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Artificial Intelligence Literacy – Understanding AI and Its Implications for Teaching, Learning, and the World

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth 3 Comments

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

Dr. Matt Rhoads is a Tech and Instructional Leader and Innovator with hands in Adult Ed, K-12, and Higher Education. He is the author of several books and is the host of Navigating Education – The Podcast.

By: Matt Rhoads, Ed.D. 

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy? It is comprised of five major components that require us to teach students a wide variety of skills that are integrated with the very technology that has AI embedded in it. AI literacy and its themes encompass perception, representation and reason, learning, natural interaction, and societal impact. All of these factors relate to how computers collect data, interact with that data, and how we as humans can interact with it. These components of AI Literacy are described below as we discuss how AI is impacting our work as educators. From understanding what AI entails to how it impacts our workflow and our practice as educators, it is and will change how we operate. 

Via AIK12 Five Big Ideas in AI

Note: AI Literacy still is being further defined by the greater community as it is an emerging technology that is now being scaled.

The goal of this article is to describe how AI works, and how it is used in industry, in our own personal workflows, and in education. Additionally, the goal is to provide foundational information in each of these areas. Last, as you progress through this article, think about the five themes discussed above in relation to AI Literacy. Think about how this may look in practical examples in your daily life as well as your students. Additionally, think about how you can teach about AI and how to use it in your content area and industry. 

How AI Works? 

AI encompasses a number of tools and mechanisms that analyze data to solve problems through algorithms. Tools and mechanisms such as machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, computer vision, and natural language processing can be utilized as a pathway to AI. For example, machine learning is a pathway that uses algorithms to learn insights and recognize patterns in data automatically. Then, it applies to learning to make better decisions over time based on the number of data processed and data available. Another example is deep learning, which is a more advanced method than machine learning that acts as large neural networks that function like the human brain to analyze data in a logical manner to find and learn complex patterns. Ultimately, its goal is to make logical predictions without the need for human input. 

To see how AI works in your daily life, an example you see every day is text prediction. Using data inputted from users based on the words and phrases utilized over time, while writing a sentence the AI makes an informed prediction of what text may follow thereafter. Another example of this in action is predicting our favorite websites, Netflix show preferences, and advertisements we see. Based on the data we’ve provided over time along with users with similar preferences, through the nature of the algorithm, it can predict our preferences and even our behavior. For example, you will see your top preferences immediately in front of you to select. More often than not, someone will select that top preference reinforcing the prediction made. 

Have you ever noticed how one preference or advertisement may be larger than the other? Developers can use what we call A/B testing to see user patterns over time, which amasses large data sets to see which preference users are more likely to press. This then reinforces the predictions the algorithms make and you will see how those same preferences are visible throughout your interactions on a variety of platforms (i.e., YouTube, Instagram, Netflix, Google Search). 

AI in Industry

AI now has a presence in every industry. For many industries, the goal of utilizing AI is to improve efficiency, profitability, and productivity. For example, in banking AI can use machine learning algorithms to prevent fraud and cybersecurity attacks. Additionally, it can use biometrics and computer vision AI-based algorithms to authenticate users and their identity. For example, think about when you last logged into your online bank. Usually, you must first provide a biometric identification such as your fingerprint or face. Then, through what we call dual authentication, we are sent a text message to our phones with a randomized password, which then allows us to log in. Another example is in Healthcare, which can use our biometric data and historical biometric data to make predictions about our current and future health by taking vast amounts of data sets that appear to have similarities to ours. Through these predictions, doctors can see a number of prognostics they can then work towards with the treatment or preventative care. 

Understanding AI Bias

AI has bias’ and is not entirely accurate. It is only as accurate as the data it utilizes to make ongoing predictions. Also, note that the data it may have in its database may also be biased. For example, when we use Google Search, our own searches have our own human biases, which Google then stores in its database. While algorithms may have rules built into them that try to filter biases within the data, it is imperfect as the biases may manifest themselves as the data is making these predictions are inherently biased. Ultimately, this same principle also applies to the accuracy of the data it is pulling for its algorithms. Misinformation can easily be placed within a database that can be pulled by AI. Thus, bias and misinformation can be easily pulled into AI, which can then be scaled to meet mass audiences (i.e., social media newsfeeds). 

With this said, we need to discuss how bias can be filtered, but as discussed, we must have filters and safeguards in place for when the data is collected and then when it is pulled by the algorithms powering AI. While in many cases AI can reduce our own human subjective interpretations, it can scale them quite easily due to our own subjectivity found in the data that we are feeding it. Thus, we must determine how to measure fairness in terms of the data we are collecting and utilizing as well as pre-process data to counterfactual data to filter sensitive attributes. 

In the meantime, we must be judicious and skeptical of all information we see. We must triangulate our conclusions by synthesizing the information we process as the accuracy of the information we encounter each day is subject to many biases’ and can contain misinformation. Therefore, a key skill to build is digital and multimedia literacy, which is also based on having a higher degree of literacy to process language and understand it. When thinking about any education program, we must keep these skills central to what we are doing. 

