AI in the Classroom for Educators: A Quantum Leap for Educational Equity

Purpose & objective

Purpose:
The session is designed to empower K-12 educators with the knowledge and tools to integrate Artificial Intelligence into their classrooms effectively. We aim to instigate a transformative shift towards educational paradigms that are adaptive, equitable, and interconnected. For example, AI can make education more adaptive by enabling real-time feedback loops and personalized learning paths. It can also make education equitable by providing additional resources and individualized support for students who may otherwise be left behind. Furthermore, AI's data-driven insights can facilitate interconnected learning environments where curriculum, extracurricular activities, and parental engagement are optimally aligned.

Objectives:
1. Understanding AI Literacy: Educators will become familiar with an array of emerging AI tools designed to support different aspects of teaching and learning. We will showcase various AI tools that assist with bell ringers, prompt engineering, AI image generation, lesson planning, differentiated instruction, role-playing scenarios, designing educational materials.

2. Hands-On Experience with Emerging Tools: Participants will undergo a hands-on lab session where they'll actively interact with these cutting-edge AI tools. Some of the tools we will explore include Adobe, Canva, Claude, Diffit.ai, Chat GPT, Gemini, and Magic School AI.

3. Exploring Distributed Cognition: Educators will explore how these AI tools, individually and collectively, can extend the cognitive reach of both teachers and students, thereby enhancing the overall learning environment.

4. Quantum-Thinking in Education: Participants will engage in discussions on applying quantum mechanics metaphors to educational models, allowing for a more holistic and interconnected framework.

5. Collaborative Lesson Planning with AI: Working in content-specific groups, educators will employ these AI tools to collaboratively design a multifaceted lesson plan that leverages the capabilities of each tool for optimal student engagement and learning outcomes.

6. Feedback and Reflection: Educators will share their AI-integrated lesson plans with peers through an AI-facilitated peer review system, providing opportunities for insights and iterative improvement.

By the end of the session, participants will not only have a comprehensive understanding of how to implement these AI tools in their classrooms practically but will also appreciate the theoretical underpinnings that make such integration both effective and transformative.

Outline

I. Introduction (10 minutes)
Purpose: To set the context and provide an overview of the session's objectives.
Content: Briefly introduce the transformative potential of AI in K-12 education.
Process: Short lecture using AI to create engaging bell ringers
Engagement Tactics: Quick poll on familiarity with AI tools, and a brief outline of the session's flow.

II. Understanding AI Literacy (5 minutes)
Objective: Introduction to emerging AI tools
Content: Brief overviews of tools including but not limited to Adobe, Canva, ChatGPT, Claude, Diffit.ai, Gemini, and MagicSchool AI.
Process: Slides and discussion
Engagement Tactics: Interactive Q&A

III. Exploring Distributed Cognition & Quantum-Thinking (10 minutes)
-Objectives 3 & 4: Theoretical underpinnings.
-Content: Discussion on extending the cognitive reach and applying quantum mechanics metaphors in education about being linear regardless of technology.
Process: Group discussion
Engagement Tactics: Small-group brainstorming and sharing.

IV. Guided Introduction/Practice (20 minutes)
Objective: Practical experience with AI tools.
Content & Activities
- Design an AI-assisted material (4 mins)
- Create bell ringers (4 mins)
- Draft lesson outlines (4 mins)
- Simulate a Q&A session (4 mins)
- Differentiate a lesson (4 mins)

V: Hands on Lab - Attendee Led
Free exploration based on educators' needs (10 mins)
Engagement Tactics: Choose a few tools to focus their attention on and explore

VI. Feedback and Reflection/Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
Objective: Share out the biggest takeaway from hands-on activity
Content: Attendees' feedback
Process: Reflection.
Engagement Tactics: Q&A

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