Navigating AI in Education: A Conversation on Emerging Technologies and Preparing Our Students

May 27, 2025May 24, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

A recap of our recent webinar with Imagi! Panelists included Dora Palfi, Mike Peck and Lauren Ludwig.

We recognize that technology in education and the world is evolving at an unprecedented pace. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies embedded in so much of our lives, for educators, this rapid transformation can and has presented both challenges and opportunities. As guides and mentors, how do we prepare ourselves to best equip students for a future where AI will, without a doubt, become a huge part of their personal and professional lives? I enjoyed moderating this recent webinar hosted by Imagi and with three dynamic panelists: Dora Palfi, Co-founder and CEO of Imagi, a company reimagining technology education for the age of AI; Mike Peck, a K-12 Director of Technology with an extensive background in classroom teaching and co-founder of Ed3DAO and Peck Education, focused on upskilling educators in emerging tech; and Lauren Ludwig, the Director of Makerspace and Technology & Computer Science Department Chair at an all-girls school in New York City, deeply involved in developing AI guidelines for her institution.

We had a great conversation that brought in participants from around the world. We discussed the crucial need for educators to stay current with emerging technologies, practical ways AI is already impacting teaching and learning, strategies for preparing students for an AI-driven future, and inspiring ideas for integrating AI across the curriculum. Here are some of the key insights shared during our discussion.

The Imperative of Staying Current:

I started the discussion by addressing a fundamental question: Why must educators stay informed of emerging technologies like AI? Mike Peck drew a compelling parallel to the internet revolution, highlighting how technology has become intrinsically woven into our daily lives, from the workforce to social interactions. He argued that AI demands our attention, potentially even more transformative than the internet. Ethically and morally, educators are responsible for equipping learners with the tools and competencies they will need in their futures, both professionally and personally. Denying access and understanding of these technologies would be a disservice to students.

Lauren Ludwig echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that AI will likely impact the lives of current students far more profoundly than it will impact educators in their remaining careers. She stressed the importance of open and ongoing conversations about AI in the classroom, even if educators don’t consider themselves experts. Vulnerability and a willingness to explore together with students can foster deeper understanding and critical thinking about the ethical implications of AI.

Dora Palfi, from an innovator’s perspective, underscored the importance of educators embodying a growth mindset and open attitude towards learning. Educators model crucial skills for navigating a rapidly evolving technological landscape by demonstrating a willingness to learn alongside their students. Transparency about the use of AI, even by educators themselves, builds trust and encourages students to engage thoughtfully with these tools.

AI in Action: Real-World Applications in Education:

The panelists then shared how AI is already influencing their work and personal lives. Dora highlighted the power of AI in language learning, using it for grammar correction, seeking nuanced explanations, and generating context-rich examples. This personalized feedback and on-demand support can be invaluable for language learners.

Mike emphasized the importance of educators “getting their hands dirty” and experimenting with AI tools. He suggested identifying repetitive tasks in teaching, such as assessment development or lesson planning, as potential areas where AI could offer efficiency. He also recommended exploring AI in personal life, from generating grocery lists to creating workout plans, as a low-stakes way to understand its capabilities and limitations. Mike shared an innovative example of using AI for role-playing a difficult parent conversation, showcasing its potential for professional preparation. He likened AI to a “copilot” or “sidekick” for brainstorming, copyediting, and capturing thoughts on the go.

Lauren echoed the time-saving benefits of AI in her workflow, particularly in formatting project parameters and creating clear layouts for student assignments. However, she emphasized the dramatic impact of AI on her teaching, necessitating a re-evaluation of curriculum and assessment methods in advanced computer science. She is actively working with colleagues to redesign assignments to be more “AI-resistant” or “AI-proof,” while acknowledging the nuanced considerations for student use. Lauren powerfully stated the evolving adage: “You’re not gonna be replaced by AI, you’re gonna be replaced by someone using AI,” highlighting the necessity of embracing these tools.

Rachelle shared her personal experience of using AI as a tutor during her doctoral studies, particularly for challenging subjects like statistics, where immediate support was crucial. She also highlighted students’ increasing use of AI as a study aid and tutor, emphasizing the need for educators to understand these applications.

Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future:

I then shifted to the critical question of best preparing students for a future where AI and big data are increasingly integral, as highlighted by the World Economic Forum’s job skills outlook. Lauren emphasized the importance of teaching fundamental problem-solving skills, breaking down complex tasks, and fostering technology agnosticism. Drawing an analogy to sewing, she illustrated how seemingly unrelated activities can build crucial skills in precision, attention to detail, troubleshooting, and sequential thinking – skills that readily translate to coding, debugging, and navigating technological challenges.

Mike stressed the need for a long-term perspective, urging educators to look beyond immediate concerns and consider the exponential growth of AI and related technologies like robotics. He envisioned a future where AI agents will be commonplace, requiring students to develop skills in directing these agents, working collaboratively with them, and navigating complex systems. He highlighted the burgeoning opportunities in entrepreneurship, where AI can lower the barrier to entry for young innovators. Mike emphasized the importance of “problem sensing” – identifying pain points and leveraging technology to create solutions – alongside critical thinking and creativity.

Dora built upon this, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity and independent thinking. Drawing from the book “Range,” she championed the value of generalists and cross-disciplinary thinking, suggesting that solutions to problems often emerge from unexpected intersections of knowledge. She highlighted Imagi’s approach of integrating coding with art creation to engage students across different subject areas and foster interdisciplinary learning.

Rachelle shared practical strategies for the classroom, such as having students analyze AI-generated content for errors or using AI to create lesson hooks. She stressed the importance of introducing these concepts even in elementary school to build foundational knowledge over time. For educators hesitant to start, she recommended asking AI for ideas on preparing students based on future skills forecasts.