Integrating AI into Workflow

We now live in a world where we have a personal secretary embedded into many tools we use every day. From text prediction, the impressive language and code applications of ChatGPT, formulas in Excel and Sheets, and predictive content to edit in tools like Canva, Adobe, etc, to the search capabilities of search engines, this is only the tip of the iceberg. How this can impact your workflow is astounding. Below are a number of examples of how AI can help improve workflow. 

  1. Create templates of content to be used for email, newsletters, communication, marketing, and more. 
  2. Revise writing to make it more engaging and grammatically correct.
  3. Providing code templates in a variety of different languages such as Python, Java, HTML, etc. 
  4. Search content and provide basic information on topics
  5. Provide resources
  6. Generate multiple drafts of content

AI in Education

In our classrooms, we are collecting vast amounts of data on our students when they engage with our EdTech tools. From basic quizzes, time on task, and content they have created, to the number of clicks and the locations of those clicks in relation to the problem they may be solving, a plethora of data is being collected. Currently, AI is embedded in various tools, which predict student performance based on their current performance. For example, on tools like iReady, MobyMax, ReadTheory, and even state tests, adaptive AI can review large amounts of data based on present and student performance and provide a student with a question/problem at their current ability level. It can even provide lessons and tutorials based on student performance levels and determine which areas students need to make progress in before learning various skills that may be more difficult. 

The implications of this go far beyond what was described above. AI can be harnessed by teachers to make real-time data-driven decisions for individual students, groups of students, and entire classes of students. We can then make decisions about our students progress and utilize assistive AI such as ChatGPT to support us in making personalized learning opportunities for our students. 

Additionally, AI can improve the workflow of teachers by providing opportunities for them to optimize their workflow and instruction in their classroom through the following means:

  1. Brainstorming Ideas.
  2. Revising Writing and Providing Feedback on Thinking
  3. Checking student work and providing insightful feedback using embedded rubrics assessing their work. 
  4. Creating Rubrics.
  5. Creating Lesson Content For Students.
  6. Developing Lesson Sequences and Units. 
  7. Creating Assessments Based on Learning Objectives.
  8. Writing Student Progress Reports Based on Collected Data.
  9. Creating Personalized Student Learning Plans. 
  10. Project-Based Learning Lessons and Summative Projects. 
  11. Developing Assessments and Differentiated Assessments

AI is Changing the World

AI is changing the way we interact with the world, each other, and how we conduct our work. There’s a large opportunity for educators to help students and our communities adjust to these technologies and navigate how they can learn how to use them in a way that benefits themselves and the community. Many new professions and jobs will arise from AI, but much will have to be done to ethically develop AI to ensure it is being used responsibly. Thus, our job as educators will be to further study and learn how we can teach this technology as it evolves over the next few years. 

Another version of this Article: The ChatGPT Version of this Article – I inputted the article into ChatGPT to see if I can make it more fun and engaging to read. What do you think? 

Are you curious about AI and its impact on various aspects of our lives? In this article, we will explore the five big ideas in AI literacy and how AI works. AI encompasses a variety of tools and mechanisms, such as machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, computer vision, and natural language processing, that use algorithms to analyze data and solve problems. AI is present in almost every industry today, such as banking, healthcare, and cybersecurity, where it is used to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. However, AI is not entirely accurate and has biases that must be filtered out through safeguards and filters that need to be put in place when data is collected and utilized by the algorithms powering AI.

AI has an impact on our daily lives in various ways, and one example is text prediction. The algorithm uses the data we provide, such as the words and phrases we use while writing, to predict the text that will follow. Another example is the predictions made for favorite websites, Netflix show preferences, and advertisements. Based on the data we have provided over time, AI can predict our preferences and even our behavior. AI can also be used to prevent fraud and cybersecurity attacks in banking through machine learning algorithms and in healthcare by using our biometric data and historical data to make predictions about our current and future health.

However, AI is only as accurate as the data it utilizes to make ongoing predictions. Therefore, the data it may have in its database may also be biased, and misinformation can easily be placed within a database that can be pulled by AI. Bias and misinformation can be easily pulled into AI, which can then be scaled to meet mass audiences (i.e., social media newsfeeds).

To filter out bias, filters, and safeguards need to be put in place when the data is collected and utilized by the algorithms powering AI. We must also be judicious and skeptical of all information we see, triangulating our conclusions by synthesizing the information we process, and putting counterfactual data to filter sensitive attributes. In the end, AI literacy and its themes are essential for teaching students a variety of skills integrated with technology that has AI embedded in it.

How AI is Impacting Education

AI is having a significant impact on education. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in how AI can be used to improve the educational process. One example of this is adaptive learning, where AI algorithms are used to personalize learning experiences for individual students. By analyzing data about a student’s progress, the AI can determine their strengths and weaknesses and adapt the curriculum to meet their needs. This has the potential to improve student engagement and increase academic performance.

