5 More AI Back-To-School Steps For Educators

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As educators return to school, so does AI. Some are excited by the opportunities that tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini create. Others are terrified by the concerns they bring. A lot are just confused.

In part one of this article, we explored how to take your first steps. Now, it's time to go beyond. I've gathered five further insights from teachers who are sprinting ahead. They're using AI to enhance their classrooms and supercharge their work. They want to show you how to get started.

Let’s continue our journey from AI novice to AI educator.

6. Cultivate Digital Street Smarts

Being tech-savvy isn't enough. We need to be AI-savvy, equipped with the critical thinking skills to navigate this new digital landscape. Then, we can show our students how to do the same.?

Matthew Wemyss, assistant school director at Cambridge School of Bucharest in Romania, cuts to the chase: "Teach students to use it practically, responsibly, ethically and wisely." It's not just about using AI, it's about using it right.

Harriet Benbow, education support officer from PKC in Scotland, adds a crucial point: "Teach critical thinking skills as not everything produced by AI is accurate." In a world where AI can generate convincing but false information, the ability to question and verify becomes a superpower.

7. Guard Your Digital Fort

In our rush to embrace AI, let's not leave the digital drawbridge down. Protecting student data is essential.

Nicole A. Bond, supervisor of educational technology at Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 in Pennsylvania, puts it bluntly: "Be mindful of their privacy and security first." Before you introduce any new AI tool, make sure you've got your digital armor on. Work with your school's IT and data protection teams.

Georgia Maneta, an EFL educator from Neron in Greece, echoes this sentiment: "Make sure to protect your students' personal data." In the AI gold rush, data privacy is non-negotiable.

8. Tailor-Made Learning

Imagine if you could clone yourself to give each student personalized attention. With AI, you can do the next best thing.

Daniela T?rnovan from CUNY, USA, paints an exciting picture: "Use AI-powered tools to provide real-time feedback and gradually explore how it can modify and redefine your teaching, like creating personalized learning experiences." It's not about replacing your teaching—it's about amplifying it.

Selen Erkan, from TED Bodrum Middle School in Turkey, offers practical advice: "Choose AI tools that align with your teaching style and curriculum." The key is to find AI tools that enhance your unique teaching flair, not cramp it.

9. Keep It Human

In all this talk of artificial intelligence, let's not forget about your irreplaceable human intelligence.

Aaron Maurer, STEM lead at Mississippi Bend AEA in Iowa, reminds us: "We must not forget that the one thing we cannot automate are human relationships." Your empathy, your passion, your ability to inspire is the secret sauce no AI can replicate.

Heather Lister, media specialist and STEM teacher from Camp Hill School District in Pennsylvania, offers a reassuring perspective if you are reluctant: "You don't have to use AI and you aren't any less of a teacher if you don't."?

10. Never Stop Learning

In the fast-paced world of AI, standing still could be the same as moving backward. The key to staying ahead? Continuous learning and collaboration.

Bernadette Doherty, from Curriculum for Tomorrow in the UK, encourages a community approach: "Share your discoveries with colleagues and enjoy the collective growth that comes from working together." Your AI journey doesn't have to be a solo expedition.

Trey Conatser, director of CELT at the University of Kentucky, puts it succinctly: "Seek community for sharing and support." In the AI era, your most valuable resource might just be the teacher next door.

Selen Erkan offers another practical tip: "I would suggest staying informed by following reliable newsletters and experts in the field, regularly keeping up with trustworthy training courses." In the AI world, your learning never stops.

As we navigate this new educational landscape, these strategies can help educators not just adapt but thrive.?

If you missed part one of this article, click here to get direct access.

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