Why Should Educators Dive into AI Teaching with EdTech Cheer 2023?

Written by Sarah Wood, Education Technology Consultant for Kent ISD

“Who is the best teacher in the world?

It is not a human.

It is not a computer.

The greatest teacher in the world is a human using technology to its full potential.”

–Eric Curts, 2023

‘Tis the season for EdTech Cheer, and this year’s theme will not disappoint – Artificial Intelligence (AI). Educators have a lot of responsibilities, and learning about AI is an added task to stay on top of technology trends that impact teaching and learning, making it a stressful time of year. However, EdTech Cheer is here to spread joy by giving, sharing, and learning, hopefully providing clarity to otherwise frosty thinking.

The Transformative Power of AI in Education

AI is continually proving to be a transformative force in education. Understanding AI enables educators to harness its power to personalize learning, adapt teaching strategies, and make data-informed decisions. It equips them with the tools to prepare students for a technology-driven future. It ensures they remain competitive and adaptable in the evolving educational landscape. As an educator, embracing AI as a valuable teaching and learning tool is vital in providing the best possible learning experiences and preparing students for success in THEIR futures.

Creating Digital Learning Experiences

Several years ago, Kent ISD developed the “IT Tool” and worked with a group of local educators to develop 16 courses that focused on core curriculum. These 16 courses were largely designed to be used  as “in-class” resources and assessments that lived within this new tool.

Fast forward to today, the IT Tool is now Kickstand System’s Edify, a learning management system with over 53 pre-built K-12 courses to be used by a teacher and their students.  The most recent initiative is to take the existing courses and adapt them so that they can be delivered as an  online learning experience.

Kent ISD Reboots Webinar Format

“NSDC believes that educators learn most effectively when they are provided adequate time during their work day to learn and collaborate together to accomplish a school’s mission and goals. Many educators, however, are uncertain how to find time for any additional tasks during the work day given the sometimes seemingly overwhelming tasks they face already.” (Finding Time for Professional Learning, NSDC National Staff Development Center)

Overcoming Barriers

Time is one of the main barriers for educators to implement professional learning. Schools that are making time usually do so in one of three ways. They use available time, buy time, or create time.