Tech & Learning.com - AI in Education - November 2023 by publications

NOVEMBER 2023

TECHLEARNING.COM

IN EDUCATION 10 MONTHS ON

It’s been 10 months since the introduction of generative AI in education. What have we learned so far? Plus T&L Leadership Summit Reports

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AI in Education: 10 Months On By Michael Gaskell

My Student Was Submitting AI Papers. Here’s What I Did

By Sascha Zuger

By Erik Ofgang

AI Lesson Plan Tips

3 Resources for Teaching & Learning More About AI

Empowering Students Through co.lab-oration

By Dr. Matthew X. Joseph & Dr. Chris Jones

Using the U.S. National Parks to Support STEM Learning Through co.laboration

By Christine Weiser

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24 Tech & Learning Leadership Summit Reports

Innovation from the Leadership Seat

Senior Staff Writer Erik Ofgang erik.ofgang@futurenet.com

Tech & Learning Conference Report: New York City Schools Beyond Access Forum and Assistive Technology Expo

By Ray Bendici

By Erik Ofgang

By Sascha Zuger

By Dr. Stephanie Smith Budhai, Ph.D.

Designing New High Schools to Be Flexible Learning Spaces: What School Leaders Need to Know

Managing VP of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design Rodney Dive

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IN EDUCATION: 10 MONTHS ON

It’s been 10 months since the introduction of generative AI in education. What have we learned so far? By Michael Gaskell

n November 2022, ChatGPT unveiled the incredible world of generative AI, and now, a mere ten months later, we’re taking a closer look at the strides made since and the hurdles that still lie ahead for schools. What have we learned? • Prompt engineering has enhanced AI’s practicality for educators. Creating strong prompts and refining with follow-ups are skills that need to be taught to students. • The iterative refinement of prompts leads to better results in educational contexts. Be cognizant of bias and errors is key, as is iterative testing. • AI chatbots offer invaluable support to teachers. These AI tools can answer questions, provide explanations, and

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offer support, helping both students and teachers navigate the complex world of education. • Ethical considerations and the specter of hallucinations demand ongoing vigilance as AI continues to advance in education. As we navigate this ever-evolving AI landscape in education, these insights stand as a testament to the progress made and the unique challenges that teachers face in harnessing the power of AI to benefit their students. The journey has just begun, and there’s much more to discover and refine in the exciting world of education in the era of AI. Read the full article here

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MY STUDENT WAS SUBMITTING AI PAPERS. HERE’S WHAT I DID Like many educators across the globe, I was thrust into a brave new world of modern teaching that I had not been trained for and to which an appropriate response was unclear By Erik Ofgang

ver the summer it finally happened to me: While reading a student essay in an introductory online college course at one of the universities at which I teach, I began to suspect not only that this student hadn’t written it but that no human mind had. In other words, it was the work of AI (artificial intelligence). Like many educators across the globe, I was thrust into a brave new world of modern teaching that I had not been trained for and to which an appropriate response was unclear. Here’s what I did when I suspected a student had submitted an AI-generated paper. I TRUSTED MY INSTINCTS TO A POINT The first step was to use common sense while reading student work. AI tools have gotten good at writing in one sense but they tend to be bland – the

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written equivalent of white noise or smooth jazz. Random repetition and tangents were red flags. I TRUSTED AI DETECTORS TO A POINT Next was to run part of the suspected AIgenerated paper through an AI detection tool. As a comparison, I also tested parts of two other student papers that seemed to be written by humans through the same detection tools. I CONFERRED WITH COLLEAGUES After the positive readings from the AI detection tools, I was nearly certain the paper was AIgenerated. I reached out to a colleague in my department, who then brought in a superior of his for a third opinion and to discuss a course of action. This process helped protect the student by ensuring that I wasn’t misreading the situation somehow. I SPOKE WITH THE STUDENT WITHOUT ACCUSING THEM OF USING AI My colleagues and I decided the best course of action would be to try and speak with the student. During this conversation I would ask how they conducted their research for the paper without mentioning AI or accusing them of anything. At the same time, I sent class-wide emails that I had encountered suspected AI-use in the classroom and reminded students that using AI writing for essays was against course policies. Read the full article here

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AI LESSON PLAN TIPS Best practices and tips for when you’re developing AI lesson plans

and creativity, or specific mathematical computation skills or reading fluency skills. AI Lesson Plan Do’s •

Use students’ interest in AI technologies and create learning activities that students are excited about. As a result, they will not only enjoy the lesson but learn more!