Another way AI is impacting education is through chatbots. Chatbots are AI-powered tools that can answer student questions, provide personalized feedback, and even grade assignments. This can help reduce the workload for teachers and increase efficiency in the classroom.

However, it is important to note that there are also potential downsides to the use of AI in education. For example, there is a risk that the use of AI may perpetuate existing biases and inequalities. Additionally, some educators are concerned that the use of AI may lead to a loss of human connection and empathy in the learning process.

Teaching AI Literacy

Given the increasing impact of AI on our lives, it is important that we teach AI literacy to students. AI literacy involves not just an understanding of how AI works, but also an understanding of its societal impact and ethical considerations.

One way to teach AI literacy is through interdisciplinary projects that incorporate AI concepts into a variety of subjects. For example, students could use machine learning algorithms to analyze data in a science project or use natural language processing to create a chatbot in a language arts class.

Another way to teach AI literacy is through dedicated courses and workshops that focus specifically on AI concepts and their applications. This could involve hands-on coding projects, guest speakers from industry experts, and discussions of ethical considerations related to AI.

Conclusion

AI literacy is an essential skill for students in the 21st century. With AI playing an increasingly important role in our lives, it is important that we not only understand how it works but also its potential impact on society. By teaching AI literacy, we can prepare students to be responsible and informed users of AI technology and to be critical thinkers who can recognize and challenge bias and ethical issues related to AI.

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

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!

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

Navigating the Teacher Shortage: The Impact on Student Programs and the Solution for Civic Engagement

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment
Blog + Social Headers (10)-1

Guest post in collaboration with @x2VOL

Civic engagement is of the utmost importance for students. Service and community engagement during formative high school years improve social-emotional growth, student outcomes, leadership skills, and more. But how are these programs being managed when educators are leaving schools in record numbers?

The current teacher shortage in the United States has far-reaching implications for education.

According to The Washington Post, the teacher shortage is impacting schools across the country. In a study done by Kansas State University, 37 states were surveyed to assess the extent of the current shortage: The teacher shortage increased by 35% in the past year alone in these states. Districts across the country are seeing teachers and other faculty leaving education citing stress, low pay, and safety concerns, among other reasons.

While classrooms are suffering due to fewer teachers and larger class sizes, how do the teacher shortages impact other student programs?

Being “Voluntold”

Because there are many vacancies in school positions, there’s a lack of staff to run student programs. Many teachers and student administrators are reporting they are being “voluntold” to take on new responsibilities. These include different clubs and organizations, service programs and requirements, work-based learning programs, and more – programs that can’t run without staff involvement.

Teachers and educators are passionate about student success and want to see their students flourish; they take on these responsibilities for the betterment of their students.

However, educators aren’t always given the proper compensation or resources to manage these additional responsibilities. These student programs are vital in student development, but what happens when they aren’t given proper attention?

Student engagement suffers without proper leadership over these programs. Community service, service learning, and work-based learning programs are important elements of a student’s education. There are a number of benefits such as:

  • Betterment of skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, initiative, and more
  • Career discovery from experiencing new industries and positions
  • Social-emotional development and widened worldview leading to personal growth
  • Increased feelings of belonging from being engaged in one’s community

These benefits lead to well-rounded students. Students who participate in community service during their high school career learn valuable life skills that increase college acceptance, university success, job acquisition, and more.

The Solution

x2VOL Founder & CEO, Michele Pitman discussed this topic and solutions to support teachers on the ThriveInEdu Podcast with Rachelle & Mel. Check out the full podcast and discussion below.

Watch ThriveInEdu

In this podcast, Michele joins the ThriveInEdu team to share current trends in schools, why student programs are vital, and what districts can do to better support their educators.

x2VOL is a resource that steps in to make the management of these important student programs much easier, allowing educators to focus on student engagement and growth. x2VOL takes tracking and reporting for student programs online. Whether schools have a service hour requirement or a work-based learning program, x2VOL tracks hours and experiences for student programs online. Students are empowered with an activity log of their experiences and reflections and educators are relieved from the burden of managing these platforms.

Student service and WBL programs are an important piece in a young person’s education and managing these programs shouldn’t be a burden to educators.

Learn more in our one-minute demo below and reach out to our team to get started!

View x2VOL Demo

About Rachelle

Follow Rachelle on Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915.

Looking for PD for your school or keynotes for your conference? I provide in-person and virtual training on the following topics. If you want to learn more about and explore AI and ChatGPT, contact me to schedule! Rdene915@gmail.com or use the Book Me form on my website.

**Interested in writing a guest blog or submitting a sponsored post 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

Addressing Teacher Shortages: The Role of Substitute Teachers and Swing Education

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In Collaboration with Swing Education

Over the past few years, teacher shortages have become a challenge in schools across the United States. There has been a shortage in filling full-time teaching positions as well as finding substitute teachers to fill in on a day-to-day basis. The shortages add to the pressure on all teachers as they take on additional responsibilities to cover classes and other duties. As a result, teachers lose time that can be spent working with students and also valuable planning time.

