Empowering Educators with AI: Revolutionizing Lesson and Unit Planning

Outline

1. Introduction and Overview (10 minutes)
Content:
 • Brief introduction to the session objectives and agenda.
 • Overview of Microsoft Copilot and Chat GTP and their capabilities in educational settings.
Engagement:
 • Icebreaker activity: Participants share their current challenges in lesson and unit planning.
 • Use of a short, engaging video to introduce the AI models.
Process:
 • Peer-to-peer interaction during the icebreaker.
 • Visual and auditory engagement through the video.

2. Interactive Demonstration (20 minutes)
Content:
 • Live demonstration of using Microsoft Copilot and Chat GTP to plan a lesson.
 • Steps include setting objectives, creating activities, and integrating assessments.
Engagement:
 • Real-time Q&A during the demonstration.
 • Participants follow along on their devices.
Process:
 • Device-based activity: Participants use their laptops or tablets to explore AI models features in real-time.
 • Frequent pauses for questions and clarifications.

3. Collaborative Planning Activity (25 minutes)
Content:
 • Participants work in small groups to plan a unit using AI models.
 • Focus on integrating resources, designing assessments, and tailoring instruction.
Engagement:
 • Group discussion and brainstorming.
 • Hands-on practice with AI models.
Process:
 • Peer-to-peer interaction: Groups collaborate and share ideas.
 • Device-based activity: Participants use one of the AI models to create their unit plans.
 • Presenter circulates to provide support and answer questions.

4. Peer Review and Feedback (15 minutes)
Content:
 • Groups present their unit plans to another group for feedback.
 • Focus on alignment with standards, resource integration, and overall coherence.
Engagement:
 • Constructive feedback session.
 • Discussion on best practices and common challenges.
Process:
 • Peer-to-peer interaction: Groups review and critique each other’s plans.
 • Facilitated discussion to highlight key points and insights.

5. Refinement and Finalization (10 minutes)
Content:
 • Groups refine their unit plans based on peer feedback.
 • Finalize plans and prepare for presentation.
Engagement:
 • Collaborative refinement process.
 • Hands-on practice with AI models.
Process:
 • Peer-to-peer interaction: Groups work together to improve their plans.
 • Device-based activity: Participants make adjustments.

6. Group Presentations (10 minutes)
Content:
 • Each group presents their finalized unit plan to the entire workshop.
 • Highlight the use of AI models and key features of the unit plan.
Engagement:
 • Group presentations.
 • Audience questions and feedback.
Process:
 • Peer-to-peer interaction: Groups present and discuss their plans.
 • Facilitated Q&A to encourage audience participation.

7. Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)
Content:
 • Group discussion on the experience of using AI models.
 • Reflection on how AI tools can enhance lesson and unit planning.
Engagement:
 • Open floor for sharing insights and experiences.
 • Reflective discussion on the benefits and challenges of using AI in education.
Process:
 • Peer-to-peer interaction: Participants share their reflections.
 • Facilitated discussion to synthesize key takeaways.

Key Engagement Tactics:
 • Frequent peer-to-peer interactions to foster collaboration and idea sharing.
 • Device-based activities to ensure hands-on practice and real-time application.
 • Use of multimedia (videos, live demos) to maintain engagement and illustrate concepts.
 • Structured feedback sessions to encourage constructive critique and improvement.
By the end of the session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how to use Microsoft Copilot for lesson and unit planning, along with practical skills and resources to implement in their own educational settings.

Supporting research

Here are some resources that support the importance of using AI in education and the practices being presented in the session:
 1. Articles:
  ○ Chen, X., Zou, D., Xie, H., Cheng, G., & Liu, C. (2022). “Two Decades of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Contributors, Collaborations, Research Topics, Challenges, and Future Directions.” Educational Technology & Society. This article provides a comprehensive review of AI applications in education, highlighting trends, challenges, and future directions1.
  ○ Kamalov, F., Calonge, D. S., & Gurrib, I. (2023). “New Era of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Towards a Sustainable Multifaceted Revolution.” Sustainability. This article discusses the impact of AI on education, including personalized learning, automated assessment, and collaborative learning2.
 2. Books:
  ○ Luckin, R. (2017). “Machine Learning and Human Intelligence: The Future of Education for the 21st Century.” This book explores the intersection of AI and education, providing insights into how AI can enhance teaching and learning.
  ○ Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2019). “Artificial Intelligence in Education: Promises and Implications for Teaching and Learning.” This book examines the potential of AI to transform education and offers practical guidance for educators.
 3. Websites:
  ○ ISTE Standards for Educators: This site provides detailed information on the ISTE Standards, which are integral to the session’s objectives.
  ○ EdTech Magazine: This website offers articles and resources on the latest trends and best practices in educational technology, including AI.
 4. Recognized Experts:
  ○ Rose Luckin: A leading researcher in AI and education, Professor Luckin’s work focuses on the design and evaluation of AI systems that support teaching and learning.
  ○ Neil Selwyn: An expert in digital education, Professor Selwyn’s research critically examines the role of technology in education and its implications for teaching and learning.