Beyond Prompts: Using AI to Teach Executive Function and Critical Vetting

Outline

0-5 min:
The EF & AI Problem: Introduce the session's thesis: AI exacerbates planning deficits, but digital scaffolds can fix this. Define the core EF skills targeted (Planning, Organization, Task Initiation).
5-15 min:
Modeling the Scaffold (Part 1): EF-First Design Model a complex MS ELA/Math task. Introduce the Customizable Digital Hyperdoc Template. Demonstrate the Task Initiation Checklist—showing how to break a large task into five manageable steps.
15-30 min:
Modeling the Scaffold (Part 2): Critical Vetting & Boundary Setting
Introduce the AI Planning Pre-Check section. Explicitly model and discuss ethical AI boundaries within the planning phase (when to use AI vs. when to use working memory).
Modeling the Scaffold (Part 3): AI as the Digital Coach Shift to the revision phase. Introduce the 30-45 min:
Self-Monitoring & Revision Scaffolds. Demonstrate how to use AI strictly for revision (grammar/tone) while maintaining student agency.
45-55 min:
Wrap-up & Action Plan: UDL & Final Customization Quick overview of how these scaffolds align with UDL Guideline III. Provide time for final customization of the resource links and color coding.
55-60 min:
Closing, thank you, and resource sharing

Outcomes

Attendees will leave the session having created a customizable digital hyperdoc template designed to scaffold a complex middle school assignment. This template serves as both the Artifact and the Action Plan for immediate classroom implementation. The framework addresses both executive function and digital citizenship.

***DRAFT***
Artifact:
1. EF-Aligned Scaffolding: The template is pre-loaded with organizational tools that model key executive function skills, including:
A. Task Initiation & Breakdown Checklist: breaks down the overwhelming project into small, manageable daily steps (planning and task initiation).
B. Digital Organization Centers: with linked tabs to manage all resources (working memory and organization).
2. Ethical AI Boundaries: Within the template, specific mandatory protocols are embedded at strategic points in the assignment:
A. Pre-Check Accountability: Mandatory planning prompts that strictly forbid AI use to force students to use their own critical thought and working memory before drafting.
B. Source Vetting Protocol: Instructions on using AI only for efficiency (e.g., summarizing a known source) combined with a requirement to validate the AI output, reinforcing self-monitoring skills.
C. Digital Coach Use: A framework for using AI as a revision aid (grammar, tone) where the student must accept or reject each suggestion and document their reasoning, retaining agency in the final output.

Action Plan: Attendees leave with the ability to immediately adapt this template to one of their own core class assignments and implement it the following week.

Supporting research

1. CAST UDL Guidelines website
2. ISTE Standards for Students and Educators website
3. AI Commons: "AI as a Learning Partner: Offering Supports Through Generative AI" article
4. ASCD Educational Leadership journal(
5. "Catch Them Learning: A Pathway to Academic Integrity in the Age of AI" (Cult of Pedagogy blog/podcast)