Earlier this year, I learned about Swing Education, which is a centralized platform that connects substitute teachers with schools and school districts. They serve as a recruiter of substitute teachers in support of school districts. Swing Education helps schools to streamline the process of hiring, expanding their pool of substitute teachers, easing payroll and onboarding. Swing’s value for substitute teachers is that they have more jobs to choose from because Swing lists all the openings in their area. They also get paid each week (instead of each month) and becoming a sub is much faster because Swing helps with onboarding. I had the opportunity to speak with Mike Teng, Co-Founder of Swing Education and enjoyed the conversation and also gained insight into how large of a problem schools in the United States are facing.

The teacher shortage is affecting schools in every state. According to a report by the nonprofit Learning Policy Institute, there is currently a shortage of approximately 314,000 teachers in the U.S. school system. That means they need subs, but when there aren’t enough, it negatively impacts the learning experience for students and can also lead to teacher burnout. Substitute teachers play a vital role in addressing teacher shortages. They can step in when full-time teachers are absent, ensuring that students receive consistent instruction. Furthermore, substitute teachers can also bring fresh perspectives and diverse experiences to the classroom, enriching students’ learning experiences. I have experienced this in my own classroom when I needed a substitute teacher.

Swing Education’s Initiative

Swing Education launched a campaign to recruit substitute teachers throughout California and in Texas, in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. These are the areas of biggest need at this exact moment for the Swing schools. However, schools all over the nation are facing a shortage, and substitute teachers are needed everywhere. Because Swing Education has a centralized platform, it is easier for schools to find and manage substitutes. The platform handles recruiting, onboarding, and payroll, giving schools more control over their substitute pool. Substitute teachers can find teaching assignments that fit their schedules and have the resources they need to be classroom-ready from day one.

The Benefits of Swing Education

The Swing Education platform offers numerous benefits, such as:

Streamlined Recruitment: Swing simplifies the recruitment process, making it easier for schools to find qualified substitutes quickly.

Improved Management: Schools can efficiently manage their substitute pool, ensuring they have adequate coverage for teacher vacancies.

Support for Substitutes: Substitutes have access to resources via the Swing Education site to help them get started.

Community Engagement: Swing encourages college students, prospective teachers, retirees, and others to sign up as substitutes, fostering community involvement.

Recruiting substitute teachers not only helps with immediate staffing needs but also helps to bring in opportunities for people who may not have considered teaching. There are substitute teachers that are college students, prospective teachers, or even retirees who decide to pursue teaching as a long-term career after having some experience in classrooms. By actively recruiting and supporting substitutes, schools can bring in prospective future educators and work toward eliminating or at least, reducing the teacher shortage crisis.

Swing Education’s initiative to recruit substitute teachers is a significant step toward addressing this challenge. By leveraging platforms like Swing, schools can ensure that classrooms are adequately staffed, and students continue to receive quality instruction. Furthermore, by the support offered for substitute teachers, schools can contribute to building a stronger and more sustainable teaching workforce for the future. Click here to learn how to become a sub. For schools and districts, click here to learn more about Swing.

About Rachelle

Follow Rachelle on Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915.

Looking for PD for your school? I provide in-person and virtual training on the following topics. If you want to learn more about and explore AI and ChatGPT, contact me to schedule! Rdene915@gmail.com

**Interested in writing a guest blog or submitting a sponsored post 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

Learn to Help Students Correct Science Misconceptions by Producing Instructional Videos

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post By Reggie Grant, Twitter @media4literacy

This project was presented at the FSU-Teach STEM Teaching Mini-Conference at Florida State University on June 28, 2023.

“While we teach, we learn.”

These words are attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca and are the inspiration for a classroom project that I recently developed with my former colleague Brian McClain. “In what scientists have dubbed ‘the protégé effect,’ student teachers score higher on tests than pupils who are learning only for their own sake,” according to a 2011 Time article.

As a longtime high school science teacher, Brian has encountered various common science misconceptions that students hold, some of which are directly or indirectly related to photosynthesis. In an article published in the 2015 issue of the European of Teacher Education, researchers say misconceptions like these must be confronted and corrected to prevent them from stunting students’ future understanding.

“Misconceptions operate to distort new learning. …learners’ existing misconceptions will hinder future-related learning,” the article says. “Before new concepts can be understood, misconceptions must be dispelled.”

Brian and I designed this media project to help students use research and credible evidence to correct some of these common science misconceptions. The project guides students in the production of a short instructional video presentation that sets the record straight about a chosen misconception.

This “Set it Straight!” video project is similar to another project I developed a decade ago when I was teaching high schoolers. In that project, students taught others the correct use of a commonly misused set of words. Examples include there / their / they’re, affect / effect, and farther / further.

The process of creating a media product to teach others develops critical thinking, problem solving and creativity – three of the top five skills necessary for today’s workplace, according to the Future of Jobs Report 2020 produced by the World Economic Forum.

