Being a tech enthusiast, I found the introduction of ChatGPT intriguing. I eagerly anticipated the essential skills students must possess to navigate the evolving technology landscape. Utilizing Ruben Puentedura’s SAMR framework (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition), I explored the potential benefits of AI in educational settings and beyond.
Determined the necessary support teachers require to meet students’ evolving needs, I devised a comprehensive strategy: establishing an AI professional learning community (PLC), conducting professional development sessions, showcasing teacher leaders, and devising digital communication strategies.
Forming an AI PLC
Commenced the Artificial Intelligence PLC in collaboration with our literacy coach, who possessed a strong rapport with our faculty. Delving into the nuances of AI within the SAMR framework emphasized the enhancements (A), modifications (M), and redefinitions (R) it brings rather than merely substituting (S) traditional teaching methods.
Encompassed the participation of students, teachers, IT staff, administration, media specialists, and other interested individuals. Encouraged our coach to initiate a collaborative space for teachers to asynchronously share ideas and discoveries, using Google Spaces for this purpose.
Elevated the vision toward leveraging AI to expand skill development opportunities beyond traditional pen-and-paper limitations, stimulating idea generation, knowledge acquisition, and language proficiency with tools like SchoolAI and QChat.
Encouraging experimentation within the AI PLC, while also emphasizing the importance of evaluating new tech tools for privacy concerns. Established a technology evaluation protocol incorporating various privacy considerations.
Evaluated safety frameworks that are evolving, including resources from ISTE, Digital Promise, Common Sense, among others.
Additional Professional Development Initiatives
In conjunction with the PLC, introduced interactive posters featuring AI tools like Eduaide and MagicSchool to streamline teaching responsibilities and cater to students’ diverse needs, fostering engagement and preventing burnout.
Conducted professional development sessions focusing on ethical AI usage within the SAMR framework, highlighting tools like MagicSchool and Eduaide to enhance lesson planning and teaching efficiency.
Spotlighting Teacher Leadership
Recognized key teachers who delved deep into AI integration, exploring advanced tools such as Diffit to support differentiation and planning.
Exhibited successful AI implementations to the staff, where teachers could choose sessions of interest, promoting innovative teaching practices.
Digital Communication for Enhanced Engagement
Launched AI in the Humanities newsletter to offer insights on AI best practices, new tools, and teacher integrations, featuring inputs from prominent AI thought leaders.
Utilized hallway conversations to gauge teacher integration levels and student needs, promoting early adoption to encourage calculated risks.
Highlighted a successful integration involving a new teacher utilizing MagicSchool’s chatbots for student feedback on research papers, showcasing exemplary AI literacy in the classroom.
This multi-faceted approach to AI professional development empowers teachers to experiment with AI tools while emphasizing the complementary role of AI in education. Through experimentation and reflection, both teachers and students navigate the evolving tech landscape effectively.
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