Fostering Curiosity and Creativity Through Interdisciplinary Approaches:

Each panelist advocated for interdisciplinary learning as a key to sparking curiosity and boosting creativity in the age of AI. Mike emphasized that real-world problems are rarely confined to single subject areas, making cross-curricular collaboration essential. He highlighted entrepreneurship as a unifying theme for integrating AI across subjects like marketing, design, and communication. He also stressed the importance of bringing in experts from various industries to provide students with real-world context and demonstrate the practical applications of AI.

Dora shared inspiring examples of interdisciplinary projects using Imagi, such as coding lunar phases in science class or visualizing periodic table elements. She also mentioned literature projects where students code their favorite book characters, demonstrating how technology can enhance engagement and understanding across diverse subjects.

Lauren passionately argued against siloing technology education. She shared examples of history classes creating artifacts in the makerspace and French classes using AI for debates, illustrating how technology can enrich and make learning more relevant and engaging across the curriculum. She believes that open-ended, interdisciplinary projects cater to a wider range of learning styles and promote equity.

Advice for Educators on the AI Journey

The panelists offered encouraging and practical advice for educators who may feel overwhelmed as they begin integrating AI.

Lauren emphasized the importance of leveraging existing resources and not feeling the need to start from scratch. She urged educators to align their AI integration strategies with their school’s values and mission.

Mike emphasized the contextual nature of AI implementation, advising schools to find their path based on their unique needs and learning outcomes. He cautioned against purchasing new tools and recommended starting with free resources to build understanding. He stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and envisioning a long-term, transformative vision for AI in education.

Dora offered a powerful message: “Action breeds confidence.” She encouraged educators to start experimenting, learn by doing, and not strive for perfection, especially given the rapid pace of change. She echoed the value of Lauren’s resources as a practical starting point.

We ended with a call to action. While integrating AI in education can present complexities, each of the panelists spoke to its immense potential to enhance learning, foster crucial future-ready skills, and empower students to become adaptable, creative problem-solvers. The key takeaway was clear: educators don’t need to be experts, but they need to be willing to explore, experiment, and learn alongside their students as we collectively navigate the changes that AI and other emerging technologies will bring.

Want to see the recording? Check it out here or view the video below!

Sign up for our next webinar, which will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The title is “The AI-Ready Educator—Preparing Teachers for the Future of Learning.” I will be joined by three panelists, and it will be another great conversation. Register here.

About Rachelle

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

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

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

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

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

**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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While I Teach, Socrait Collects The Data I’ve Always Needed

May 20, 2025May 21, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with Socrait, Opinions expressed are my own

Educators have a lot of responsibilities, from planning lessons, creating assessments, grading, providing feedback to students, communicating with families, analyzing student data, and more. With so many responsibilities, burnout has become a big factor in education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 25% of teachers leave the profession within their first three years. The reason? Teachers feel overwhelmed by administrative tasks and paperwork, emotional and physical exhaustion, and a lack of support.

Socrait was developed for this purpose. While AI continues to make an impact in education, not all AI solutions are designed with teachers in mind. Socrait is a voice-enabled class assistant designed by a teacher who understands the demands of the job. Many other AI tools have been created for administrative efficiency, student engagement, or content generation. Few are built specifically to help teachers reclaim their time, reduce burnout, and focus on what truly matters: teaching and connection, like Socrait provides.

Reimaging the classroom

Socrait’s goal is to reduce teacher burnout by lowering cognitive load during the day and streamlining some of the time-consuming aspects of teaching. Reflecting on our classes each day is important for our own growth, but more importantly, to truly understand our students’ needs. Sometimes after a long day or many activities in class, it’s tough to remember who raised their hand, who received a warning, or which family may need me to send a follow-up email.

Socrait helps with this by automating some of the time-consuming (yet essential) aspects of teaching. Tasks such as taking attendance, logging behavioral incidents, tracking student participation, recording praises, reminders, warnings, and even drafting personalized follow-up emails to families are important and can take away valuable time from our students.

These are essential components of classroom management and communication, but they can also add to a teacher’s daily cognitive and emotional load and, of course, reduce the amount of time that teachers can spend working with students. Socrait provides a solution by working with teachers to facilitate these actions.

How Socrait Works

Getting started with Socrait takes only a few minutes.

Before class: Open the Socrait app, press the “stream” button, and begin teaching.
During class, the app runs quietly in a pouch that comes on a lanyard. Teach class as you normally would; no special voice commands are required.

While teaching, Socrait listens through a secure mobile app and transforms spoken words into a digital log. At the end of class, simply log into your dashboard, and you will see a summary of attendance, praises, reminders, and any warnings given, plus student participation. It can even draft messages to send to parents, ready for teachers to review before sending. Socrait is also compatible with Google Workspace for Education, making it easy for schools and districts to integrate securely. It has plans to integrate through Clever in the upcoming school year!

What I think makes Socrait so unique is the voice-to-text technology that processes speech without needing to save audio or keep a recording. The audio is processed into useful insights without affecting students’ or teachers’ privacy. With Socrait, teachers can evaluate their class data to look for/identify patterns that will help them to target instruction: Are there students who are consistently disengaged or engaged in the lesson? Is praise being evenly distributed throughout the classroom? What are the most frequent reminders given in class? These insights can promote thoughtful reflection and help educators adjust instruction or classroom management strategies to better align with student needs..

I was amazed by its ability to detect and categorize my comments during instruction. It facilitates accurate tracking of both positive reinforcement and behavioral redirection. Here are some of the statements that I made and how they were categorized in my dashboard.

“Great job staying focused during group work, Mia.”

“I appreciate how you explained your thinking, Kevin—that was clear and well-stated.”

“Thanks for your help in class today, John.”