Using media this way in the classroom is endorsed by the Science Education Resource Center at Carleton University. SERC recommends teachers use media technology to engage students in more meaningful and deeper learning experiences. It should be used for more than delivering PowerPoint presentations and showing videos.

“Media can also be student-generated,” the SERC website said. “This approach asks the student to step into the role of the teacher and create content that will engage learners and help them to master concepts.”

“Involving students in creating media encourages collaboration, accountability, creativity, and mastery of ideas and concepts,” the SERC website said. “Importantly, one does not need a large budget, fancy studio, or advanced degree to create original media that is informative, entertaining and educational.”

The Project

The “Set it Straight!” video project is guided by a series of prompts.

For example: “What is the common misconception you researched?”

“Why do you think this is a common misconception?”

“Identify and list two or three important facts necessary to correct this misconception.”

The questions require students to restate the questions and answer them clearly and briefly. Limiting the number of sentences students can use in their answers is important. Short answers require students to really understand the concept. Clarity and brevity are the keys to effective media production.

After feedback has been provided and final revisions have been made, the questions/prompts are removed and the answers/responses become the script.

Students record themselves reading the script.

Accompanying visuals (photos/charts/graphics) are created and/or identified and downloaded.

Then, the visuals and narration are edited together for the video, which will be no longer than about three minutes.

The steps above are detailed in this document with accompanying links.

“Nutrients in the soil are the primary source of the mass increase in plants during their lives.” This misconception is corrected in this example video that we produced.

Conclusion

Making sense of a complex concept by creating media products is empowering for students. It is an effective way to actively involve students in their own education by teaching others.

And by teaching, they learn.

If you have any suggestions for this project, please send them to mediaforliteracy@gmail.com

Reggie Grant teaches journalism and mass communications at Tallahassee Community College. For 11 years, he taught media production — introduction to mass communication, photography, video production, and graphic design — at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida. He blogs at https://mediaforliteracy.wordpress.com and can be found on Twitter @media4literacy.

Looking for some PD for your school? I provide in-person and virtual training on the following topics. If you want to learn more about and explore AI and ChatGPT, contact me to schedule! Rdene915@gmail.com

**Interested in writing a guest blog or submitting a sponsored post 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

Advice from an elementary teacher about summer learning

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post by Ashley Cooley @ashleyecooley

Next year will mark my twenty-fifth year to be an elementary teacher. Parents ask me a lot of questions about how to keep their child learning during the summer. The best thing is to of course enjoy summertime and get in all the family time that school schedules get in the way of. Here are some ideas that I recommend and used with my own children.

  • Check out recommendations from your local librarian. 
  • Review math facts (addition, subtraction, and multiplication) with flashcards or play “war” with a deck of cards or dominos.
  • Visit museums, children’s theatres and check out ideas from DFW Child… My favorite in the DFW area are the Dallas Museum of Art, The Modern, and the Dallas Children’s Theatre  
  • Review math and science workbooks that were sent home! If your child had an educational platform like Seesaw, review the assignments.
  • Have your child write letters to grandparents. They will write back! Letter writing is a lost art that children need to bring back.
  • Go to a baseball game and let your child keep a record of runs, outs, hits, steals, etc. Then make a bar graph at home to show the info.
  • Cook together! Cooking with your child is a valuable life skill that teaches children about nutrition and food safety while building math, science, and literacy skills.
  • Going on a road trip? Take these math wrap-ups with you and challenge your child to go faster
  • Take your kids to the grocery store and have them keep a running total of what’s going in the cart.
  • Keep a gratitude journal. It will keep your child writing and focused on the positive things in their lives. View the journals that were sent home (along with more workbooks, folders, and supplies). Children’s writing is so innocent and sweet, you will love reading what they wrote.
  • Visit your local library and encourage them to start a series. My first graders LOVED the “Humphrey” series.

Find inspiration from this list and make it work for you. Learning over the summer doesn’t have to be complicated or require long hours of planning. Have fun with it and give your child ownership in their learning. Wishing you a very happy summer full of learning.

My first-grade class helping me celebrate earning teacher of the year!

**Interested in writing a guest blog or submitting a sponsored post 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

About Rachelle

Looking for some PD for your school? I provide in-person and virtual training on the following topics. If you want to learn more about and explore AI and ChatGPT, contact me to schedule! Rdene915@gmail.com

How to Build Your Team

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post from Henry Turner @turnerhj

Coalition Building is perhaps the most important step that you should be thinking about right now in building your DEI team. In Change the Narrative: Fostering an Antiracist Culture in Your School and the companion course Kathy Lopes and I discuss coalition building as an important part of strategic thinking.

As we planned our next “Change the Narrative” videos, I asked Kathy what topics she thought were the most important to cover. Without a pause, Kathy responded, “Coalition Building!”

So check out this video and build your team!

Why this Matters

Build a stronger coalition. Energize and develop the advocates of DEI initiatives. Resistance will form among some community members in dealing with any DEI initiative. In response to this resistance, we need to build up the voices of advocates for the work.

