PRACTICE’s Post

If I learned anything at EDTECH WEEK, it is that AI is the future of educational technology. In the biggest school system in America, AI is already a part of the conversation. I think a lot about how AI can guide teachers and reduce workloads. Where are you most excited to see AI integration in the classroom?

As Teachers Gear Up for a New School Year, Is AI Being Left Behind? August is a few days away, and teachers across the nation are preparing to return to their classrooms armed with enthusiasm and a commitment to inspiring young minds. However, an essential tool may be missing: clear guidance on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI). Many K12 schools, particularly in rural areas, are beginning to recognize the potential of AI tools to elevate educational experiences. Yet, these schools face unique challenges, including teacher shortages, budget constraints, and a general lack of resources, which complicate the integration of new technologies. The rarity of instructional technologists in rural districts further complicates the situation, leaving teachers to master these technologies through self-training. This scenario presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Here are three actions I feel teachers can take at the start of the year to engage with others about AI in their schools. Inquire About AI Policies and Resources:  Start the year by asking administrators or the tech department about AI guidelines and available training resources. Request AI Integration Training:  If not already provided, request a training session on AI tools, emphasizing their practical classroom applications. Collaborate with Peers:  Form or join a group with other interested teachers to share AI experiences and advocate for structured support and training. This group can always be an online group or one that you start at your campus. Let's not let another school year pass by without addressing this need. It's time for a dialogue among educational leaders (not just the ones at a local level) to outline clear, actionable policies that empower our teachers and, ultimately, our students, especially in our most resource-strapped rural communities. #EducationTechnology #TeacherPD #ArtificialIntelligence #BackToSchool #RuralEducation

Can AI be used effectively and ethically in the classroom by teachers and students? We show how it's done #edtech #AI

🤖 AI x Education: A Tale of Two Realities 🤖 During my daily glance of #AI news, 2 articles jumped out at me, highlighting the contrasting experiences within the educational landscape: 📣 Advancing with AI: #ChatGPT Edu OpenAI's recent launch of ChatGPT Edu brings AI to universities with powerful features and robust security. This affordable tool enhances learning and operations, providing personalized tutoring, assisting in research, and aiding faculty with grading and feedback. Institutions like University of Oxford, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, The University of Texas at Austin, Arizona State University, and Columbia University are leading the way, integrating AI to transform education and streamline administrative tasks. (https://lnkd.in/gxbadEsr) 👀 Seeking Direction: Yukon Teachers' Challenge Conversely, teachers in the Yukon province of Canada are feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancement of AI. A group of teacher-librarians from Whitehorse high schools has reached out to the education department, seeking guidance on how to handle AI's impact in classrooms. They emphasize the need for consistent approaches and tools to detect AI-generated work, highlighting the struggle to keep up with technological changes. (https://lnkd.in/gbRh434D) 🔍 The Juxtaposition While some large universities are successfully leveraging AI to enhance educational experiences and operational efficiency, many educators are grappling with the lack of direction and support in managing AI's influence on student learning. This stark contrast highlights the need for cohesive strategies and resources to ensure AI benefits all educational levels equitably. #ArtificialIntelligence #AIinEducation #Education #EdLeadership #EdTech #EducationalTechnology #FutureofEducation #DigitalTransformation #HigherEd #HigherEducation

"The role of the principal must evolve in line with technological advancements, with a focus on leading change. Schools must actively learn about and adopt AI, rather than being passive recipients, and principals must be prepared to lead this change effectively. Principals are drivers of school success, and AI is yet another means for them to foster innovation in their schools by modeling a exploratory mindset for students and adults. For example, principals can cultivate spaces where teachers and students feel free to work with AI out in the open, sharing best practices and pitfalls for the benefit of other educators. What might principals and teachers accomplish by testing and leveraging computing power to elevate academic rigor, rather than banning tools that are already integrating in the professional world?" #AIinEducation #K12 #Principals

This article from Chalkbeat discusses the complexities of AI in the classroom, and how the Education Department intends to set guidelines for its use. If used responsibly, AI could benefit both teachers and students, but we know that schools will need extra guidance and support in order to properly use this technology. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e5hSSVry

📣 NEW COMMENTARY As AI continues to advance rapidly, critical questions about its role in shaping the future of education arise. If there are benefits to using AI in education, then they look likely to accrue to more advantaged kids. CRPE is asking questions such as: ➡ How can investments and policies ensure these benefits reach the students most in need? ➡ How will so many districts train their teachers amid other pressing priorities and increasing financial constraints? ➡ How can educators learn quickly about which AI tools and strategies work best? The latest report from the American School District Panel, our partner projecy with RAND, provides valuable insights into these questions, revealing early indications that more affluent suburban school districts are leading the way in AI adoption. However, this leaves urban, rural, and high-poverty districts at risk of falling behind, exacerbating existing disparities in education. CRPe director Robin Lake delves deeper into these issues, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures from policymakers and philanthropists to ensure that all students have equitable access to AI-driven educational opportunities. Join the conversation and explore how we can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable future for education. #AI #EdTech #EquitableEducation #AmericanSchoolDistrictPanel

"You may not have your job replaced by AI, but you will likely have it replaced by somebody who can use AI." It's a bold statement, do you agree with their point of view? AI was initially seen as a way for students to avoid doing homework, but now many schools and teachers are embracing its capabilities. The shift towards integrating AI in education highlights its potential to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for a tech-driven future. Embracing new technology can be daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with how it works. But what is the risk of not adopting it? How long before AI tools become commonplace in our classrooms? https://lnkd.in/gKEYXh6P

If you do one thing this week in regard to your school's approach to AI, or your interest in the topic, make it Rose Luckin's benchmarking survey! What we need to take our sector forward is solid information about what schools are doing, what they know, and what they need - and this is the way we'll get it! 👏 to EDUCATE Ventures Research for getting this research underway. It's also a great self-reflection tool to work out where you are, and what your next steps might be.

I've outlined four steps to effectively encourage the implementation and support of AI education in schools: highlighting AI's benefits, addressing concerns, engaging stakeholders through collaboration, and promoting continuous research and development.