These statements were categorized as praise. The following statements were categorized as warnings:

“Cody, I’ve asked you twice to put your phone away. If you could please put it in your backpack.”

“I’m concerned about your grades, Kelly, as this is your third missing assignment.”

At the end of class, here is an example of what you see in your dashboard:

Built with Privacy First

When I try a new tool, the first thing I do is look for information related to privacy and data security, especially when it comes to AI-powered tools. Socrait does not store audio recordings but rather functions through real-time streaming to convert speech into text and then generate summaries, which are stored securely.

More Time for What Matters

Socrait helps teachers to save time. Socratit saves the time they used to spend writing notes, sending emails, or filling out behavior logs and gives teachers an assistant that frees up time for what really matters: building relationships, reflecting on lessons, and taking care of themselves.

With Socrait, teachers are able to:

✔️ Track student participation and engagement in real time

✔️ Automatically log attendance and behavior data

✔️ Generate and send follow-up emails after review

✔️ Reflect with accurate, accessible class summaries

Want to give it a try?

Socrait is currently in Alpha testing, and the best feedback comes from teachers using it in their classrooms. If you’re interested in testing a tool that supports teachers instead of overwhelming them, now is the perfect opportunity!

👉 Sign up today at https://socrait.com to be an early user. You’ll be able to use Socrait daily, and your feedback will help shape its development.

About Rachelle

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

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

**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.

The Importance of Reflection

May 13, 2025May 10, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

As educators, it is important to reflect on our teaching practices and also model this for our students. Engaging students in reflecting on their learning will help them to become more self-aware, to set new goals, to make adjustments, and to prepare them for the future.

I am a huge fan of quotes, so much so that my first book, “In Other Words, Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” came to be after reading the notes I had taken from reading other books. Much of what I had written was quotes from the author or quotes from others that were included in their books. One of my favorites is from John Dewey. Dewey stated, “We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.” I think about this quote often and it reminds me of how important reflection is for our professional and personal growth.

When should we reflect and how often? With many daily demands in our work, setting aside a specific time can be a challenge. My recommendation is to find a point in your teaching day to take even 5 minutes to think about the lessons you’ve taught, the methods used, the students’ engagement in the lesson, and take some quick notes to refer back to later. Even in small periods of time on a daily basis, these reflections will help us to focus on how to continue to improve our skills. Reflection also helps with our well-being and gives us a moment to pause and recognize the value of our work while also taking time to breathe.

A Few Ideas

I have a lot of notes written from my reflections. I make a list of ideas, things to consider, and tools to explore, and keep it nearby so I can refer to it often and continue to think through everything. I’ve noticed that it has helped me to be more consistent when reflecting on my teaching practice.

1. Set a time for reflection: Consistency is essential. Choose a specific time each day, or a few times during the week or weekend, to reflect. Driving into school, I think about my goals for the day, and driving home, I think about how the day went. Find a time that works best for you and hold it as a non-negotiable for your day.

2. Journaling or Blogging: I’ve had students write in journals over the years after I’ve provided a prompt for the day. Reading their responses also helps me to reflect on my practice at times, depending on the prompts that I have provided. Blogging started for me as a way to not only share ideas, but also to reflect on the methods and tools that I was using. It can be done on paper, in a journal, or using Google Docs or a blogging site.

3. Podcasts: I started podcasting in my classroom on a Monday during my lunch. I decided to talk about what I had done in class, different digital tools, new methods, or whatever random idea that I had on my mind. Every Monday, for two years, I sat down during my lunch break and recorded an episode for my ThriveinEDU podcast. I had a consistent habit and then shifted to recording whenever I had something on my mind, which could have been while at home or while taking a walk. Most episodes over the five seasons have been of me having a conversation with myself. But, there are a lot now where I have guests from all roles in education and also guests from some different companies or areas of work. It has been a great experience and I enjoy learning from everyone and also having new ideas to consider. And even if you don’t actually publish the podcast or your recording, it is a great way to reflect by listening to your thoughts

4. Learning communities: Being part of a learning community whether an organization like ISTE+ASCD, a state organization, Microsoft or Google communities, or ambassador programs, are great ways to learn and lead to reflection. Connecting in these spaces or through social media networks, especially more frequently used now is Slack, make it easier to connect with educators from around the world.

These are just a few ways to build reflection into your practice and also ways to connect and impact other educators too. Reflection is powerful for improvement and staying engaged in our work. Keep making a difference.

About Rachelle

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

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

**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.

AI, Creativity and Adobe Express Classroom

May 6, 2025April 30, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Part 2 by Laura Steinbrink, @SteinbrinkLaura

One of my go-to edtech tools for my personal and professional use and for use with students has long been Adobe Express. It has undergone quite the overhaul throughout the years, but I could not ask for more from a creative learning tool. Today’s version is truly something special. If you have not checked it out in a while, you might want to give it another look. From creating videos, graphics, webpages, presentations, voice animations, and editable .pdf documents, Adobe Express has beefed up its capabilities by adding very user-friendly features, from a one-click background remover, quick video editing tools, to audio recording options.

Guided Activities

One of my favorite new features offered by Adobe is the featured activities with built-in lesson videos on how to use the template and complete the activity, ready for teachers to assign. These are creative and fun, often include some of Adobe’s built-in generative AI, and free teachers up to assist students with content creation rather than navigating through the technology. Students who need the extra support can watch the one-minute video to see how to do each step, and those who want to figure it out themselves can jump right in and get started. My students really like this feature because it is handy but not obtrusive.

This has freed me up to walk around the classroom and assist a lot more students with other things, rather than help a few students who struggle with the tech pieces of the assignment. It also lets me introduce a new tech piece with Adobe Express and new content simultaneously, whereas in the past, I would have used two class periods for this to stagger the learning of the tech from the application of the content. I highly recommend trying one of these activities with students.

