Tag artificial intelligence

Start the New School Year with Nous AI from MatataStudio!

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth 1 Comment

In collaboration with MatataStudio EDU, Opinions are my own

The Nous AI Set is one of MatataStudio’s standout products. I have used all of their other great products in my classroom and have been amazed by what you can do with the Nous Set!

I had a chance to stop by their booth while attending and presenting at ISTE 2024 in Denver. It was awesome to see all of their fabulous products for students of all ages! It was also great to speak with their amazing team and learn about the options and new resources that are coming from MatataStudio for students! Thank you, Vivian!

[At the booth during ISTE, so many awesome learning resources to explore!]

Nous AI is designed to provide students with an understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and enable them to build their knowledge through the various activities they can choose from and complete independently! What makes Nous different is its modular design. Students can choose how to design it, which allows it to support a variety of AI technologies and functions. Students can learn about machine learning, neural networks, machine vision, speech recognition, and autonomous driving capabilities, and more. It also offers tools like MatataChat and a range of other AI applications that are available right on its touchscreen.

The robot comes with a metal structure, and it is also compatible with building block structures, so it is a versatile tool for boosting creativity and problem-solving in its assembly and through robotics projects. The expandable electronic module system allows students to customize and enhance their projects, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity and leading to more authentic learning. Whether it’s programming with graphical interfaces or diving into Python programming, the Nous AI Set provides students with a comprehensive platform to explore the world of AI and have fun while doing so.

Engaging in Design and Engineering Thinking

What I appreciate about the Nous AI Set is how it encourages students to engage in design and engineering thinking, which helps them develop a greater interest in the learning process. In my classroom, I’ve seen students become deeply involved in designing, building, and testing their projects. A hands-on approach to learning is essential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for future careers in STEM fields and beneficial in so many areas.

The Nous AI Set allows students to iterate on their designs, test different solutions, and refine their projects as they go. This iterative process is key to helping students build essential skills such as resilience and problem-solving. When students learn to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as obstacles, it provides them with skills that will benefit them now and as they prepare for the future. By focusing on the learning process rather than just the final product, students develop a deeper understanding of the principles of engineering and design.

Why should you explore Nous AI?

The Nous AI Robot is a transformative tool for STEAM education and works well in any classroom. MatataStudio offers options for each grade band and provides educators with a comprehensive and engaging way to teach AI and coding to all students. Its modular design, dual programming capabilities, and extensive learning resources make it suitable for students of varying skill levels and interests.

There are many possibilities, and with the Nous AI Set, we can help better prepare students for the future. As an educator who has seen the great impact on student collaboration in building the robot and the ideas that students generated, I recommend the Nous AI Robot for any classroom looking to incorporate AI and robotics into their curriculum, especially as a fun, impactful way to start a new school year! And explore new ideas and challenges throughout the year.

Whether you have years of experience or are new to teaching AI and coding, the Nous AI Robot provides the tools and resources to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment. The focus on hands-on learning and building connections to real-world applications ensures that students not only learn but also experience the exciting world of AI and robotics. There are so many tutorials available to help educators and students get started!

Real-World Applications

The Nous AI Robot is not just a learning tool; it also provides students with insights into real-world AI applications. For example, students can dive in and learn about AI through its activities focused on image recognition, speech recognition, and autonomous driving. Students can see how AI technologies are used in everyday life. These opportunities help students see the relevance of what they are learning, and hopefully, it will inspire them to pursue careers in AI and technology. It is so easy to use with its programmable touchscreen, which sparks curiosity for learning!

Project-based learning (PBL) is a great way to engage students in authentic, meaningful, and real-world learning. It is an essential component of the Nous AI curriculum. Students engage in projects that require them to build and then apply their knowledge of AI, programming, and engineering. The projects help reinforce AI concepts through practical application, which makes learning more effective, memorable, and fun for all students!

The Right Resources for Educators

MatataStudio doesn’t just provide innovative tools—they also offer fantastic learning resources to support educators and students. Educators can access online tutorials and curriculum guides, and various professional development resources are available. MatataStudio ensures that educators have everything they need to effectively integrate the Nous AI Set into their classrooms. These resources are invaluable in helping educators guide their students through the various functionalities of the robot, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of AI and programming.

I had a chance to explore these guides, and everything educators need to get started is available!

The curriculum guides provided by MatataStudio align with CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards, as well as the 5 Big Ideas in AI, ensuring that the content is relevant and aligned with best practices in education.

As a STEAM educator who greatly values bringing STEM to all classrooms and learning about AI, I appreciate the resources provided because they are incredibly helpful for educators who want to plan and deliver lessons that are engaging and educational for all students.

With these options, educators don’t have to worry about spending a lot of time looking for the right resources and lessons to dive in. MatataStudio provides everything you need to get students started and let them take the lead! Create and innovate in our classrooms!

About the Author:

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 and served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. She was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024 by EdTech Digest, 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 nine books including ‘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 your event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

A look back at AI in education

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

 

A slight update of my first post on AI in 2018. Image above generated by AI.
 

Over the past seven years, I have focused on learning more about artificial intelligence. Initially I thought I understood the meaning of  AI. But I did not.

In early 2018, I noticed that AI was becoming an increasingly popular topic of discussion in the blogs that I was reading and in social media posts. When I first started thinking of AI, I had a flashback to the 2004 movie I, Robot, which starred Will Smith. In the movie, set in 2035, robots filled public service positions and were able to think like humans and take action. Then, I thought about virtual assistants such as Alexa and Siri. But what is AI, and how do we use it daily?

