Classroom connections: AI-Powered Minds

I have used ChatGPT extensively, and now I will investigate Claude. I create GPTs to help students through the ideation process and to help them study for tests. I show them how to use LLMs to prepare to do work rather than having AI do the work.

The presenters were excellent, and their presentations super-useful.  The two presenters know that AI is not going away, so it's important to teach the skills related to its use and understanding.  All artificial intelligence has done for us is slam the necessity to teach questioning skills and critical thinking right in our faces.  No more putting these skills aside.

DL Harding This is the topic of the century (and beyond) - we must teach kids how to use AI to help them learn, not just do things for them.  A hammer drives a nail, but you have to learn to swing it properly and efficiently.

Eman Elshaikh's presentation

Kevin Kiyoi's presentation

Thanks for offering this!  I must admit, I am one who has been reluctant to dive into AI for many reasons, and I found some very convincing arguments (and resources!) here.  I really appreciate Eman Elshaikh's framing of a "complementary" approach to teaching history, and and Kevin Kiyoi's historical research ideas.  I also really appreciate the wealth of tools and resources both presenters used.  I will be sharing this information with colleagues pronto!  You have made AI less scary - thank you!

This topic was at the forefront of our first day back for PD today. Our staff is grappling with how to teach students to use AI in a productive, ethical way. The OER Project’s guide is a useful starting point www.oerproject.com/.../Using-AI-Tools-with-OER-Project-Resources-Guide

Both presentations emphasized the importance of the educator in the classroom when teaching students how to use AI. Causation, contextualization, guiding students to apply judgment, and checking for accuracy, among other skils, redefine our role in this process. I need to spend some time exploring the resources suggested here. Thank you for offering this valuable webinar!

A colleague stopped by today.  He had laid out expectations for AI in his classroom but another teacher's expectations are different.  For this teacher he would never have students use AI to brainstorm.  I was excited by the ideas in this presentation but I hesitate to engage students in AI as what they learn from me could create trouble in other classes.  

Damn the torpedoes Eric Schulz Full steam ahead!  Don't hesitate to cause trouble for other teachers, you're only helping them towards teaching 21st Century skills.  Honestly, I understand the dillema you are in. I guess a safe approach might gain you points down the road.  I've lost my patience with people even saying "maybe" with AI.