA (Concrete-Representational-Abstract) approach, ensuring concepts are introduced progressively and misconceptions are addressed. This combination of targeted tutoring strategies and structured lesson design enables Skye to adapt to each learner’s needs, encourages engagement, and maintains steady learning progress.

How is the learning personalized?

Diagnostic assessments take place before the first session with Skye to ensure math learning is personalized to gaps. At the start of each lesson, Skye will start with a short formative assessment and adapt teaching accordingly to ensure teaching is in each learner’s Zone of Proximal Development; revisiting prior learning if needed or moving straight onto independent practice and solving more challenge questions if they’re secure.

What happens when learners make mistakes?

Skye has been trained to identify and address common misconceptions. The prompts used relate to the specific question and topic being covered, so if a child gets an answer wrong, Skye will be able to spot why they might be struggling and guide them to success. First, Skye will provide a relevant hint to try and steer them towards solving the problem, and then ask them to have another go. If a child gets an answer wrong 3 times, Skye will talk them through the correct answer and make sure they understand before moving on.

Is the tutoring aligned with my state’s standards?

Yes, Skye uses the same standard-aligned lessons we’ve always used, just adapted to incorporate AI tools. All lessons have been developed by our academic team of former teachers and are available for all state standards and for Common Core. Skye does not generate lesson content and only uses our curriculum of lessons.

What impact does it have?

Skye has been trained in the same way as our community of tutors, and uses the same course of lessons. These resulted in 7 months of math growth in 14 sessions. Early data suggests better post-session question results with Skye; attendance is higher due to increased flexibility.

What safeguarding is in place?

Safeguarding by design:
AI sessions with Skye can only be scheduled by staff to take place under supervision. The connection is audio-only, with no video connection. The only visual component is via the shared screen; Skye cannot display anything else on the page other than Third Space Learning lesson slides.
Built-in safeguarding:
We use a highly moderated AI model which places guardrails around the content that can be covered and how Skye engages. Additional guardrails ensure the lesson cannot be moved off the math lesson that Skye has been trained to cover.
Red flag policy:
Skye has been trained to flag anything that could be linked to safeguarding. All sessions are recorded which enables us to review flagged sessions and, where relevant, share recordings. For example, if a child says they feel unhappy at home, this would trigger a red flag. The Third Space Learning team would be instantly alerted and would share the session recording with the child’s teacher.

How does it fit into the timetable?

Researchers suggest that tutoring is much more effective when it is scheduled by teachers rather than left to students to launch on-demand. Scheduled sessions with Skye are available every 5 minutes, can last for any duration you prefer and can take place as many times per week as needed. You can add sessions to or amend your schedule at any point for no additional cost.

What’s required to run the sessions?

All you need is an internet connection, a space for the sessions to take place, and a microphone headset and device (desktop, laptop and tablet are all suitable) for each student.

Can sessions be scheduled to take place at home for homework?

Yes, Skye can be used as a homework solution provided the student has a device and a quiet place to learn or a microphone headset if they will be in a room with others. We also recommend sharing login details directly with parents. Parents will not have their own login credentials.

What languages is Skye available in?

Skye is available in English. We are currently exploring other languages.