What is AI?

A quick Google search turns up more than 615 million results. AI is computer code that displays some form of intelligence, learning and problem-solving in what has been referred to as a “super intelligence.” AI “learns” on its own, and makes adjustments and improvements based on past iterations. As AI becomes “smarter,” its knowledge base grows, and it is able to complete more tasks. Digging a little deeper, I found #AskAboutAI, a research project launched by Getting Smart, which identified over 100 applications of AI.

Shehzad Najib, CEO and co-founder of Kinteract, told me a few years ago: “You shouldn’t notice that AI is working. You should notice that life is easier and you’re saving time.”

Keep that in mind. Here are a few ways that we interact with AI daily:

  • Communication: We all use email and receive a lot of spam. AI is used to streamline the amount of spam allowed through filters, and it continues to learn over time as you mark items as spam.
  • Travel: If you use driving apps such as Uber or Lyft, you have experienced machine learning, a form of AI that determines your estimated arrival time. In the airline industry, “human-steered” flight time is estimated to be about seven minutes, leaving the rest to autopilot, which is AI.
  • Social networks: Most people are engaging in some form of social media use. Years ago, Facebook shared results of how AI successfully detects spam but was not as successful at detecting hate speech or cyberbullying. When photos are used in social media, AI uses facial detection to suggest a name for photo tagging. If you’ve wondered how it recognizes your friends and family without even typing a name into the platform. It learns over time.
  • Shopping: Many people use Amazon and similar services. They are quite helpful, and who doesn’t appreciate it when suggestions are provided for other items of interest? AI analyzes your prior data and makes decisions based on your preferences over time.
  • Fraud protection: When making purchases online or in person, systems analyze your purchasing trends and locations and can immediately flag and send alerts for unusual transactions.

Were you familiar with all of these AI uses? Thinking back to Shehzad’s statement, these do save time and often go unnoticed because they are just performing what they have been programmed to do.

What can AI do for education?

One of the most interesting articles that I read during my initial research, came from an article in Forbes, which highlighted 10 ways to use AI in education. Looking at these, how much has changed? Remember, this article is from nearly 10 years ago, which was the original post before its update in 2017.

  1. AI can automate basic activities in education, such as grading.
  2. Educational software can be adapted to student needs.
  3. AI can point out places where courses need improvements.
  4. AI tutors can help support students.
  5. AI-driven programs can give students and educators helpful feedback.
  6. AI is altering how we find and interact with information.
  7. AI could change teachers’ roles.
  8. AI can make trial-and-error learning less intimidating.
  9. Data powered by AI can change how schools find, teach, and support students.
  10. AI could change where students learn, who teaches them, and how students acquire basic skills.

Regardless of the technology we choose to explore and use in education, we have to focus on the technology’s purpose. What are the benefits of using AI? Is it practical to use AI?

Time is always a consideration, and when it comes to providing authentic, meaningful, and personalized learning experiences for our students, we need to make the most of it. AI can make an impact here.

For example, students and teachers can connect and have instant access to resources that meet their specific needs. AI will make decisions based on responses and interactions.

AI can save teachers time in grading and help to provide differentiated instruction that adjusts as students continue to work through class materials. AI analyzes data faster, so teachers can act on it faster and, again, have more time to work with students.

We must actively explore the resources that are being shared in the education world today. There are many blogs, books, podcasts, webinars, and other learning opportunities for educators.  We have so many digital tools available to choose from. Have fun exploring but be mindful of not just the possibilities, but always focus on our responsibilities as educators. 

If you want to learn more, check out recent Edutopia and Getting Smart blogs. Many AI books are available, including my recent book. Keep on learning and growing, and don’t be afraid of not being the expert. We are all learning as we go!

About the Author:

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 nine books including ‘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 your event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

*

Effective Professional Development on AI

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Over the past few years, we have seen many changes in education. We live 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 impacting the world of work 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 when it comes to these technologies: a lack of professional learning opportunities, not enough 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 every day teaching, they also need to be knowledgeable about emerging technologies, particularly AI, and how to bring them into their classrooms. With these technologies impacting our work, especially with the capabilities of AI to generate content and concerns about the impact of this technology on our work, it is essential that educators receive training. 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 focused on implementing classroom technology goes beyond simply training educators 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 for amplifying learning through educational technology.

Continue reading the original post via Edutopia

About the Author:

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 nine books including ‘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 your event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

Nous AI Set: A Transformative Tool for Middle School STEAM Education

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with MatataStudio EDU, All opinions are my own

When it comes to STEAM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), especially in the past year and a half, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics has increased. AI can no longer be thought of as a passing fad or trend; instead, it is a necessity for students in all classrooms.

For many years, I didn’t think I could bring these opportunities to my students; however, I have realized that to best prepare all students, every educator needs to include activities that help students develop their skills in these growing areas.

As a Spanish and STEAM teacher, I bring in a variety of learning experiences for all students to engage in innovative learning opportunities. Over the past three years, we have really enjoyed working with the robots and coding resources from MatataStudio, and we were thrilled to get the newest model, the Nous AI Set! My motivation for selecting this was the focus on AI, one of my key areas of interest for the past seven years! I also love seeing how students respond to the new tools we use, how they dive in and collaborate, and what they create! Remember, we just need to get them started and then see where the learning journey takes them and learn from their experiences, too!

