Wired for Words: Leveraging AI and Brain-Based Strategies

Outline

Presentation Outline (60 Minutes) Subject to change
1. Welcome & Framing the Session (5 minutes)
• Content: Brief intro to session goals, presenter backgrounds, and relevance to current literacy challenges.
• Engagement: Quick poll using Mentimeter or Slido: “What excites you most—AI, brain-based learning, or equity in literacy?”
• Process: Device-based activity to spark curiosity and set tone.
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2. Literacy Through the Lens of the Brain (10 minutes)
• Content: Overview of brain-based learning principles (executive function, emotional engagement, metacognition) and their connection to literacy.
• Engagement: Think-Pair-Share: “What brain-based strategies have you used or seen in literacy instruction?”
• Process: Peer-to-peer interaction; visual aids (infographics or short video clips).
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3. AI in Literacy Instruction (15 minutes)
• Content: Demonstration of AI tools) for writing support, feedback, and differentiation.
• Engagement: Live demo + guided exploration: Participants use a tool to generate a writing scaffold or feedback example.
• Process: Device-based activity; small-group discussion on classroom applications.
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4. Culturally Responsive Literacy Practices (10 minutes)
• Content: Insights from your doctoral research on cultural proficiency and inclusive pedagogy; how to integrate these with AI and brain-based strategies.
• Engagement: Scenario-based reflection: “How would you adapt this strategy for multilingual learners or students with trauma?”
• Process: Individual journaling + small-group sharing.
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5. Collaborative Strategy Design (15 minutes)
• Content: Participants co-create a literacy lesson or strategy using AI, brain-based principles, and inclusive practices.
• Engagement: Use a shared Google Doc or Jamboard template to design and share.
• Process: Peer collaboration; real-time feedback; gallery walk or quick share-out.
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6. Wrap-Up & Action Plan (5 minutes)
• Content: Recap key takeaways; introduce the personalized action plan artifact.
• Engagement: Participants complete a reflection prompt and commit to one strategy to implement.
• Process: Exit ticket via Google Form or Padlet; optional QR code to access resources.
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Artifacts Provided
• Tech-integrated literacy strategy template
• AI tools resource list
• Brain-based instructional checklist
• Culturally responsive reflection guide
• Collaborative lesson design template

Outcomes

Attendees will leave the session with a personalized action plan that includes:

A tech-integrated literacy strategy aligned to the Science of Reading
A curated list of AI tools for writing support and differentiation
A brain-based instructional checklist for engaging diverse learners
A reflection guide to apply culturally responsive practices
A collaborative template for lesson design using AI and inclusive pedagogy

Supporting research

1. Hammond, Zaretta L. Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. Corwin Press, 2015.
https://www.bibguru.com/b/how-to-cite-culturally-responsive-teaching-and-the-brain
2. Muhammad, Gholdy, and Bettina L. Love. Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy. Scholastic Inc., 2020.
https://cmc.marmot.org/Record/.b64207742
3. Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “AI in Ohio’s Education.” education.ohio.gov, 2025.
https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/AI-in-Ohio-s-Education
4. Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “Literacy Resources.” Ohio’s Evidence-Based Clearinghouse, 2025.
https://essa.chrr.ohio-state.edu/literacy-resources
5. CAST. Universal Design for Learning Guidelines Version 3.0. CAST, 2024.
https://udlguidelines.cast.org
6. Dukes, Charles, et al. “Culturally Responsive Literacy Instruction: How Is It Reflected in the Literature?” Multicultural Learning and Teaching, vol. 18, no. 1, 2023, pp. 7–31.
https://doi.org/10.1515/mlt-2020-0002
7. Bernacchio, Carmen, and Mullen, Mary. “Universal Design for Learning.” Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, vol. 31, no. 2, 2007, pp. 167–169.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-17828-012
8. ISTE. ISTE Standards for Educators. International Society for Technology in Education, 2020.
https://iste.org/standards
9. Ladson-Billings, Gloria. “Toward a Theory of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy.” American Educational Research Journal, vol. 32, no. 3, 1995, pp. 465–491.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/1163320
10. Haddix, Vicki. “How Universal Design for Learning Boosts Student Engagement and Outcomes.” The Asha Leader, vol. 26, July/Aug. 2025.
https://www.studocu.com/en-us/messages/question/13526062
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