Adobe Classroom

The wonderful thing about Adobe Express’s Classroom option is that teachers can take any template and assign it to students. They are also working to continually update and improve their templates that are organized by subject, grade level, country, etc., too, but absolutely any template can be assigned to students once a class has been created and students have been enrolled in the class. To ensure that you have the Classroom option, make sure that you sign in with your school account and then, instead of selecting “personal,” select “school or district” account when logging in. You should then see the “Classroom” tool option in the side panel (see image below).

Besides the wonderful ability to assign templates, Adobe Express Classroom provides a gallery view for teachers to see student progress at a glance, and it also provides teachers the ability to turn on the gallery view for students to see each other’s work as well. It is a simple toggle on and off that can be done at any time during the work of a project, making this feature a powerful yet simple way to give students an authentic audience for their work.

In the example above, the students’ names have been blacked out, but you can see their progress is color-coded, and the teacher has access to their work at each step of the way once the progress has been started. It is also easy at a quick glance to see which student or students haven’t started the project yet. This saves a lot of time, and perhaps makes this one of my favorite features of Adobe Express Classroom.

Even if all you want to do is search the educator resources to find a quick activity that you can print or assign through Adobe Express Classroom, I encourage you to explore all that Express has to offer you. It is my one-stop shop for energizing my own creativity, so I know that my students get something out of using it as well. It is never a dull moment when you tap into the power of creating, regardless of your subject matter. Students, and if we’re honest, teachers as well, are familiar with the role of consumer in today’s economy, so I take every opportunity to help them learn to cross over into the creator side and learn tools that can set them apart from competitors in the job market or help them rise to the challenge in college, or just enjoy making something rather than passively scrolling. Creating is definitely more fun.

About Rachelle

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

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

**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.

AI in Education, Part 3: Looking Ahead – The Future of AI in Learning

April 8, 2025April 8, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In the first and second parts of my AI series, I focused on where we see AI in classrooms. Benefits range from personalized learning and accessibility tools to AI-driven grading and support of a teaching assistant. In Part 2, I chose to focus on some of the important considerations related to ethics that must be part of the conversation. Schools need to focus on data privacy, bias, overreliance, and the equity divide. I wanted to focus on the future for this last part in the current AI series. Where do we go from here?

I have seen a shift in the focus of conversations around AI and also a shift in the mindset when thinking about AI. Where there once was heightened concern about the use of AI for cheating on assignments and hesitation to start using AI, now there is more of a realization that AI is here to stay, and its role in education will only grow. The conversation is no longer about whether we should use AI—it’s about how we choose to use it, and more importantly, why.

AI will, without a doubt, be part of that future. It’s our responsibility as educators, tech leaders, school community members, and edtech providers to ensure we’re guiding its integration in a way that best serves students, empowers teachers, and prepares us all for the future.

Here are some things that I have been thinking about:

Human-AI Collaboration in Teaching?

We’ve heard it many times before: AI will never replace great teachers. But it will “change how we teach” and how we think about teaching, impacting our work in many ways.

For some educators, they are just exploring AI or have only recently heard about the possibilities for human-AI collaboration. Have you thought about AI becoming a co-pilot in your classroom? Consider some of the possibilities:

Teachers can get real-time insights into student understanding. (Feedback that is authentic, meaningful, and timely is essential. AI helps with timeliness and gives us time back that can be spent providing authentic and meaningful feedback to students.
AI assistants can help educators to further differentiate instruction. (Think about the time it takes to evaluate student responses and adjust our instruction to best meet student needs. Using AI can help with saving some valuable time).
Brainstorming new ideas can be faster with the help of an AI assistant.

Will AI stick around?

AI is not new, and it is not going away.

Our roles as educators are evolving. Beyond delivering content, we have to be content curators, learning coaches, and mentors. We need to understand how to best leverage the AI tools available to create meaningful learning experiences for all students.

Some things to consider:

Shift from thinking that AI is going to replace us. Think of it as a teammate that is always available instead. There are many ways that it can supplement the work we are doing.
Work toward ongoing professional learning that supports AI fluency. Move beyond learning how to use a tool, think about its potential for enhancing our work, and be aware of its limitations.
Create space in your school or district for educators to experiment, reflect, and share what’s working (and what’s not). Pop-up PD events where someone shares a new idea, resource, or tips are great ways to continue learning and share the teacher talent!

How Can Schools Prepare Students for an AI-Driven World?

As we have probably said ourselves and heard many times, we are preparing students for a future that doesn’t exist yet, while we know that AI will definitely be a part of it. So we have to be intentional in the opportunities we create and the tools we choose to use.

Our students will need to be technologically savvy, but their knowledge needs to go beyond that. They will need to understand how AI works, how it can hallucinate or return inaccurate information, and how to use it ethically and creatively. Understanding AI is about more than computer science—it’s about focusing on skills such as critical thinking, media literacy, and how to innovate responsibly.

What Are The Key Skills for an AI-Ready Generation?

AI literacy: Knowing what AI is, how it functions, and how it makes decisions. We talk a lot about AI Literacy, but we need to focus on exactly what it means and how to create opportunities for these skills to be developed.
Ethical reasoning: Developing an understanding of bias in algorithms, the importance of data privacy, and the impact of automation on humans and the future of work.
Enhanced Creativity: Deciding how to use AI to enhance storytelling, design, research, and innovation.
Collaboration and adaptability: These are critical skills which means that developing skills for problem-solving in interdisciplinary, tech-rich environments.

Schools now need to think about: How should we shift our curriculum to reflect this new reality? How often should we bring digital citizenship into our conversations about AI use? Do students have opportunities to create with AI and not just consume it?

What are the Biggest Opportunities with AI on the Horizon?