By Dr. Stephanie Smith Budhai, Ph.D.

any K-12 schools have myriad learning AI technologies that we already use to instruct, engage, and assess learning. While discussing policies around AI use within teaching and learning, it might be helpful to know some of the best practices, do’s, and dont’s as you develop lessons that use AI and similar technologies.

•

Al Lesson Plan Don’ts •

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Don’t Create Assessments that Can Easily be Completed 100% Through the Use of AI. Instead of having close-

ended questions with answers that can be easily determined, ask open, thoughtprovoking questions to stimulate cognition of students, and have them use real-world examples to support their narratives.

Intentionally Use AI to Support Students with Meeting Learning Outcomes.

Learning must be at the forefront of all technology use, and the same is true for AI. Only use AI (or any technology tool) if its use will contribute to students being able to meet the learning goals that drive the lesson. • Focus on Skill Building. One way to ensure that learning is at the center of any lesson that uses AI is to focus on how AI can support students’ building skills. This could be anything from helping students develop the 4Cs of critical thinking, communication, collaboration,

Do use AI to Assist with Real-Time Progress Monitoring. By using AI tools

within the lesson, you can maintain a record of how students are mastering the content.

AI Lesson Plan Tips & Best Practices •

Do use AI to Elevate Learning Activities.

•

Don’t use AI Without the Permission of Your School. While you may be tempted

to jump and try to incorporate the use of AI into your lessons to enhance learning, you also should make sure that its use does not violate any school or district acceptable use policies.

Read the full article here

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3 RESOURCES FOR TEACHING & LEARNING MORE ABOUT AI AI tools are everywhere but here are some teaching resources for understanding how this technology works and how it might impact society. By Erik Ofgang

n many ways, the rise of AI reminds Lance Key of the debut of Google in 1998 when many educators were worried that students would turn to Google for easy answers and lose the ability to think critically. “In education, we’re usually a year or two behind everything,” says Key, an award-winning educator and support specialist at the Putnam County School System in Cookeville. “Unlike with Google in ‘98, I’m hoping we don’t fight it [AI] for so long.” To that end, he suggests three resources to help prepare teachers and their students for that future. 1. Code.org A popular computer science resource overall,

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Code.org offers a variety of AI-specifc lessons for teachers and students, Key says. These resources include AI 101 for Teachers -- an online series that is presented by Code.org in collaboration with ISTE, ETS, and Khan Academy. 2. Colab.research.google This free programming resource from Google allows students to learn about AI in one of the best ways possible, by programming their own AI tools as well as writing and executing with Python. 3. DoDSTEM.us This program from the Department of Defense features a variety of STEM resources including after-school programs, student internships, competitions, and professional development opportunities for teachers. Read the full article here

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INNOVATION FROM THE LEADERSHIP SEAT Best practices and advice for school and district leaders who want to support innovation in their schools. By Dr. Matthew X. Joseph & Dr. Chris Jones

nnovation in school leadership can lead to the development and implementation of new teaching methods, curriculum designs, and educational technologies. These innovations can enhance the quality of education and improve student outcomes. Innovative practices are also required to generate creative solutions for those hard-to-reach students who don’t fit the mold of regular schools. As important is the modeling of these practices for teachers to embrace the need for education to perform differently than in the past to fit the present and future needs.

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Here are some of our leadership actions to consider to promote innovation. •

Embrace Technology & Promote Blended Learning. Embracing technology is essential

for both leaders and students if both are to find success in an era focused on the

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importance of individual needs. Encouraging a blend of traditional classroom instruction and online learning provides flexibility that allows students to learn at their own pace and style while providing teachers with data to personalize instruction. •

Support Professional Development.

It’s key to invest in PD for teachers and staff, focusing on innovative teaching methods, technology integration, and new educational trends. The most meaningful PD is relevant, ongoing, and job-embedded. It is key for leaders to discover creative ways to hit these three markers of success. • Create Flexible Learning Spaces. Redesign classrooms and

learning environments to be flexible and adaptable to different teaching and learning styles. This can foster creativity and collaboration. It’s not just that everyone learns differently, but students also can maximize their learning based on their surroundings. • Stay Informed. School leaders should stay up-to-date with the latest educational research, trends, and best practices to identify opportunities for innovation. It is also essential for leaders to hear multiple perspectives on every aspect of the educational experience so they can help make it what it needs to be in the future. Read the full article here

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INNOVATION PLAYBOOK: Designing the School of the Future

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DESIGNING NEW HIGH SCHOOLS TO BE FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACES: WHAT SCHOOL LEADERS NEED TO KNOW Preparing high school students for college and careers requires teaching them to be flexible, and learning spaces need to reflect that By Sascha Zuger

CREDIT: WICHITA FALLS ISD)

he landscape of today’s education has changed, with research leading to even more importance placed on the environment in which students learn. “Since the advent of COVID, the need for more flexibility for the post-graduation world became evident with online learning, online working, mobile workspaces, and working from home,” says Dr. Peter Griffiths, Associate Superintendent for Wichita Falls ISD, which will be opening two new high schools in 2024. “Schools need to be designed to prepare students for that new world. That includes a different approach to building schools, delivering lessons, and classroom management.”