Build a broader coalition. Who are the groups that may not immediately jump on board with DEI work but may support some of the initiatives or changes you are advocating for? Find natural partners in this work.

**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 weekly show on Fridays at 6pm ET THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here

How students access core SEL competencies at school

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In Collaboration with @x2VOL 

What is Social Emotional Learning

Social emotional learning (SEL) is the process in which people develop interrelational skills that include self-awareness, social and relationship skills, responsibility, empathy, and more. Social-emotional learning has become an important piece of high school education, as educators see improved student outcomes because of an emphasis on SEL. More and more schools and districts are adopting SEL programs or tracking social-emotional development during a student’s high school career in order to prepare a student for future success whether that is in a university or the workforce. 

What Constitutes SEL

According to CASEL’S SEL framework, there are 5 elements that constitute social-emotional learning. 

  1. Self-awareness
  2. Self-management
  3. Social awareness
  4. Relationship skills
  5. Responsible decision-making.

Why is this important?

Social-emotional development is a vital part of a student’s upbringing. This kind of development impacts how a student shows up in the world, how they interact with their peers, how they approach school and jobs, and how they develop meaningful relationships. Social-emotional development is crucial in positive student outcomes because they are learning valuable life skills and concepts. Additionally, universities seek students who possess a broadened perspective on the world and developed self-awareness. 

How do students develop social-emotional learning? 

There are a number of ways students grow in these areas and they don’t come from just one thing! Many of these competencies are developed through school-related activities and programs. Five days out of the week and 7-8 hours a day, students are in school. They spend additional time with their classmates in after-school programs, sports, extracurriculars, etc. Tracking and encouraging social-emotional learning has become a priority for educators as they know so much of this comes from school or school-related activities. 

There are three overarching ways students engage in social-emotional development through school:

  1. Community service requirements, programs or clubs. 

When they become active members of their communities through service, students are able to see outside of their small world bubble, and understand needs and different ways of life. Through service projects, students work with their peers, local or even national organizations, service activity coordinators, and individuals they are directly serving. This exposes them to needs and circumstances outside their normal bubble widening their world view. They are also learning valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, collaboration, and respect. 

Many schools have a service requirement for graduation. Others highly encourage student involvement in the community and award it at graduation, while others have clubs and programs where students can engage in community service. 

  1. Work-based learning and internship programs 

In part-time jobs, apprenticeships, internships, etc. students learn valuable workplace skills but they also learn the soft skills of problem-solving, relationship-building, empathy, understanding, cooperation, and collaboration. These school-based programs connect students with a job or internship and then have regular check-ins and assessments to evaluate a student’s development. It goes beyond a student just showing up for a shift, they are learning valuable skills they can take into the workforce in the future. 

  1. Service learning classes, humanities, or religion classes

Some schools have dedicated service learning classes or incorporate service and service learning in a humanities course. Private schools often incorporate service and service learning in their religion classes as it ties back to their faith and the mission of the school to encourage spiritual formation in students. 

Service learning connects service to what students are learning in the classroom – this gives students context for their work and provides deeper connections beyond checking service hours off a list. They can see and understand the impact of their work and reflect on their experiences in a meaningful way. 

Measuring and encouraging development

These school-based programs ensure students are given the opportunity to experience growth on a deeper level. Success and development come when educators can see a student’s progress month after month, year after year. Tracking their experiences, reflections, and areas of growth is an important step in advancing social-emotional learning. 

x2VOL becomes an extension of schools’ student programs to ensure students can track their progress and educators have insight into student development. With x2VOL, students and administrators track and manage these experiences and reflections all online, in one easy-to-use platform. Click below to watch our 1-minute demo of how x2VOL works.

How x2VOL Works

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Response to Intervention (RTI): An Introduction

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post by Dr. Shelly Vohra in collaboration with @ClassComposer

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a strategy geared towards students who face learning challenges. Students struggle for a variety of reasons and it’s important to understand why these students are struggling and the best way to create a learning path so that they are successful and feel good about themselves. The premise behind “interventions” is to ensure that students receive the supports they need so that the gaps in learning are not exacerbated. It is important to note, however, that “gaps” should not be seen as deficits; rather gaps are areas of growth for students and each student has their own areas of growth based on a wide range of assessments. I, personally, have an issue with the term “gaps” but that is a topic of discussion for another time. It is also important to know that RTI is not a program; it is an approach that identifies student needs based on collecting data from various sources and in a variety of ways and then identifies and applies relevant instructional strategies to develop those skills in students.

Gathering and accessing data

When it comes to data, there are many sources available for educators to learn about the needs of individual students. Being able to gather all of this information, sort through it, share it with other teachers, and develop a plan can take time. Not having a streamlined space for this makes it challenging. With Class Composer, educators have everything they need to be able to monitor student progress. The information is readily accessible to anyone, at any time. It enables all teachers to access the information they need about each individual student when they need it.

With Class Composer, it is easy to track and record student growth toward individualized goals and share this information within your PLC to best provide for all students. Simplify how you manage all the assessment data collected!