When I think about the future of AI in education, I think about a lot of concerns, but also focus on the benefits. Often, I say responsibilities versus possibilities, or maybe you have heard of “guidelines and guardrails.” More than just automation or replacing work done by humans, streamlining tasks and more. It’s about amplification. When integrated with purpose and oversight, AI has the potential to:

Help educators identify gaps in learning earlier and more accurately.
Support neurodiverse learners with personalized, accessible tools.
Provide just-in-time support for language learners, students in rural areas, and those who might otherwise be overlooked.
Enable more student-centered learning by freeing up educator bandwidth.
Support schools and organizations in many of the time-consuming administrative tasks and other responsibilities that take away from time working with students and colleagues.

Also at the school-wide and district-wide level, there has been a rise in AI-informed school operation. I just returned from the ASU+GSV AI Show and saw more of this than in prior events. With AI, schools can take advantage of tools for smart scheduling, predictive analytics for attendance and engagement, and AI-supported mental health monitoring (of course, only when used responsibly and ethically).

But here’s something to remember: AI will not by itself make learning better. It will amplify or enhance the system it’s placed in. While we have new opportunities, the big responsibility belongs to us to use this technology ethically, purposefully, and safely.

What Can We Do?

Here’s how we start:

Create school-wide policies for AI that address ethics, bias, and transparency—before tools are adopted.
Build educator confidence through ongoing, hands-on training and support.
Collaborate across roles— administrators, teachers, tech staff, students, and even the school community, should be involved when AI decisions are made and aware of changes that happen.
Model digital citizenship by treating AI as part of the ecosystem of responsible technology use.

Looking Ahead:

We’re all going to need to keep learning and expanding our skills together. AI will continue to evolve quickly, and because of this, education may continue to play catch-up if we don’t dive in and continue to learn and expand the work we do.

We have a chance—right now—to lead the conversation, set the norms, and create the kind of learning environments we believe in—not ones driven by hype or fear but by intentionality, inclusion, and imagination.

Some questions to consider:

How do we want our classrooms to feel? What experiences do we want to create for our students?
How can AI support relationships, not replace them?
What does equitable, empowered learning look like—and how can AI help us get there?

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

What are you seeing in your school or district right now when it comes to AI? What conversations are happening—or still need to happen?

I’d love to hear how you’re navigating this space, what challenges you’re facing, and what’s working for you. Whether you’re just getting started or already diving in, this is a journey we’re on together.

Drop your thoughts in the comments, send a message, or reach out. I would love to work with you and your school or speak at your event. Contact me at bit.ly/thriveineduPD.

If our current system is inequitable, overworked, and compliance-focused, AI won’t fix that—it might just accelerate it.

Let’s also remember that students are watching how we respond to new tools. They’ll model our curiosity, our caution, and our creativity. If we approach AI with a balanced, thoughtful mindset, they will too.

About Rachelle

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 event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X 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.

AI in Education, Part 2: Challenges, Opportunities, and Responsibilities

March 25, 2025March 22, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In Part 1 of this series, I shared some of the ways AI is transforming education—personalized learning, automation of routine tasks, and improved accessibility. But like any powerful tool, AI also comes with challenges that we need to think through carefully if we want it to truly support students and educators.

Thinking through it carefully doesn’t mean that we should ban the use of AI or greatly limit it. It means being intentional about how we use it, asking the right questions, and making sure that technology enhances learning rather than replacing it, and understanding how to make sure that we are using tools that are safe for students and educators.

Here are some challenges (and opportunities) that AI in education brings, as well as ideas for how we can navigate them wisely.

1. The Balance Between AI and Human Instruction

AI-powered learning platforms are helping teachers provide personalized instruction in ways that weren’t possible before. While we have always been able to personalize instruction in our classrooms, these tools can save time, enable faster feedback, and provide greater insights into student learning in less time. Adaptive learning tools can indicate gaps in understanding, adjust content based on individual student progress, and provide instant feedback.

All of these possibilities are beneficial. But these possibilities raise an important question: Where does AI fit into the teacher-student relationship?

Why It Matters:

AI can help educators, or anyone, to be more efficient, but teaching isn’t just about delivering content. It’s about essentially human qualities such as mentorship, creativity, and human connection—things AI can’t replicate. If we rely too much on AI-driven instruction, we risk creating a learning environment and experiences that are transactional rather than transformational in our schools.

Some solutions:

Use AI to complement, not replace, teacher-led instruction. AI is capable of handling routine tasks and providing insights, but teachers bring authentic connections, relevant context, and inspiration that technology can’t.
Prioritize collaborative learning, project-based learning experiences, and hands-on activities to balance AI-driven efficiency with human creativity.
Encourage students to engage in critical thinking and discussion— essential skills that go beyond what AI is able to offer.

2. AI-Generated Content: Helpful or a Shortcut?

There are so many questions surrounding AI-generated content. Should we use it? Can we create with AI and sell it, or are we violating copyright? We know there are endless things we can create, from lesson plans to assessments, project ideas, audio and video creations, and more. AI has become a “go-to” tool for educators and learners alike. But is that always a good thing?

Why It Matters:

AI can generate fast, but speed doesn’t always mean quality or accuracy. Sometimes, AI outputs are generic, lack depth, or contain inaccuracies. As educators, we need to work with it, evaluate our prompts and the output, and find ways to guide students to appropriate use of the tools available. If students rely too much on AI for writing or problem-solving, they will miss out on the critical thinking and creativity that come with the process.

Some solutions:

Guide students on how to engage with AI critically. It’s not about completely banning AI tools but helping students learn when and how to use them responsibly.
Encourage students to edit, refine, and build on AI-generated content rather than accepting it at face value. Think of AI as a brainstorming tool, not a finished product.
Use AI for efficiency, not as a replacement for thought. Generating a study guide is great. Letting AI do all the work is not so great.

