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Over the past few years, we have seen many changes in education. We live and teach in an increasingly digital world that involves rapid technological advancements through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). The technologies are not only impacting our lives as educators, but they are also impacting the world of work that our students will enter.

To best prepare our students, educators must constantly adapt and evolve to keep up with these changes. However, there are challenges associated with these technologies, including a lack of professional learning opportunities, insufficient time to participate, and uncertainty about the best options for learning. Bringing in new technology can also feel like adding to an already overflowing plate. 

Beyond the basic technology skills that educators need for everyday teaching, they also need to be knowledgeable about emerging technologies, particularly AI, and how to bring them into their classrooms. Over the past five years, my work has focused on collaborating with teachers to get them started with emerging technology—including, more recently, AI. Here are some things that work when designing AI-related professional learning.

AI Professional Development for Educators

Professional development (PD) focused on implementing classroom technology goes beyond simply training educators in how to use it and apply it to their curriculum. It requires rich and personalized learning experiences that will engage educators and enable them to see the possibilities available for amplifying learning through educational technology. 

Building knowledge in an area such as AI and other emerging technologies takes time with consistent and guided exploration. It also requires that educators be able to explore a variety of resources to find what best meets their specific needs. Without support, teachers are less likely to dive into these new technologies, especially if they do not see the relevance to their content area. 

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About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, and her research focus was on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of ten books, including ‘What The Tech? An Educator’s Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More” and ‘How To Teach AI’. In addition, other books include, “In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X at @Rdene915

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