Supporting teachers to support students

As it is, one of the most important parts of the RTI process is to build a team to effectively support students who are struggling. The team should include classroom teachers, administrators, teachers who support special education students and those students who are learning English, the school psychologist, speech-language therapist, and parents. Teachers provide targeted teaching and then use formative assessment practices to determine if the intervention strategies are working.

With Class Composer, it makes it easier for teachers to have access to all this information in one space. It enables teachers to create a supportive learning community for students. These teacher-student connections lead to the development of the essential relationships that need to exist for all students to be successful. The simplified space creates a better way for teams to collaborate and access the information they need when they need it.

If they are not working, the team must decide how they will adapt and modify their instructional practices to ensure that students are indeed learning and growing. A significant aspect to keep in mind is that formative assessments inform us of what we must do to ensure student success, not what the student needs to do. In other words, how are we adjusting our practice to best support students? Assessment informs instruction; it is our responsibility to continuously revise what we are doing so that students meet the learning goals related to curriculum standards and expectations.

Even though there is no one correct way to implement RTI, it is a three-tiered approach and you can think of it as a pyramid in which each tier increases in the intensity of support. They are:

(1) whole class

(2) small group, and

(3) intensive interventions.

Some school boards call this a multi-tiered system of supports or MTSS. Although there are many benefits to this approach, I also see several problems and issues arising from the basic foundation upon which RTI and MTSS were built.

I will be discussing these issues in future blog posts as well as digging deeper into this system of support and how to best implement this framework so that all students succeed, grow, and have positive self-worth.

About the Author

Dr. Shelly Vohra is an educator, coach, and consultant. Dr. Vohra teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in Technology and Mathematics as well as working with students who are learning English. She holds an M.Ed in Adult Education & Distant Learning and a Ph.D. in Educational Technology. Dr. Vohra has over 20 years of experience in education (K-12) teaching various subject areas. Dr. Vohra has written several courses related to Indigenous Education, Multilingual Learners, and Mathematics.

Most recently, she was on a writing team that revised the Science Curriculum (K-8) for Ontario. She has presented at various conferences in Canada and the U.S.A. Dr. Vohra’s work includes designing learning experiences for students through an integrated curriculum lens that combines inquiry with equity. Her research interests include social media in education and blended learning, Dr. Vohra is currently writing a book on her journey. You can find her blog at https://techdiva29.wordpress.com/. Her website will also be launching in late Fall. You can also follow her on Twitter @raspberryberet3 and on Instagram @elevate_ed_21.

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Close Your Eyes

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post by Brian Kulak @bkulak11

It’s a short list, but the older I get, the longer it becomes. 

Jeff Buckley’s “Last Goodbye.”

Pearl Jam’s “Release.”

James’s “Out To Get You.”

Regardless of where I am (except in the car; I’m not a lunatic) or what’s happening in my life, there are certain songs that make me close my eyes. A reaction both genuinely involuntary and intimately purposeful. A strange, dichotomous shutting off of one sense in favor of another, telling our eyes to sit this one out while our ears do the heavy lifting. 

And then there’s the goosebumps. The sensation, dubbed frisson, is triggered by a dopamine flood measuring 4-5 seconds associated with seeing, hearing, or experiencing something that triggers an emotional response. Interestingly, the brain elicits the same reaction to fear. 

I like to think about it as moment recognition. My conscious decision to dim everything else in an effort to brighten the experience of a deeply personal, infinitely resonant moment in my life. But in order for it to take hold, to really matter, I have to remember that moment, often at a random, unrelated or loosely connected time. 

So I do. 

And it works. 

Now, while I don’t walk around my school, eyes shut, meditating on moment recognition, the practice itself has made its way into my leadership. Instead of song lyrics, however, it’s small moments with kids, staff, and community. 

When a kindergartener found out he would be repeating this year, he said, “it’s okay. I love kindergarten, and Mr. Kulak is my best friend.” 

When I responded to a Twitter question about leadership catchphrases, a teacher chimed in that I often say, “I trust you” and don’t even realize it. Now, I do. 

During the promotion, a Tatem OG, whose final child was leaving, approached me sheepishly and asked for a hug. I told her to bring it in, and she cried while we hugged. 

Education, unlike any other profession, is a mosaic of these experiences. Without the predictability or isolation of other fields, we have daily opportunities to create and store these brief moments of zen. And the best part? They will always include other people.

So do it. Find small moments for which you close your eyes, literally or figuratively, and store them up. There will come a time, and it might be soon, when you want to close your eyes because of frustration or fatigue, and when you do, behind your eyelids and just within reach will be these moments of frisson. 

Close your eyes. 

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Creating a Learner-Centered Classroom

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth 2 Comments

Guest blog by Kellie Bahri @Kbahri5

As a teacher in elementary school, I’m passionate about making the classroom a fun and engaging place where students can take charge of their own learning. The Learner-Centered approach puts students in the driver’s seat and encourages them to be more involved in their own education. This type of classroom is designed to fit each student’s needs, interests, and abilities.