3. Data Privacy and Student Security

AI-powered tools are collecting a lot of student data—performance analytics, typing patterns, and even behavioral insights in some cases. While this data can help improve learning experiences, it raises important questions surrounding privacy, security, and consent.

Why It Matters:

AI is making education more personalized, but we make sure that this enhanced personalization doesn’t come at the cost of student privacy. Some questions that schools and educators should consider on a regular basis are:

What data is being collected, and how is it stored?
Who has access to it?
Is it being used to help students learn or for other purposes?

Some solutions:

Choose AI tools that prioritize transparency and security. Ask companies tough questions about their data policies. Review the policies frequently to make sure that the companies are staying up-to-date as AI evolves.
Teach students about digital literacy and privacy so they understand how their data is being used and can advocate for themselves.
Dedicate time to developing clear school policies on AI and data use. If we don’t ask these questions now, we might not like the answers later.

4. Making Sure Every Student Benefits

AI has great potential for providing personalized support to students who need it most. However, if only well-funded schools have access to the best AI-powered tools, it could widen educational gaps.

Why It Matters:

Not all students have equal access to technology. We learned this in 2020 as schools had to shift to virtual learning. If AI-driven learning becomes the norm, students in under-resourced schools could fall behind and risk being unprepared for the evolving world of work involving AI.
Bias in AI models can unintentionally disadvantage certain student groups if the training data isn’t diverse enough.

Some solutions:

Advocate for equitable access to AI tools in schools, ensuring that every student—not just those in tech-rich districts—benefits from AI-driven learning.
Be mindful of bias in AI-driven assessments and grading tools. If AI is making decisions that impact students, we need to question how those decisions are being made.

5. The Need for Clear AI Guidelines in Schools

One of the biggest challenges right now is that there’s no universal roadmap for AI in education. Schools are adopting AI tools at different rates, and students are at different levels of understanding about their risks and benefits. Some schools do not have policies in place or have not even started the discussion. I have learned this over the past six months when working with schools across the country in my AI and the Law training sessions and speaking events.

Why It Matters:

Without clear guidelines, educators are left to figure things out on their own, which can lead to inconsistent policies and even ethical dilemmas.
Schools need AI policies that address data privacy, academic integrity, and responsible AI use.

Some solutions:

It takes a team. Work together to develop best practices for AI in the classroom. AI in our schools isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a teaching issue.
Push for state and district-level guidelines so that AI use in education is consistent and transparent.
Keep the conversation going—AI is evolving fast, and education needs to keep up. We need to be proactive rather than reactive.

As we continue integrating AI into our schools, I believe the key is approaching it with curiosity, caution, and a commitment to making it work for all learners. I would not consider the challenges that I have shared to be giant roadblocks but rather opportunities for us to be proactive and strategic about the use of AI in the classroom.

By staying informed, advocating for responsible AI use, and keeping students and educators at the center of the conversation, we can ensure that AI enhances education rather than disrupting it. In Part 3 of this series, I plan to look at what’s next for the future of learning. What skills will students need in an AI-driven world, and how do we prepare for what’s coming?

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for Part 3. If you’re looking for PD training for your school or a speaker for your event, contact me via bit.ly/thriveineduPD.

About Rachelle

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

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

**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.

Fostering Collaboration in Our Classrooms

March 4, 2025April 8, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Prior post on Defined Learning

Fostering collaboration among students and educators enhances learning, builds essential skills, prepares students for the future, and more! Explore practical methods to enhance collaboration, such as project-based learning, game-based learning, and leveraging digital tools to align technology with students’ needs and goals, leading to meaningful engagement.

One thing that I have focused on a lot more over the past couple of years is creating more opportunities for students to collaborate with each other and also, for my own learning, to be able to collaborate with other educators. As we moved through changing learning environments, from fully remote to hybrid and, fortunately, back in person, there were a lot of challenges, and being able to collaborate was definitely one of them. One of the essential skills that employers seek is teamwork, which grows from opportunities to collaborate and build relationships. As we consider how to best prepare our students with the essential skills they need, there are many ways that we can foster meaningful collaboration in and beyond our classroom spaces. Not only will these opportunities benefit students’ learning and growth, but they will also greatly benefit our work and getting to know our students.

As students collaborate more, they can engage more meaningfully in learning and have fun. Brainstorming ideas together, providing feedback, working through learning challenges, and even teaching each other benefit their growth and learning journey. They will also build confidence in the classroom and feel more confident speaking in front of and working with their peers. This will impact them far beyond the physical classroom space.

What are some quick ideas for boosting collaboration?

We can select different methods to have students work together in or outside our classrooms. Some methods, such as project-based learning (PBL) or problem-based learning, or through STEM-related activities, for example, provide students with opportunities to work independently and collaboratively towards a common goal or to solve a problem. These student-driven methods foster greater connections with the content knowledge, offering more learning choices and leading to more active learning. In my classroom, when students have designed their own PBL experience, it empowers them with more choices and helps them to develop self-management skills when setting goals. Some students may need help with choices during student-driven, independent work such as PBL and setting goals. However, having classmates to support them will help them to further develop these essential skills such as self-management skills. Exploring something more authentic, such as a personal interest or a curiosity, also promotes student agency in learning.

Continue reading on Defined Learning to learn about Kialo Edu, Wakelet and more ideas.

CONTACT RACHELLE FOR TRAINING OR KEYNOTES RELATED TO AI, AI AND THE LAW, CYBERSECURITY, DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP, STEM, AND OTHER TOPICS.

6 Ways to Unplug From Classroom Technology

February 25, 2025April 8, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

I recently spoke with several tech coaches who had audited digital tools in their buildings—they found more than 400 tools being used in their schools! I know a lot about technology, yet I still struggle to strike the right balance of technology in the classroom. Avoiding overreliance on technology in our highly digital world can be challenging. One solution is to “unplug.”