With Matata, we started by testing the Tale-Bot Pro, VinciBot, and now Nous AI Set. What I value the most is that there are tools for all learners of all levels. Even though I teach an 8th-grade STEAM class, we still explore the different robots to understand the students’ learning experience. Now, we are excited about the Nous AI Set and the variety of ways you can build and learn from it!

What is Nous AI?

The Nous AI Set is a modular AI educational tool that will revolutionize how educators teach their students about coding and AI. As an 8th-grade STEAM educator, I had the opportunity to explore this innovative tool. It is always fun to dive in and see the benefits and then share our learning with other educators. It helps others know what to expect and how to get started, answers some common questions, and hopefully provides some ideas, too! We will look at its capabilities, its educational value, and how it can be a game-changer in the classroom.

Benefits and Features

The Nous AI Set will support comprehensive AI education for both primary and secondary schools. It offers a wide range of AI technologies and functionalities. This robot is designed to be suitable for students aged 12 and up. The focus areas for working with the Nous AI Set are for developing computational and design thinking skills and problem-solving skills. In addition to these 21st-century and in-demand skills, it will also help students develop their digital literacy skills, which are essential in today’s advancing digital world.

Key Features and Capabilities of the Nous AI Set

Modular Design and Compatibility

At first, I did not realize the different options for creating the robot. With the Nous AI Set, multiple options are available. It has a highly modular design that is compatible with various structures and electronic modules. Through different options, it helps to spark creativity and allows students to build and program a wide range of projects. Whether students design simple robots or dive into creating more complex AI-driven tasks, the possibilities are endless! And student engagement and motivation in learning increases!

Programming that meets your needs!

Something that I really appreciate about the Nous AI Set is its dual programming capability. Beginners can start with block-based programming (Blockly) to learn basic AI functions such as face detection and image classification. As they progress, students can transition to text-based programming (Python), exploring advanced AI concepts like machine learning, neural networks, and autonomous driving.

[We built it this way first]

Teach students about Machine Learning

MatataStudio’s Nous AI Set covers fundamental AI topics, including machine learning, computer vision, and speech recognition. It supports AI model training and data collection. When students learn through a more hands-on approach, they can connect with and understand complex AI concepts by engaging in practical application and meaningful and relevant learning. Working together, they develop these essential skills and have fun learning!

[Trying to figure out how to assemble it, letting students take the lead!]

The Right Resources!

MatataStudio provides extensive learning resources for all of its products. Educators know that they are supported through access to online tutorials, e-books, and even video-based courses. The resources are beneficial because not only do they support educators, but they also help guide students through the various functionalities of the robot, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of AI and programming.

Engaging in Design and Engineering Thinking

The Nous AI Set’s design encourages students to think, process information, solve problems, and think like engineers. Students can design and build their projects, test different solutions, and iterate on their designs. We want students to focus on the ongoing learning process rather than a finite product. This learning process promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for future engineers, scientists, and other in-demand STEM-related fields.

What I love about the Nous AI Set is that there are so many choices available and tutorials to help you get started! See some examples below.

Improving Digital Literacy

Being digitally literate is crucial in today’s digital age. By using the Nous AI Set, students improve their digital literacy by engaging in programming and AI applications. They have opportunities to learn how to use technology creatively and responsibly, which will best prepare them for future digital challenges.

From passive to active learning!

The Nous AI Set offers a variety of interactive activities that make learning more engaging and fun. Students shift from being consumers of learning to becoming more active creators. Activities like MatataChat and MatataDraw allow students to explore basic computer vision and speech recognition. These activities lead to discussions between students and will spark curiosity about learning. The activities are not only educational but also highly engaging, keeping students motivated and interested.

[Working on a project and following the steps closely to see all of its capabilities.]

Real-World Applications

The Nous AI Set is not just a learning tool; it also provides students with insights into real-world AI applications. For instance, through activities involving image recognition, speech recognition, and autonomous driving, students can see how AI technologies are used in everyday life. This exposure helps them understand the relevance of what they are learning and inspires them to pursue careers in AI and technology.

Why should you explore Nous AI?

There are so many possibilities, and with the Nous AI Set, we will better prepare students for the future. As an educator who has seen the collaboration in building and the ideas that students generated, I recommend the Nous AI Set for any classroom looking to incorporate AI and robotics into their curriculum.

About the Author:

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 nine books including ‘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 your event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

A Huge Opportunity for Adult Education: Preparing and Navigating an AI-Driven Future

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post by @MattRhoads1990 Matthew Rhoads, Ed.D.

As generative AI continues to evolve and reshape the way we work, the need for a workforce that can thrive in this new landscape is becoming increasingly apparent. How can we ensure that adult white-collar workers are equipped with the necessary digital, data, and AI literacy skills to meet the needs of businesses and communities? One promising solution lies in adult school CTE programs that focus on reskilling and upskilling adults for the AI-driven future. With an emphasis on lifelong learning and adaptability, these programs can serve as a catalyst for expanding adult education and bridging the skills gap.

The New Landscape of Adult Ed

As we navigate a world of AI, adult education has an opportunity to provide non-credit and credential programs that prioritize digital, data, and AI literacy. These programs can be in various forms, from short-term, intensive courses to flexible online, blended, and in-person learning options. What does this mean for adult learners? With an array of choices at their fingertips, they can now customize their learning experience to align with their needs, interests, and professional goals to meet the ever-evolving world, which will require consistent retooling and upskilling.

