Integrating AI for Transformative Learning in K-12 Schools

Self-paced

What You Should Know About This Course:

As we navigate the ongoing changes AI brings to education, this course is a living resource that grows with collective insights from various fields and contributors, including K-12 teachers and administrators like you. It's designed to engage educators at all levels, focusing on the practical application in the classroom and the direct impact on students. We hope this course facilitates a space where diverse educational voices can unite to enhance the learning journey. Your participation is vital, offering numerous interactive moments to contribute your knowledge and ideas. Our aim is to empower you to address the pressing questions AI raises in education and to foster collaborative learning. By doing so, we can confidently support students and adapt our teaching strategies in this evolving educational environment.

Course Goals:

As we embark on this educational adventure, our course goals are designed to inspire and challenge you. We aim to not only impart knowledge but to transform the way you think about and interact with technology. Our vision is to empower you to become a pioneer in integrating GenAI into your teaching, fostering a learning environment that is innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

Define AI and its relevance to K12 education.
Address challenges and ethical considerations.
Recognize practical applications of AI in teaching and learning.
Evaluate the outcomes of AI integration.

Stopwatch

This self-paced, asynchronous online course has an estimated total duration of approximately 8-10 hours. Once you complete this Getting Started module, you will unlock the course which consists of 6 engaging and interactive instructional units. The units are designed to be completed in the order presented to prepare you for subsequent content. However, you are welcome to navigate between units as needed, ensuring a flexible learning experience. Earn the digital badge by participating in all 6 discussions, one in each unit, scoring 100 percent on all 6 quizzes, and submitting the culminating capstone project.

Course Content:

Module 1: What is AI? Understanding AI in Education

In this foundational unit, we explore the essence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its burgeoning role in the educational sphere. You'll gain a solid understanding of AI concepts, demystifying the technology and its applications. We'll examine how AI can be a powerful tool for personalizing learning, automating administrative tasks, and providing insights through data analysis. This unit sets the stage for a deeper dive into the practicalities and ethics of AI in education, preparing you to harness its potential responsibly and creatively.

Module 2: Safe and Ethical Considerations

This unit delves into the critical aspects of safety and ethics in the context of GenAI in education. Participants will engage with content that addresses the challenges of academic integrity risks and privacy concerns associated with AI. The unit aims to equip educators with the knowledge to develop classroom policies and guidelines for responsible AI use, evaluate the reliability of AI-generated content and tools, and discuss the impact of GenAI on student creativity. The unit will also briefly touch on issues of student equity when it comes to accessing cutting-edge technology.

Module 3: Information Literacy and Critical Thinking

In this unit, we delve into the vital skills of information literacy and critical thinking in the age of GenAI. You'll learn to discern the inaccuracies and biases in AI-generated content and understand the importance of teaching these skills to students. The unit emphasizes the need for educators to guide students in navigating the vast information landscape shaped by AI, fostering a classroom culture that values evidence-based reasoning and thoughtful analysis. Prepare to empower your students with the tools to critically evaluate information and make informed decisions in a technology-driven world. Learning to craft effective prompts is a crucial skill in the age of AI, as it allows educators to guide AI tools to generate desired outcomes and enhance the learning experience for students. This unit will also provide you with the strategies and insights needed to create prompts that are clear, purposeful, and aligned with your educational objectives. By mastering this skill, you will be able to leverage AI's capabilities to their fullest potential, fostering an environment of innovation and engagement in your classroom.

Module 4: Utilizing AI for Teaching and Administration

This unit focuses on the practical application of AI tools in teaching and administrative tasks. Educators will discover how AI can streamline workflow, enhance lesson planning, and provide personalized student learning experiences. The unit covers various AI platforms and tools that can aid in automating routine tasks, allowing teachers to focus more on student engagement and instruction. It also explores the potential of AI in data analysis and decision-making processes within the school administration. By the end of this unit, participants will be equipped with the skills to leverage AI technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their educational roles.

Module 5: Exploring AI Tools for Student Learning

This unit is an exciting exploration of AI tools that can enhance student learning experiences. Educators will learn about the variety of AI applications available that can support student engagement, creativity, and understanding in new and innovative ways. The unit will cover how these tools can be used to create interactive and dynamic learning environments, tailor content to individual learning styles, and provide students with hands-on experience with AI technology. By the end of this unit, educators will be equipped with the knowledge to integrate AI tools into their curriculum, fostering an environment of curiosity and innovation among their students.

Module 6: Assessment and Evaluation

In this unit, we delve into the critical components of assessment and evaluation within the AI-enhanced learning environment. Educators will learn to design and implement effective assessment strategies that leverage AI tools to provide timely and personalized feedback to students. The unit will cover various methods of evaluating student understanding and progress, ensuring that assessments are fair, inclusive, and aligned with learning objectives. By the end of this unit, participants will be adept at using AI to support a continuous cycle of learning and improvement, fostering a culture of achievement and accountability in their classrooms. Evaluating the efficacy of AI integration in your classroom involves not only observing the immediate impact on student engagement and learning outcomes, but also tracking the long-term benefits and adaptability of AI tools in enhancing the educational experience. It's crucial to continuously evaluate and refine the use of AI to align with your instructional objectives and the evolving needs of your students.

Digital Badging:

You can earn the AI Educator Extraordinaire badge by completing six (6) discussions (one per unit), scoring 100 percent on all 6 quizzes, and submitting the culminating capstone project. Participants who successfully complete all requirements will receive the AI Educator Extraordinaire digital badge.

For your final project submission, you will have two options:

You can complete a fully developed lesson plan that integrates AI using the template provided.
Alternatively, you can record a 3-5 minute video reflection on an activity in which you used AI.

Along the way, you can also earn mini-badges that signify your progress towards becoming an educator who understands and effectively uses AI in teaching, learning, and administrative activities.

Unit 1: Educational AI Explorer

Unit 2: Ethical AI Advocate

Unit 3: AI Information Literacy Champion

Unit 4: AI Administrative Enthusiast

Unit 5: AI Learning Innovator

Unit 6: AI Assessment Architect

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License the Course for Your School or District

By licensing the course for your campus, your colleagues will have access to cutting-edge content and discussions that will allow them to collaborate with educators at other schools across your district, state, and even country. To inquire about licensing opportunities for non-Auburn audiences, contact Asim Ali in the Biggio Center.

Full course description