Integrating into your classroom unplugged activities that do not require technology can offer many benefits, including helping students develop a variety of skill sets. Although each of these ideas can also be implemented with technology, there are ways to use these without the tech and that help amplify the learning experience for students. Having an unplugged classroom does not always require a lot of planning or materials. When I notice a decrease in student engagement in my classroom, I shift to trying new methods and mixing up the activities to promote student choice and more active learning.

Ways to Unplug

1. Genius hour. Students select a topic of interest and have time to develop a presentation. They may refer to resources such as books, videos, or internet research, but their presentation must be done without the use of technology. Students can create a visual display, such as a poster, a replica, or a demo of their topic, and then deliver a presentation to their classmates.

2. Place-based learning. Opportunities to explore the community while connecting content to the real world make learning experiences more valuable and meaningful for students. One year, my students did an outdoor project about childhood, and they visited a local park and playground for research.

Students in a history class could visit local historical sites to better understand the content they are learning. Science classes such as biology or ecology can have students explore local areas, learn about the ecosystem, and participate in projects to clean up the community or learn about and present solutions to environmental concerns. Place-based learning boosts student engagement, fosters student agency, and helps students develop a greater understanding of their impact on the community and even the world.

Continue reading this post on Edutopia.

About Rachelle

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 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.

Legacy, Purpose and In Between

February 4, 2025April 8, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post by Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez, a Director of Special Programs in a public school in Central Texas. Connect with Amy on X (formerly Twitter) at @drgrowtoknow, on Facebook at DrAmy MP, or at her website dramyperez.com

Legacy, Purpose, and In Between

It is very common to hear phrases, mottos, and comments about “purpose.” A few examples include finding your purpose and having a sense of purpose and purpose of life. It seems to have become so common that people may gloss over the words, dismiss it, or find it so daunting that they avoid all of the “How To” advice. Often this word also implies that a person’s purpose is a singular thing. We won’t launch into the grammar of it all, but in this blog, I’ll share a strategy that has helped me refocus on my purpose, and my hope is that it can help you get closer to figuring out yours.

An important thing to know is that your purpose can change. It is not like a New Year’s resolution that you either conquer or quit; purpose is fluid because it evolves as you grow and change; also, it typically impacts multiple levels of your preferences, your actions, your emotions, your interactions with others, your mindset and more which leads to more growth and change.

Also, your purpose doesn’t need to be something huge, life-changing, or change the world. If you are committed to it and true to it, your purpose will facilitate change that is needed. Some of these changes you’ll be lucky enough to know about, but many will happen as a ripple effect.

Now, let’s talk about the word “legacy.” It makes some people think of obituaries and inheritance, while others use it in reference to the “rich and famous.” The definition I am referring to for the purpose of this blog is this: the sum of the personal values, accomplishments, contributions, and actions that resonate and impact others in ways that yield change in character, progress, and/or learning. Everyone has a legacy, but not everyone recognizes it. Often, those who can see their legacy rarely accomplish it due to a lack of self-trust, intention, drive, and focus.

In 2024, I was honored to be a guest on Chip Baker’s podcast, “The Success Chronicles.” You can check out all of his episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/ChipBakerTheSuccessChronicles. I highly recommend Chip Baker- he is authentic, hard-working, and truly wants you to succeed through learning. Although my episode has not yet been published, we talked about many things, including “legacy.” Chip Baker said, “…it all starts with your perspective and your heart posture.” We shared personal examples and were on the same page about legacy being more about the impact than the person.

Since then, I have been reflecting and processing the terms “legacy” and “purpose,” and my big “Ah-ha!” moment was this: I was working backwards. I was languishing over my purpose and what kind of legacy that would leave. I switched up my strategy and very quickly gained clarity, which provided me with alignment between my actions, mission, focus, and goals. Things are not perfect, but they are significantly better.

Here is what I discovered: In spending quality time reflecting on what I want my legacy to be, my purpose reveals itself (not all at once for me.) The “in-between” stuff is our everyday life; our choices, actions, values, words, and more – including what you put your energy into. Chip Baker described it as being “intentional about doing the right thing each moment of each day.”

As I continue my journey, I am collaborating with specific people that I trust to build on ideas and provide me authentic feedback. This is key in squashing self-doubt, the inner-critic and the “just give up” voice when things get hard, messy, or unclear.

You are a wonderfully unique person. This strategy is not a guarantee, but it is an idea for you to consider. If you give yourself enough time and grace, I am 100% confident that you’ll discover more about yourself, your legacy, and your purpose.

About Amy

About Amy
Texas-born & raised, Amy is in her 34th year of serving public education. General Ed. Teacher, SLP, Diagnostician, SPED Supervisor, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Special Education are roles she’s held. She is the CEO of Making Education Special for All (M.E.S.A), an LLC dedicated to training, facilitation, consultation, and speaking engagements that revolve around information, motivation, and insights on why and how to make education special for all stakeholders as well as leadership. Her passions are communication, joy, authenticity, and empowerment. “Life is short, but our influence is never-ending,” Amy is committed to connecting with others through service and smiles.

About Rachelle

She is the author of nine books and a blogger and podcaster.

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

Follow Rachelle on 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.

Boosting Classroom Discussions in the New Year with Kialo Edu!

January 31, 2025January 29, 2025Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with Kialo Edu. All opinions are my own.

Over the past ten to fifteen years, we have seen an increase in the use of technology and how it can transform the way we teach and learn when used purposefully. I am always looking for new tools to explore and to further engage students in learning.

I look for options that help boost student confidence and comfort in our class discussions and provide ways for students to learn how to engage in respectful conversations where they may disagree.