Let’s jump into one example of this that is happening now. The Los Angeles Valley College offers a “Data Science Bootcamp,” an intensive, hands-on program designed to equip adult learners with the skills needed to analyze, visualize, and interpret data in today’s data-driven world. Programs like this demonstrate the immense potential of adult education in preparing workers for the future.

Tailoring Programs to Local Communities

To maximize their impact, adult CTE programs must be tailored to the unique needs of local industries and communities. By understanding the specific demands of their region, adult education providers can design relevant and effective programs that truly resonate with learners.

Take, for instance, the partnership between the San Francisco Adult School and local tech companies. By collaborating with these businesses, the adult school has been able to create a curriculum that addresses the specific skills needed for employment in the thriving local tech industry. This close collaboration ensures that students gain the most relevant skills for their local job market while businesses benefit from a more skilled and prepared workforce.

Emphasizing Lifelong Learning in Adult Education

As the world of AI and technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, becoming a lifelong learner is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. Adult CTE programs must prioritize fostering a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning among their students.

One way to achieve this is by creating learning environments that encourage curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. For example, an adult education program might incorporate real-world projects, mentorship, and peer collaboration into its curriculum, allowing students to learn from one another and apply their newly acquired skills in practical contexts.

Section 4: The Role of Adult Education in Bridging the Skills Gap

By reskilling and upskilling adults in digital, data, and AI literacy, adult CTE programs can play a critical role in bridging the skills gap in the workforce. The economic and social benefits of expanding adult education in this area are immense, but realizing this potential requires collaboration between adult education providers, businesses, and governments.

Take, for instance, the initiative launched by the state of California to invest in adult education programs aimed at equipping workers with the skills needed for in-demand jobs in the tech sector. This investment demonstrates the importance of collective efforts to support and invest in adult education as a key solution for the challenges ahead.

Conclusion: Navigating an AI-Driven Culture

As we navigate the AI-driven future, the importance of adult education cannot be overstated. Adult education providers have a unique opportunity to redefine and expand their role in this new landscape. By embracing this challenge, they can help to ensure that our workforce is prepared to thrive in the world of AI.

References

To brainstorm and develop various drafts of the blog, the following prompt was utilized on GPT-4 by Open AI. The AI Generative Response was edited and revised: I am an education innovator in adult education. I am writing a blog post on generative AI and how we will have to re-train the adult white collared workforce to meet the needs of our businesses and communities in the world of AI. The premise of the blog is that adult school CTE programs can offer a wide range of programs that integrate digital, data, and AI literacy to reskill adults in our communities to work in these new work environments. Additionally, we will need to have an emphasis on our programs to teach our students to be lifelong learners where they will have to reinvent themselves often to navigate the world we live in. Focus on how non-credit and credential programs we can offer locally can help solve this program for our local communities. Outline in-depth how this is a huge opportunity to expand adult education – keep this as the central theme.

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!

She is the author of nine books, 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 your event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here

End of the school year? Dive into Brisk Teaching Today!

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with Brisk Teaching, All opinions are my own

The life of an educator is always quite busy! There are so many demands on our days that finding extra time to try something different can be tough! However, when you find out about a great tool that not only helps you to save time and is easy to use but also provides many other benefits that will enhance instruction and impact students, then it’s definitely worth diving into some exploration!

Especially during this school year, which brought even more tools, educators are increasingly turning to technology to streamline workflows and enhance instructional quality. A few months ago, I started exploring something new that I found, and I love sharing it with educators. Brisk Teaching, an AI-powered Chrome extension, is designed specifically for educators! What makes it incredibly powerful is how seamless it is to use. Brisk is not an additional app or tool that you have to manage – it integrates directly into the tools teachers are already using (Google Docs, slides, articles, YouTube videos) to save you time right where you’re already working! Efficiency and productivity with Brisk!

The end of the school year is the perfect time to try out these great features and see how Brisk can save time, help with assessments, and more.

Here’s a look at some of Brisk Teaching’s key features, which are helping educators do more in less time! Brisk’s key features include Content Creation, Feedback, Inspect writing, and Differentiation.

Content Creation

Brisk Teaching is amazing in how it transforms the way educators create their materials. With Brisk, you can quickly transform articles, YouTube videos, Google Docs, and other content into worksheets, quizzes, presentations, and more – right from the original sources. I really enjoy using awesome features like the AI Presentation Maker and AI Lesson Plan Generator, which enable teachers to design high-quality, engaging instructional content in minutes! For example, my favorite option, the AI Presentation Maker, enables educators to convert information obtained from articles, websites, or YouTube videos directly into a Google Slides presentation. The slides are created within minutes, and they automatically save directly in your Google Drive so you can easily change them as you normally would when using Google Slides. It just streamlines the whole process, all possible with a simple prompt, grade level, and design selection. It has been so much fun to demonstrate how quickly the slides are generated from a simple prompt of a few words.

Educators are amazed to see each slide being generated with content, images, and a great layout! Brisk not only simplifies the creation process but also ensures that the content is relevant and engaging for students.