Student-centered learning empowers students to take control of their own education by allowing them to explore topics, generate questions, and find answers on their own. This type of learning helps students develop critical thinking skills and encourages them to take an active role in their education. When students are given the freedom to direct their own learning, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and develop a deeper understanding of the material.

It has been demonstrated through research that a Learner-Centered Classroom can significantly enhance the motivation, engagement, and success of students. By adopting a student-focused approach, educators are able to facilitate the development of important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-reflection in their students. With this student-centered approach, students will become more confident and empowered learners.

The implementation of seven key strategies can help the transformation of a conventional classroom into a student-driven learning environment, in which students are equipped with the skills necessary to take a lead role in their education.

Student-led discussions

I encourage my students to lead discussions in class by sharing their ideas and perspectives. I use strategies such as Think-Pair-Share or Socratic Seminar discussions to facilitate student-led conversations. During these types of discussions, students are given the opportunity to share their thoughts and engage in active listening with their peers. This type of student-led discussion promotes critical thinking and helps students develop strong communication skills.

Collaborative learning

 I encourage my students to work together in small groups or pairs on projects, assignments, or activities. Collaborative learning helps students develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. I use techniques such as Jigsaw or Group Concept Mapping to encourage my students to collaborate and share ideas and I use online collaboration tools such as Google Classroom or Schoology to allow my students to work together on projects from anywhere. This type of learning not only promotes social and emotional growth but also helps students understand and retain information better through shared exploration and discussion.

Choice-based learning

 I believe in offering my students a range of learning options, allowing them to choose activities that interest them and align with their learning styles and passions. Choice-based learning is a student-centered approach that empowers students to take the lead in their learning. I use centers, stations, or choice boards to provide my students with a variety of options and let them choose what they want to work on.  This type of learning creates a more engaging and personalized learning experience for each student and enhances students’ organizational skills.

The ability to choose a learning path based on individual goals is equally valuable beyond K–12 education. For example, a student who completes a bachelor’s in nursing may want to pursue an online post master’s FNP program to move a step closer to their career goal.

Inquiry-based learning

 Inquiry-based learning is a student-driven approach where students are encouraged to ask questions and engage in their own investigation to increase their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I use prompts such as “I wonder…” or “How can we find out…” to support inquiry-based learning, and provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on activities, simulations, and experiments to support their investigations. And to make the process even more meaningful, I encourage students to keep a student inquiry journal where they can jot down all their curious questions about the world around them. This journal not only helps them keep track of their progress, but it also gives them a sense of ownership over their own learning journey.

Project-based learning

Project-based learning, a hands-on method of education where students engage in real-world projects that showcase their knowledge and skills, can lead to a deeper understanding of the material and increased engagement in the learning process. By working on challenging projects that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of knowledge, students can see the relevance of their education and make connections to the world around them. This approach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as it promotes active, meaningful learning and the development of skills that are essential for success in the 21st century. Examples of project-based learning activities may include creating a podcast, designing a website, or constructing a model of a historical landmark.

Self-reflection

I encourage my students to reflect on their own learning process and to think about how they can improve. This type of self-reflection helps students to understand their strengths and weaknesses and to set goals for themselves. By regularly reflecting on their own learning, students can better understand how they learn and how they can become more effective learners.I use online journaling tools such as Flip, SeeSaw, or Kidblog for students to document and reflect on their learning experiences.

In-class projects

I assign in-class projects that allow my students to apply the concepts and skills they have learned in class in a hands-on and engaging way. These projects can involve independent or group work and can be used to reinforce the material covered in class. For example, a student might create a poster or model to demonstrate their understanding of a particular subject. In-class projects give students the opportunity to be creative and to showcase their learning in a tangible way. This type of project also helps students to develop important skills such as research, collaboration, and presentation skills.

Imagine being in a classroom where the focus is on you and your learning journey. It’s all about empowering students to make the most of their education, and helping them understand the importance of what they’re learning. That’s what makes a Learner-Centered Classroom so special. A learning space for students to actively participate and be engaged is key to inspiring students and sparking a lifelong love for learning.

Kellie Bahri is an experienced instructional specialist, teacher, and children’s book author. With over a decade of experience in education, she has successfully implemented innovative instructional strategies resulting in improved student performance and engagement. As Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2020-2022, her dedication to education and creative teaching methods are highly regarded. Kellie also uses her writing talent to inspire a love of learning in young readers through her children’s book. Her goal is to make a positive impact on children’s lives and help them reach theirisll potential.

About the Author

Kellie Bahri is an experienced instructional specialist, teacher, and children’s book author. With over a decade of experience in education, she has successfully implemented innovative instructional strategies resulting in improved student performance and engagement. As Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2020-2022, her dedication to education and creative teaching methods are highly regarded. Kellie also uses her writing talent to inspire a love of learning in young readers through her children’s book. Her goal is to make a positive impact on children’s lives and help them reach their full potential.

**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 weekly show on Fridays at 6pm ET THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here