I’ve been very diligent the past many months trying to keep abreast of generative AI in education. I believe that this generative AI season will be a significant shift in the trajectory of education and that it is our duty to prepare students (and their teachers) for the new realities. This post is a pause to reflect and record where I am at in this space. Actually, it’s a reflection on Trying Something New.
The Learning
I sign up for webinars about AI and watch the recordings. I listen to podcasts about AI (the most powerful is The Generative Age: AI in Education Podcast). I’ve participated in courses about AI. I read blogs and articles about AI. I’ve consulted with AI edu-start-up company founders. I am active in Microsoft and Google and ISTE Community spaces where leaders in the field share ideas and resources. And even though I have only had a Facebook account for about as long as ChatGPT has been on the recent scene, it turns out that Facebook groups are also a great source of information about AI. I’ve chatted with my Ed-tech friends and have been on a few panels about AI. I’ve introduced ChatGPT and generative AI in conference sessions to two groups of educators and content creators in the African nations of Uganda and Zambia over the summer.
The Presenting
As Instructional Leads, we added a section about generative AI to our Coaches’ Newsletter early in 2023. I tried to convince my district to sponsor interested teachers to attend AI-related courses over the summer, and while that didn’t work, I forged ahead and created a plan to provide AI learning opportunities for the teachers and staff in our school district. The first virtual session that we hosted about generative AI in September was a success – it was very well attended and had a visible impact. I could tell there was an impact because a few weeks later when I offered 3 sessions at a district-wide PD day, those in attendance at the original event had already made noticeable progress. Every two weeks I have hosted an “After-School AI” mini-session that focuses on a generative AI tool that is useful to educators; of course, the timing is never right, but the recordings (five to date) are posted on a district AI webpage that we have created… and view totals are rising I have led district schools in specific conversations about AI. A month ago the superintendant asked me to prepare a presentation about AI for our Board of Trustees – that happens this week.
The Doubt
Of course, there is always that nagging question of whether I’m staying up to date enough? Am I learning enough? Am I helping move the AI conversation in our district ahead enough?
The Confirmation
This weekend at the end of November 2023, I attended an in-person session presented by members of our Teachers’ Union Professional Development committee. These presenters have also presented on generative AI many times, and in fact, their full job is to provide PD and model Professional Development for the entire province. My doubt palpably dissipated as I sat through their presentation. Their presentation was a near-mirror reproduction of the presentations that I have been delivering on AI. The tools that they chose to focus on and highlight matched perfectly with those that I have chosen to highlight in our “After School AI” mini-sessions.
The Next Opportunities
This was confirmation that I’m absolutely on the right track and that upcoming opportunities are legitimate. I can present in ISTE spaces like Taking It Global webinar series (in the January lineup). I am a legitimate choice as a panel member for a conversation sponsored by Microsoft for Canadian educators about generative AI. My AI session proposals for our February regional Teachers’ Convention have been accepted for a reason.
Let the learning continue.
This post was written 100% by this human. I did click the button for “Have AI Assistant offer generative feedback for your post.” The responses were 100% useless, except for the unexpected AI confirmation of the confirmation I’ve written about. The AI confirmation is worth posting, as future doubt will undoubtedly resurface:
5. Keep introducing ChatGPT and generative AI to educators and content creators in different settings and locations. Sharing your knowledge and experiences will help raise awareness and promote further discussions. 6. Maintain the momentum of your AI initiatives in your school district. Continue organizing virtual sessions, after-school mini-sessions, and district-wide PD days to provide opportunities for teachers and staff to learn about generative AI. 8. Embrace upcoming opportunities such as presenting in ISTE spaces and participating in panels sponsored by Microsoft. These experiences will further validate your expertise and contribute to the AI conversation in the education community. 9. Always stay curious and continue learning. The field of AI is rapidly evolving, and by staying proactive, you’ll ensure that you remain up to date with the latest advancements and trends.
What I learned today... 