The AI Lesson Plan Generator generates comprehensive plans in alignment with specific teaching objectives, grade levels, and more, which significantly reduces the time that teachers spend on lesson planning. Quickly generate a detailed rubric with the AI Rubric Generator or some Depth of Knowledge (DOK) questions. Brisk Teaching empowers educators to produce a variety of educational resources efficiently, which gives them more time to spend working with students!

Feedback

As we know, feedback is essential for learning. It needs to be authentic, meaningful, and timely. With Brisk Teaching, educators can provide this feedback even faster using the Targeted Feedback Generator. This feature enables educators to provide individualized comments to each student right within the student’s Google Docs.

Additionally, there are several feedback styles to choose from, including Glow & Grow praises and actionable Next Steps. The feedback will help students understand their strengths and identify areas for improvement. For educators, by automating the feedback process, Brisk helps educators keep providing feedback in a time-sensitive manner and promotes more consistent feedback for students. Choosing from the feedback styles can also help foster a supportive learning environment.

Inspect Writing

When you first explore the Inspect Writing feature of Brisk Teaching, seeing the replay of how a student has completed their assignment is really cool. The Inspect Writing feature provides educators with some insight into a student’s writing process, starting with any initial drafts to their final submission. With the replay, educators can develop a greater understanding of how a student approaches their work and can then use this to better target instructional approaches and provide more personalized feedback to better meet student needs and help them to grow.

Inspect writing is also a good way to engage a discussion about academic integrity. I see this as a way to focus on accountability also, especially when working with a group, and also as a way to focus on time management when conducting research or writing.

Differentiation

It is essential that all educators ensure that students have access to the learning materials that best match their reading levels and language needs. Promoting inclusivity is critical, and with Brisk Teaching tools like the Text Leveler and Translate Text Tool, educators can instantly adjust the complexity of texts or translate them into different languages for students. With these options, we can ensure that all classroom materials we use are accessible to students from varying linguistic and academic backgrounds and learning needs.

Why I recommend Brisk

Brisk Teaching is more than just a tool; it provides a comprehensive solution that has been designed by educators for educators. It aims to reduce burnout and enhance instructional effectiveness. It is easy to integrate in the classroom and its key features help to streamline our workflow and save time for us to work more with students and colleagues! As technology continues to evolve, tools like Brisk Teaching will continue to add new features in response to educator and student needs. Stay tuned for some other exciting features coming from Brisk. Brisk Boost for Students coming soon!

Teachers use free! Sign up here: https://www.briskteaching.com/

Check out tips to get started on their PD page: https://www.briskteaching.com/brisk-professional-development-resources

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Empowering Teachers with Conversational AI

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with Kyron Learning, All opinions are my own

As educators, we have access to a wide variety of digital tools to bring into our classrooms. We use these to enhance learning and provide new opportunities for students to build content knowledge, as well as help them to develop essential digital skills. With the right methods and tools, educators are able to achieve the goal of providing the most authentic, meaningful, and personalized learning experiences for all students. Leveraging these resources helps us to do this more efficiently and effectively and enables us to provide timely feedback and support to our students.

Now, with the power of generative AI, there are even more valuable resources available for educators to bring into their classrooms. We can use these tools to enhance the content being taught and also to support students so they learn how to interact with AI responsibly and safely.

Kyron Learning is a revolutionary interactive video learning platform that leverages conversational AI to transform the way educators can support their students. Kyron empowers teachers by saving them time, personalizing instruction, and providing valuable student data. With Kyron, students have access to a personal tutor who works with them as they build their skills in an engaging space. The power of AI helps teachers create interactive lessons that are student-paced and student-focused. As students work through a lesson, it truly feels like a one-on-one tutoring session with a real teacher. Students can ask and respond to questions, engage in further discussions, and receive immediate feedback, all made possible by Kyron’s AI assistant. The “conversational engine” listens to the student’s responses and selects the most appropriate pre-recorded video segment to play next. When you try a Kyron lesson for the first time, you will be amazed at how well it flows!

Using Kyron, teachers can provide additional opportunities for students that give them more individualized learning experiences. It is easy to get started by simply choosing from the many lessons already available for students. Are you teaching math? Explore the lessons available such as “Base Ten,” “Place Value,” or “Comparing Fractions.” You will see the objectives, the number of lessons, and the languages available. You can even choose your tutor! With Kyron, teachers also have access to resources such as blogs and other materials to get them started!

Kyron Studio

Newly available in March, teachers can now create their own lessons for students using Kyron Studio! In addition to what Kyron already provides, with Kyron Studio, teachers can become AI tutors! Educators are also able to share and collaborate on lessons, leveraging the collective expertise of the teaching community. In Kyron Studio, teachers can design multi-modal AI-facilitated tutoring sessions for their students and make them even more personalized.

The sessions can be customized based on each teacher’s curriculum and include videos and visuals. It is a learning experience that engages and helps every learner to understand a concept in an authentic way and at their own pace.

Getting started with Kyron Studio is easy! You simply enter your objectives and provide relevant information about your learners, and a lesson outline with materials and questions will be generated. Once the lesson is generated, teachers can make any changes to the AI-generated content.

Learning with Kyron is fun!

As students work through lessons, they experience those “aha” moments when they finally understand something, and you can see their excitement! It is an engaging learning experience for students and one that also teaches them about purposeful and safe uses of AI. It benefits teachers because they can see students’ progress and support them right when they need it! While we all know technology can’t replicate the relationships between a teacher and a student, Kyron aims to also provide a supportive digital environment where students feel seen and valued.

