Planning for AI in Schools is a task that every school across the globe is facing right now.
This week, we’re diving deep into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) in education with our special guest, Ryan Findley from Evergreen AI.
As a former teacher and now a co-founder of Evergreen AI, Ryan brings valuable insights into how schools can effectively plan and implement AI to enhance learning and teaching experiences.
This episode is sponsored by EVERFI.
Do you want to equip your students for success in both their careers and personal lives, but find yourself racing against the clock? EVERFI is your go-to solution! Their entire suite of K-12 products aligns with state standards and has earned the prestigious ISTE Seal. These digital lessons are crafted to empower your students to excel in our dynamic world. Engage and inspire with interactive, self-paced lessons, meticulously designed by content experts. From financial literacy and workforce readiness to character building, mental health and prevention education – these lessons are tailored for students across all grade levels. Best of all, thanks to EVERFI’s generous partners, these research-based resources come at no cost to all K-12 schools, districts and students.
➡️ Visit everfi.com/Shake to get started today for free.
Planning for AI in Schools: Curriculum, Teacher PD, and More!
AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s rapidly becoming a crucial component of modern education. With its potential to revolutionize classroom management, streamline administrative tasks, and provide personalized learning experiences, AI is a tool educators can’t afford to ignore. In this episode, Ryan and I discuss why it’s essential for schools to start integrating AI thoughtfully and strategically. Whether you’re a classroom teacher looking for ways to simplify lesson planning or a school administrator concerned with policy and data privacy, this episode offers something for everyone.
*Related: Strategic AI Planning for School Leaders and Districts
AI Student Competencies: Preparing Students for the Future
In this episode, Ryan Findley shares their AI student competencies designed to prepare our students for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. These competencies are intended to ensure that students understand what AI is and how to use it responsibly and ethically–AI Literacy for Students.
From safe use guidelines to hands-on experiences with AI tools, these competencies aim to equip students with the skills they need to navigate and thrive in a world increasingly influenced by AI. By integrating these competencies into the curriculum, schools can foster critical thinking, digital literacy, and ethical decision-making, preparing students for future careers and challenges that lie ahead.
➡️ Access the AI Literacy Curriculum here.
*Related: AI Prompts to Save Teachers Time and Simplify Tasks
Introducing Evergreen AI’s – AI Academy
Ryan introduces Evergreen AI’s latest initiative, the AI Academy, designed to responsibly support school districts in adopting AI technologies. The Academy offers a year-long program aimed at helping educators and administrators develop comprehensive AI policies, provide professional development, and foster student literacy around AI. Through a cohort model, participants learn from Evergreen AI’s faculty and each other, ensuring a well-rounded approach to integrating AI into the educational environment.
Key Areas of Focus
- Policy Development: Ryan emphasizes the importance of having robust, flexible policies that align with the rapid advancements in AI technology. Schools need guidelines that protect student data and outline acceptable uses of AI for both students and staff.
- Professional Development (AI Literacy for Teachers): Educators need ongoing training to stay up-to-date with AI advancements. The AI Academy provides targeted professional development, helping teachers use AI tools effectively in the classroom, from lesson planning to grading.
- Student Literacy (AI Literacy for Students): Preparing students for a future where AI is commonplace is critical. Evergreen AI focuses on helping students understand AI, use it safely, and recognize its impact on their future careers.
Challenges and Considerations
While AI’s opportunities are exciting, addressing the challenges and ethical considerations is crucial. Ryan and I discuss real-world scenarios where AI misuse has led to significant consequences, emphasizing the need for proactive risk mitigation strategies. From deepfake technology to AI-driven cheating, educators must be prepared to handle the complexities of integrating AI into schools.
*Related: AI for Ostriches
Conclusion
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, it’s clear that AI will play an increasingly significant role in education. By starting now, with careful planning and thoughtful implementation, schools can harness the power of AI to enhance learning experiences, support teachers, and prepare students for the future. Listen to the full episode to gain insights from Ryan Findley and learn more about how Evergreen AI is leading the charge in AI education.
🍁 AI Fall Camp – The PERFECT Way to Get Started!
Join us for Fall Camp on October 25-26, a must-attend event for Instructional Leads, Educational Technologists, and School Leaders focused on AI literacy!
Discover the first-ever AI Competency model by Evergreen AI, designed to set practical and safe standards for students in an AI-driven world.
Plus, don’t miss a keynote by Dr. Catlin Tucker on integrating AI through effective pedagogies.
💥 Early Bird Registration is open until September 22nd, and Shake Up Learning community members get $25 off with code SHAKEUPFALL.
➡️ Learn more and register here!
🌟 SAVE on the Evergreen AI Academy!
The AI Academy is a yearlong program that takes districts through an end-to-end AI implementation process, readying your system for the Age of AI.
- Use code = SHAKE for $250 off individual
- Use code = SHAKEUP for $500 off teams
© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.