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3 Actionable Steps to Create Ideal Flexible Learning Spaces 1. To create a learning environment that is flexible and able to change, conversations of the purpose of the building need to be about adaptability and growth. 2. The furniture needs to meet the needs of the flexibility. That includes desks/tables and chairs on wheels when appropriate, to allow changes in the classroom look. Desks/tables should also have the ability to nest and stack easily to move out of the way or be stored. 3. Training needs to be provided for engaging classroom management to allow teachers to develop different ways to teach. This would include allowing teachers to take calculated risks in the classroom and allow for controlled chaos and movement.

A rendering of what one of the new Wichita Falls high schools will look like when completed in 2024

Read the full article here

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(IMAGE CREDIT: LEYDEN HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 212)

EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH CO.LAB-ORATION The innovative co.lab program at Leyden High School District 212 in Illinois fosters collaboration, features design thinking, and provides a projectbased learning experience By Sascha Zuger

n a time when educators are struggling to reconnect students to their studies and reignite the joy of learning, the Leyden High School District 212 outside Chicago has discovered the perfect blend of personalized learning and interdisciplinary teaching through their innovative freshmen co.lab.

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The Leyden co.lab Identify Unit allows all freshmen to participate in an interdisciplinary curriculum that connects English, biology, global studies, health, and digital literacy. Using a design thinking process helped propel the Leyden co.lab, says Superintendent Nick Polyak and Brian Mahoney, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, who also believe this project-based learning concept can inspire students and serve as a model for other districts. “This process took several years of planning and investment,” says Polyak.”We allowed this amazing team of teachers to dream big, visit other programs around the country, and build

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(IMAGE CREDIT: LEYDEN HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 212)

something unique to our students and our community. When the hard work is being done at the grassroots level, it’s easy to provide the funding and the support necessary to help them be successful.” How to Create a co.lab at Your School 1. Assemble the Team. Find a well-rounded group of teachers and a supportive administrator not afraid of hard work. 2. Write your Mission,

Vision, and Standards. Use design thinking

and resources such as NGSS, Common Core, and NHES.

3. Gain Support from Administration and Community. Create a presentation and pitch to your Board of Education. 4. Develop the Curriculum. Brainstorm, use outside resources such as Buck Institute for PD and ABCD framework, and team review instructional outcomes. 5. Develop a Schedule and Committees.

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Divide time blocks aligning with class sessions, consider committees for roles such as resource, scheduling, secretary, agenda master, liaison, eagle time, and recruitment. 6. Recruit Students. Connect with prospective participants and their parents. 7. Launch the Program. Reflect, revise, and be flexible and ready to make tweaks along the way. Read the full article here

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USING THE U.S. NATIONAL PARKS TO SUPPORT STEM LEARNING THROUGH CO.LAB-ORATION Expeditions in Education provides STEM learning opportunities based on the U.S. National Park System By Ray Bendici

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xpeditions in Education channels the vast resources of the U.S. National Park system into real-world STEM learning. The nonprofit was founded by former longtime STEM educator Dacia Jones and her husband Steve, who now travel around the country 260 days per year, filming in the national parks.

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At each stop, they talk to rangers, research the challenges that site faces, and then create content that includes a look at each park, its history, its place in the world, and a STEM challenge. “On our website we have more than 140 videos filmed at national parks that are tied to the UN Global Goals,” says Dacia Jones. “Educators can choose any of these parks and connect them to what they are currently doing in the classroom. For example: If they are talking about weathering and erosion, they may choose to virtually visit Bryce Canyon. All of these are completely free and available for anyone.”

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What Educators Need to Know 1. The national parks are a “natural” fit for STEM learning. “National parks are living, breathing repositories of knowledge,” says Jones. “They present unparalleled opportunities for genuine exploration. Students and educators are not just reading about ecosystems, but witnessing them in real-time.” 2. Students and teachers get to tap into expert, first-hand knowledge by interacting directly with rangers and the education departments of the national parks. “So throughout the year, if we’re working

on ecosystems or particular historical stuff, the rangers will do Zooms with our class and answer questions, and it’s one-on-one with experts,” says Rodney Crouse, a fifth-grade teacher for Guilford County Schools in North Carolina and avid program participant. 3. Expeditions in Education regularly

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hosts free Crossing America LIVE events in schools during which students learn more about national parks. Crossing America

LiveStreams are also regularly presented. For example, on November 9, they will broadcast live from the tidepools at Acadia National Park in Maine where attendees will meet the invasive European Green Crab.