I worked through several lessons and really enjoyed the experience. It was very different from other interactive lessons and platforms that place students in the lead. To start, I spent time selecting a lesson to dive into and then was surprised that I was able to choose my tutor! I enjoyed testing how my tutor would respond to my answers and questions. I told my tutor that I was confused, entered incorrect answers, and asked for help and more clarification. Each time it responded to me in such a personalized way that helped me to understand. If I got an answer wrong, my tutor provided me with an explanation or another example. It was amazing to see how well it responded to my questions and adjusted similarly to how a teacher would with students in the classroom.

Some of the great features of Kyron are:

Multimodal Learning: Lessons can incorporate videos, images, and text, catering to diverse learning preferences and creating a more engaging experience.

Easy Lesson Creation: Kyron Studio offers an automated and user-friendly interface for educators to build custom AI-powered tutoring sessions.

Educator Choice: Educators control lesson content, can upload their own visuals, and curate the questions and answers, which makes it more authentic for students.

Assessment and Misconception Detection: Kyron identifies student misconceptions during lessons, providing valuable insights for educators to personalize and target instruction.

Focus on Safety and Ethics: Kyron prioritizes student safety by implementing controls and moderation layers to prevent inappropriate interactions.

Commitment to Transparency: User data is anonymized and used ethically to enhance the platform.

Supporting Educators and Students

In an increasingly digital world, especially with the rapid advancements in AI, what I value about Kyron is its approach when it comes to the use of AI and the creation of this platform. The key principles are:

  • Connect, Engage, Encourage: When students complete a lesson, they are supported and receive encouraging feedback during their learning journey.
  • Teach Through Dialogue: The lessons are interactive and fun for students to complete because they are involved in a conversation. Through prompts that promote critical thinking and problem-solving, students can build their skills in ways that meet their pace and specific needs.
  • Work in Concert with Teachers: Kyron provides high-quality, differentiated curriculum and gives teachers access to real-time student progress data. It helps teachers to target instruction and personalize instruction for every student.

There are so many great lessons available to start with, or just dive in and create your own lesson in very little time. I definitely recommend that you try some lessons to experience how unique Kyron is.

Ready to transform your classroom and empower your students? Visit Kyron Learning today at http://app.kyronlearning.com and see how Kyron can help you create a personalized and engaging learning experience for all students!

And if you want to learn more and connect with other educators, Kyron just launched a community for educators called the Visionaries! Educators can join at www.kyronlearning.com/visionaries. Explore the great resources such as tutorials and more!

About the Author:

Rachelle Dené 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 is currently finishing her doctorate with a focus 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 and served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. She was named one of 30 12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021 and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of eight books including ‘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,” and her newest book “Things I Wish […] Knew” is now available at bit.ly/thingsiwishedu.

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

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

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Diving Into Tomorrow: AI’s Role in Revolutionizing Writing Education

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post by Micah Miner @MinerClass

As GenAI tools increasingly shape the spaces where we teach and learn, it’s time to reimagine how we assess student writing. By embracing distributed assessment, we can harness the power of AI to foster growth, safeguard integrity, and center the student experience in a dynamic and exciting way. This shift aims to ensure students get the necessary support and guidance to thrive. Enter distributed assessment, a game-changing strategy that marries the strengths of AI with the irreplaceable insight of human teachers, nurturing student growth, fostering integrity, and sparking engagement in writing.

Unlocking the Potential of Distributed Assessment

Imagine breaking down the essay writing process into smaller, more manageable pieces. With each step, students receive specific feedback, guiding their journey. Picture the structure of a typical 5-paragraph essay. By harnessing AI tools in collaboration with educators, students are enveloped in a tailored support system, one that adjusts to their personal needs and aspirations through every phase of writing. From the initial AI starter that helps students generate a table of contents or starting sentence, to the multiple checkpoints where both AI and human teachers provide feedback and record grades, this distributed approach ensures that students receive timely and tailored support throughout the writing journey.

The Synergy of AI and Educators

What makes distributed assessment stand out is its inherent collaborative spirit. AI excels in offering immediate, precise feedback on the technicalities of writing, and identifying areas for enhancement such as clarity and coherence. Teachers, on the other hand, bring a human touch that AI cannot replicate. They provide in-depth, personalized advice, exploring the reasons behind writing decisions and fostering creativity and analytical thinking. This powerful combination ensures students receive well-rounded feedback throughout the writing journey.

Navigating Through Checkpoints

Gone are the days of assessing an essay only at its conclusion. Distributed assessment introduces a paradigm shift—feedback is integrated at pivotal moments throughout the writing journey. This approach allows students to refine their work continuously, ensuring a polished final piece. It empowers students, offering them the chance to improve with the guidance of both AI and their teachers at crucial intervals, like after drafting their first version or during peer reviews. This method not only bolsters learners but it ensures students receive well-rounded human and AI feedback throughout the writing journey.

Championing Academic Integrity

The rise of AI in writing education brings up valid concerns about academic honesty. Distributed assessment addresses these head-on. By engaging students in a process where drafts are reviewed, and feedback is given regularly, educators can closely follow each student’s writing evolution, identifying any discrepancies early. This ongoing dialogue between students, teachers, and AI tools creates a culture of transparency and accountability that is essential in an era where the lines between human and machine-generated writing are increasingly blurred.

