Welcome to the exciting world of AI in education! This blog will dive into how teachers can harness the power of artificial intelligence to create efficiencies, fun projects, and innovative programs for their students. In the July 2024 webinar, AI: My New Best Friend in the Classroom, hosted by EVERFI as part of its 5th annual LearnOn Conference, Allison Bacon, an instructional technology coordinator, shares her journey and insights on making AI a valuable ally in the classroom.
Embracing AI for Classroom Efficiency
Allison Bacon, with her extensive experience in education, has found AI to be a game-changer in her teaching approach. She highlights how AI can assist in planning and content creation, making the teaching process more efficient and effective. For instance, using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, teachers can generate lesson plans, create exemplars, and develop resources quickly and easily.
Fun Projects and Programs with AI
AI isn’t just about efficiency; it’s also about creativity and fun! Allison shares how she uses AI to design engaging projects and programs for her students. One of her favorite tools is Magic School, which helps create interactive and immersive learning experiences. Additionally, AI-powered platforms like Brisk offer innovative ways to incorporate technology into the classroom, making learning more exciting for students.
Using AI to Support Translation and Accessibility
One of the most impactful uses of AI in education is its ability to support translation and accessibility. Allison’s district has a significant immigrant population, and AI tools have been invaluable in breaking down language barriers. AI-powered translation services help ensure that all students, regardless of their language background, can access and understand the curriculum. This inclusivity is crucial for creating an equitable learning environment.
AI in Personal Life: A Gateway to Professional Use
Allison emphasizes the importance of dabbling with AI in personal life to understand its potential fully. This helps overcome AI anxiety and apprehensiveness about integrating AI in your classroom. She uses AI for various tasks, such as meal planning and organizing vacation destinations, which saves her time and reduces stress.
By experiencing the benefits of AI in personal life, teachers can better appreciate its value and find creative ways to integrate it into their professional lives. As teachers become more comfortable with AI, they can gradually introduce it into their teaching practices. The key is to view AI as a supportive tool that enhances, rather than replaces, the human touch in education.
Practical AI Tips for Teachers
To help teachers get started with AI, Allison offers some practical tips:
- Start with Simple Tools: Begin with user-friendly AI tools like ChatGPT for generating lesson plans and resources.
- Explore AI for Personal Use: Use AI for everyday tasks to understand its capabilities and build confidence.
- Leverage AI for Translation: Utilize AI-powered translation services to support students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- Create Fun Projects: Incorporate AI into creative projects to make learning more engaging and interactive.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest developments in AI to continually find new ways to enhance your teaching.
By embracing AI, teachers can unlock new possibilities and elevate their teaching to new heights. So, why not make AI your new best friend in the classroom?
Want to learn more? View the full webinar here: AI: My New Best Friend in the Classroom.
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Webinar participants:
Allison Bacon, Coordinator of Instructional Technology
Allison Bacon has been an educator for more than twenty years. She began her career as an 8th grade ELA teacher in East Harlem, NYC and after four years moved to the Ossining Union Free School District. She has been a middle school ELA teacher, a technology coach and now serves as the Coordinator of Instructional Technology for the Ossining UFSD. Allison is a ISTE Certified Educator and Community Leader, a NYSCATE Influencer, a Certified Google Trainer and a LHRIC TELL award winner. She believes that technology integration can help to create a more equitable classroom and that Artificial Intelligence will revolutionize education. Outside is education, Allison is a wife of 18 years, a mother to an amazing 9 year old, a painter and dancer.
Jonathan Barnes, EVERFI Education Success Specialist
Jonathan is a native Ohioan, award-winning speaker, and honors graduate of THE Ohio State University. Prior to working at EVERFI, Jonathan was a museum professional specializing in STEM education programming and educator training and development. Outside of his professional world, he is passionate about video games, pop culture, hockey, and pizza. He lives on the near South Side of Chicago with his wife and sons… who look exactly like him… minus the beard.