4. Teachers can also participate in STEAM in the Park, a paid educators-only summer

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camp experience that runs from June through the middle of August. This past year,

more than 400 educators from across the country converged on 12 national parks for hands-on learning opportunities.

Says Crouse: “The big thing is that we want kids to save the world, but unless you teach them to love it and let them fall in love with it first, they’re not going to care about it.” Read the full article here

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TECH & LEARNING COMES TO AUSTIN! HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE REGIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Emcee Carl Hooker kicked off the day with his keynote, The New Era of AI-Enhanced Education

t the Tech & Learning Leadership Summit in Austin, district leaders gathered for a fun and inspiring day of learning and sharing. Of course AI took center stage as the main topic of conversation, but the program also covered data privacy, professional development, STEM, diversifying your leadership staff, and more. Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Award Winners: Sallee Clark, Jeni Long, Bobby LaFleur, Peter Griffiths, and Sandi Castro

Attendees got a tour of Canva’s headquarters during the opening site visit.

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Attendees shared ideas and best practices in small group discussions around topics of their choosing.

Attendees enjoyed a game of 3D Pac Man to get a hands-on understanding of AI.

The team at Canva led an activity where attendees could use their free software to design a personalized logo.

Screenbeam’s David Lopez shared a session about what it means to be an effective leader.

Attendees met new colleagues during the table discussions.

Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Award Winner Eva Mendoza

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TECH & LEARNING HOSTS A REGIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

Adam Phyall displays Alana Winnick’s new book release, The Generative Age.

ech & Learning hosted its second Fall Leadership Summit at the beautiful campus of Rutgers University. The event was another opportunity for these local district leaders to gather to problem solve and collaboratively plan for the future of education. Attendees took a tour of The Development Learning Center of Warren, featuring the country’s first esports center for students with autism and autistic-like behavior.

Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Award Winners Eddie Cohen, Henry Dixon, John Kerrigan, Sandra Paul, Frank Pileiro, Leanna Mullen, Alana Winnick

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Gina Tesoriero leads a session on mindfulness.

At The Development Learning Center of Warren site visit, Evan Abramson walks attendees through an area of the school that replicates “Main Street” as part of the school’s career development programs.

Victor Karkar leads a conversation about AI and plagiarism.

Alana Winnick interviews Adam Pease about his district’s AI “position” – rather than “policy”.

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Alana Winnick and Adam Pease

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TECH & LEARNING CONFERENCE REPORT: NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLS BEYOND ACCESS FORUM AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY EXPO Tech & Learning Partnered with New York City Public Schools for Two Professional Learning Event that Drew Thousands of Educators and Specialists

n November, New York City Public Schools and Tech & Learning co-hosted two inspiring professional development events on the same day–one in person and one virtual–drawing thousands of educators from the nation’s largest school district. The Assistive Technology Expo was held at The High School of Fashion Industries in Manhattan. This professional learning event was dedicated to all things related to assistive technology, featuring 50+ live sessions from assistive technology specialists, professionals, and actual users of assistive technology. Learning sessions covered a wide variety of topics including: assistive technology, modeling AAC, supports for students with dyslexia, and more. Attendees had the opportunities to learn from their colleagues and explore the latest Assistive Technology equipment available. The Beyond Access Forum has grown to one of the largest cross-divisional NYC Public Schools professional learning opportunities for New York City educators. This interactive virtual event offered sessions to leverage culturally responsive and 3 2 | N O VE M B E R 2 02 3

sustaining practices to support social emotional and academic learning, literacy, digital accessibility and fluency, inclusion, and equity for historically marginalized students, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners. It also offered a wide array of workshops, panel discussions, vendor floor, a raffle, and featured speakers, including a keynote conversation with Meg Medina, the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Thank you to the companies on the following pages for supporting these events!

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Tools, trends and experiences in esports education Virtual | November 9, 2023 | 11:00am - 5pm ET AV Technology, Systems Contractor News, and Tech & Learning are co-hosting this one-day virtual conference alongside event partners National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), and the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF). Designed for esports decision-makers from K-12 and higher education, and pro AV/IT professionals, these engaging and informative sessions explore the trends, tools, and experiences in esports & education.

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