Empowering Learners Every Step of the Way

Perhaps the most significant impact of distributed assessment lies in its ability to transform writing education into a student-centric experience. With ongoing support and feedback, students are better positioned to grasp new concepts, set achievable goals, and actively participate in their learning journey. This shift from focusing solely on grades to fostering growth and introspection encourages students to view writing as an evolving, continual process.

Looking Forward

As AI starts playing a bigger part in how we learn and teach, it’s clear that distributed assessment is becoming a game-changer. It’s all about using this tech to its fullest while keeping things personal and focused on the students. This means teachers can do more than just beef up writing skills; they can help students think more deeply and reflect on their learning, skills that are gold in today’s world. So, let’s dive in, eager to try new things, shift gears when needed, and put our hearts into guiding our students forward.

It is important to note that the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines advocate for a human-centric, equitable, and transparent application of AI in classrooms where humans are in the loop. It is true that we should always remind ourselves as educators of the importance of keeping human relationships, reasoning skills, and ethics at the forefront of educational AI use. AI holds incredible potential to automate mundane tasks, enabling a deeper focus on fostering student relationships and growth. By moving forward with equity and collaboration at the core, we can collectively harness AI’s power to enrich education like never before.

About the Author

Micah Miner – District Administrator Instructional Technology & Social Studies at Maywood, Melrose Park, Broadview School District 89, American Consortium for Equity in Education Contributing Writer, Times 10 Publications Author

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More Ideas to Try in 2024: Reflection

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Part II: Getting students to think about their learning journey

Throughout the year, engaging students in ongoing reflection on what they are learning is essential. One of the five core competencies of social-emotional learning (SEL) is for students to develop self-awareness. It’s also vital for them to build self-management skills to work through challenges that can come with learning, reflect on their growth, and set new goals.

Whether students engage in discussions with classmates or use digital tools to share ideas in a comfortable virtual space, there are many options. We need to get our students to share what they are thinking and take time to reflect on their learning. We also need to model this reflective practice for them. This is essential for academic, personal, and future professional growth. To best prepare students for the future, ongoing reflection is vital.

With an opportunity to reflect, students are able to better understand their thought processes and interests. It helps them to identify areas where they can improve and recognize areas that they are strong in. Creating opportunities for students to share their learning with classmates and with us promotes collaboration, fostering a stronger sense of community in our classrooms. Together, we can create a supportive learning community.

Through the five competencies of SEL, we can help students focus on developing skills of social awareness and building relationships. Students will better understand their own thought processes and deepen their understanding of the content they are learning. However, getting students to share their thoughts and reflect on their learning can be challenging. Here are five ideas for encouraging students to reflect on their learning and share their thoughts.

1.Think-Pair-Share is an activity that doesn’t require much time at all to use and can be very effective. It encourages students to share their ideas, learning experiences, and thoughts with one another. The teacher can provide a short prompt or topic for discussion and then give students time to think individually before pairing up with a partner. Those one-on-one conversations can help students become more comfortable expressing themselves in class. After a certain period of time, each pair can share their thoughts with the class. This strategy will work well without digital tools; however, there are some options to explore.

2. Peer-pairing: To randomly place students in pairs, use a random name generator so students build relationships with their classmates. It is fun to have the names on the big wheel and place students into groups. I have used this also as a way to select the order of presentations. It helps to reduce a bit of the stress with wondering when you have to present and makes it a fun experience.

3. Class sharing: To help students build confidence, use a tool such as Padlet or Flip to have students post ideas on a collaborative board or create audio or video responses. Whatever way we have students “share,” it encourages them to engage in conversation and more active listening. Students learn about different perspectives on a given topic, which promotes the development of social awareness skills.

4. Snorkl is a new AI-powered tool that I found, and I really love the possibilities. Teachers assign an activity and it enables students to record their screen and speak about the work they have done. For example, how they solved a math problem, writing and reading in the language they are learning, describe an image, and so much more. It can be set to provide AI feedback with or without teacher approval. It was fun to try for the first time in my class. Look for more information in an upcoming post.

With the tools that offer audio or video options, it is a more authentic way to learn about the student. Teachers see and hear their students’ thought processes and can then offer more personalized and meaningful feedback to each student.

One extra is for teacher and student reflection. Learning about students’ thoughts about our methods, their comfort in the classroom, and more is important. Last year, I started exploring LessonLoop, which provides anonymous surveys that teachers can issue to students. It provides a rating with explanations based on student engagement, SEL, and comfort in the learning space and provides additional insights. Teachers can then take the information and use it to reflect on their practice and involve students by showing their input is valued through the use of these surveys. LessonLoop also has educators who will prepare some tips for teachers to try!

Whatever method or tools we choose to bring into our classrooms, the goal is still the same: Prepare students for the future with skills that enable them to be flexible and adapt to the changing look of education and work. Reflective practice is a key component of this future preparation!

Author

About the Author:

Rachelle Dené 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 is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader and served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. She was named one of 30 12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021 and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of eight books including ‘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,” and her newest book “Things I Wish […] Knew” is now available at bit.ly/thingsiwishedu.

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

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

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AI Image Wizardry: 8 Tips to Get You Started

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post by Megan Lowe, Passionate Educator, and Tech Enthusiast

Opinions expressed are those of the guest blogger.

Lessons Learned (TL;DR)

  • Push back, refine, reiterate: it takes time!
  • AI image generators have a bias
  • Learn some great tokens
  • Free tools don’t get you too far
  • The race is on; no image generator is superior to all others
  • Engage with the community
  • Count the fingers
  • Check out Kids Think Wide

The Genesis of a Family-Driven Project

In April 2023, our family – comprising two dynamic teenagers, a mom in education, and a tech-savvy husband – embarked on a quest fueled by a simple yet profound question: ‘What great things can we accomplish with AI today?’ This question ignited our passion project, Kids Think Wide.

‘Kids Think Wide’: Born from AI

Our initial challenge was finding a name that echoed our vision and passion, particularly for art. We sought guidance from ChatGPT, which suggested names like ‘kidsthinkingdiversely.com’. However, seeking a more kid-friendly name, we settled on ‘Kids Think Wide’. This title perfectly aligns with our goal of expanding young minds through AI-driven educational tools. AI’s role extended beyond naming; it was instrumental in designing our logo, creating web content, and assisting in coding. Admittedly, AI solutions aren’t flawless – we’ve encountered coding limitations and often diverged from AI suggestions. In this creative process, we learned to embrace the journey and be patient, open to change, and always learning.

Crafting a Universe of AI-Generated Content

‘Kids Think Wide’ is dedicated to fostering a more equitable educational landscape. We are committed to representing everyone, promoting gender equality, and amplifying historically overlooked or unheard voices in engaging and fun ways! We’ve created over 10,000 AI-generated images and published approximately 400 on Kids Think Wide.  A writing prompt and discussion questions accompany each image to help prepare and inspire students to write. Our unique offerings include ‘choose your own adventure’ stories. In these, students collaboratively brainstorm and build ideas for their narratives before selecting from 3 to 5 adventure paths to personalize them, such as:

Additionally, we’ve leveraged the popularity of short-form videos, similar to reels and TikTok, using animated images, or ‘Sparks’, to captivate and spark enthusiasm for creative writing among students.

Our journey with AI also revealed the biases and limitations inherent in image generators. We’ve found it’s easier to create images that involve subjects that are very common online – celebrities, movie scenes, and well-photographed places but getting an accurate representation of a wheelchair can be more challenging. 

AI has allowed us to create scenes that challenge reality:

Journey through time, space, and into other worlds:

Create the fun, wild and whimsical:

The Evolution and Magic of AI-Generated Images

The last nine months have seen dramatic advancement in AI-generated images. The improvement in image quality, accuracy in prompt interpretation, and the ability to adjust specific image elements has been remarkable. Our journey through this dynamic domain has been an exhilarating blend of discovery and creativity. While perfecting an image is usually challenging and time-consuming, the results are frequently astonishing and rewarding. We start simple and slowly build on prompts. The arrangement of phrases and the specific words chosen play crucial roles. However, you can unlock unexpected and extraordinary outcomes through iteration, experimentation, and patience. It helps to know tokens (short phrases that often produce excellent results), e.g., playful mood, cinematic, low Angle shot, bokeh, or Chiaroscuro to name a few! On other occasions, it might require 30, 50, or even more re-rolls and remixes to create an image that genuinely captivates and is worth sharing.

While free tools provide a starting point, they often have limitations; investment in paid resources is usually necessary for more advanced or specific requirements.

As AI image generation rapidly evolves, we find ourselves exploring various tools. Midjourney stands out with its detailed control and often superior imagery, while Adobe Firefly is notable for its dedication to diversity and inclusivity. On the other hand, Dall-E brings a sense of whimsy to its creations. Each platform offers a unique experience. It’s not uncommon to initially admire an image, only to later discover anomalies like an extra limb or oddly placed fingers – the quirks of AI can lead to both amusing distortions and unexpected additions. 

Engage with the AI Community

Our journey has shown us how important connecting with the AI community is. There are many skilled and helpful creators out there. We often turn to Twitter to engage with this community. It’s an excellent place for learning, sharing experiences, and finding support. 

Check out the following: 

Hashtags – #aiart #digitalart #aiartcommunity #promptshare #LeonardoAI #midjourney #ArtificialInteligence 

Creators – @nickfloats, @HBCoop_, @saana_ai, @ProperPrompter, @ciguleva, @techhalla, @madaro_art, @Mr_AllenT, @OrctonAI

Final Thoughts and What’s to Come

‘Kids Think Wide’ has evolved from a simple ‘what if’ conversation into a reality, thanks to AI’s extraordinary capabilities. This concept, unimaginable even nine months ago, has come to life through our family’s collective imagination and AI’s power. We’re excited to unveil more awe-inspiring images, thought-provoking writing prompts, and enhanced interactivity, all while staying at the forefront of AI developments. As ‘Kids Think Wide’ continues to grow, one thing is sure: the best is yet to come, with AI playing a pivotal role in our journey.

You discover a pair of magical headphones in your pocket during recess. When you put them on, every sound around you changes into a beautiful sensation. The bounce of a basketball might feel like a gentle tap on your shoulder, and the teacher’s whistle might look like a rainbow flashing across the sky. Write about your recess experience with these headphones. What sensations do you encounter with the different sounds of recess? How does this magical hearing change how you play and interact with your friends?

Thanks to Megs for the guest post

Rachelle Dené 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 is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader and served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. She was named one of 30 12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021 and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of eight books including ‘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,” and her newest book “Things I Wish […] Knew” is now available at bit.ly/thingsiwishedu.

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

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!