With this in mind, Kialo Edu has emerged as a game-changer. As we prepare our students for their future, we want to promote critical thinking, collaboration, and respectful discourse between students in our classrooms. As an educator who has used Kialo Edu in my classroom, I recognize that this platform is more than just a tool — it is an innovative approach to engaging students in thoughtful discussions and impactful for fostering these essential skills for the future.

What Is Kialo Edu?

You may be wondering what Kialo Edu is. It is a robust web-based platform designed to facilitate structured, interactive discussions between students while also providing insight into how students are learning and processing the information. I spent a few hours on a weekend testing out its features and was really impressed. One of my favorite features is the “discussion tree,” which is a way to visually map arguments as interconnected branches. Students can look at this, see how their ideas develop, and better understand the logical structure of the conversation. It is very easy to navigate, and I love how it encourages students to consider all the different perspectives their classmates have raised.

To begin, you need a thesis — a central statement or question — that students then support or challenge with pro and con arguments. Each argument, whether a pro or a con, can then have its own set of pros and cons. In this way, discussions can branch into progressively more detailed sub-arguments, creating an organized structure that can make even the most complex discussions manageable and transparent.

Kialo Edu provides an intuitive and visual format for discussions, enriched with features like impact meters for rating arguments, referencing sources in claims, and linking arguments across branches of the discussion. Whether you’re exploring global or societal issues, debating scientific ethics, or dissecting a novel’s character motivations, Kialo Edu makes discussions engaging and meaningful. And it is free to use!

How Kialo Works in Practice

Getting started with Kialo Edu is easy: It begins with simply creating a discussion. After setting a thesis, teachers can add a brief text for instructions or context, set specific tasks for students to complete in the discussion, and even incorporate an image to set the tone. Once ready, students are invited to join and begin contributing arguments, rating their impact, and responding to others. As the discussion unfolds, educators can easily monitor new claims as well as students’ progress toward their tasks. For educators, the virtual classroom management capability of Kialo Edu enables teachers to track student progress at any time. Taking on the student role, I appreciate how Kialo shows my progress as I contribute new arguments, offer supporting arguments, or put forth alternative viewpoints to others’ claims.

One feature that I really appreciate is the Grading and Feedback tool, which allows educators to filter out individual students’ contributions. This makes it easier to keep track of participation, evaluate the quality of arguments, and provide more targeted feedback to students. There are also comments that remain separate from the main discussion, which allows for side conversations about phrasing, content, or sources without cluttering the primary argument tree.

Bringing Discussions to Life in the Classroom

Fostering Critical Thinking

I’ve used Kialo Edu in my classroom to have students examine their own reasoning behind both academic and real-world topics. For example, when discussing the merits of sustainability practices, each group had to find credible sources and evidence to support their claims. The impact meters helped students recognize the most influential arguments, which then helped them refine their reasoning and presentation.

Building Civil Discourse

Kialo Edu’s perspective-switching feature is a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding. After students have voted on the strength of arguments in the discussion, they can then view the discussion tree through the lens of a participant who voted differently. In doing so, students can view and consider opposing arguments as more than just obstacles to their own. This feature is particularly impactful during a debate on a topic such as freedom of speech, where students can deepen their understanding of a complex issue by exploring multiple viewpoints.

Enhancing Collaboration

Sometimes, it makes sense to assign mixed-ability groups to explore different topics. Using Kialo’s Small Group Mode, teachers can hand-pick groups that will encourage diverse viewpoints. Each group then receives its own private copy of a discussion, allowing students to build arguments collaboratively without external distractions. This approach has been valuable when discussing topics where students must learn how to navigate nuanced perspectives.

Why Kialo Edu Works for Educators

Kialo Edu is such a robust platform, and here are a few reasons why I believe that Kialo Edu is a stand-out and a must-try for all educators:

Ease of Assessment

Using the Grading and Feedback feature, I can look at a specific student’s work all in one place, evaluate the depth of their arguments in context, and provide targeted feedback.

Kialo Edu aligns with key pedagogical goals, including critical thinking, respectful communication, and information literacy. Its flexibility allows me to adapt it for various subjects and levels, from analyzing historical events in relevant content areas to debating ethical dilemmas in literature.

One of the joys of using Kialo Edu is its versatility. There are many great ways to bring Kialo into every classroom, especially to boost creativity!

Here are a few ways I’ve integrated it into my classroom:

Literary Analysis

Students read “To Kill a Mockingbird” in English and Spanish. Regardless of which language, students can debate whether Atticus Finch’s defense strategy was the best course of action. The discussion tree helps them organize arguments about character motivations and societal norms of the time.

STEM Debates

In my 8th grade STEAM course, during a unit on robotics, students can debate the ethical implications of using AI in healthcare-related fields. Students used the comment section to share research links and refine their arguments, which helped them to present a well-rounded view of the topic.

Decision-Making Activities

For a short discussion, students can use Kialo to choose a class field trip location or engage in a debate on a topic. By weighing the pros and cons of various options, they get to practice their decision-making skills in a fun and engaging way. These are essential skills that will prepare them for the future.

Essay Preparation

Kialo is also a fantastic tool for prewriting activities. Students can use it to map out their arguments for persuasive essays, ensuring their ideas are well-organized and supported by evidence.

As an educator, student safety is a high priority for me. Kialo Edu is focused on aligning to strict privacy standards like GDPR, COPPA, and FERPA, which provides more confidence and security when using it with my students.

Kialo Edu’s commitment to remaining free for educational use ensures accessibility for all schools, regardless of budget constraints.

Tips for getting started with Kialo Edu

If you are wondering how to get started, it is simple! Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and successful implementation:

Start small

Begin with a simple topic to familiarize students with the platform. Over time, introduce more complex discussions as students become comfortable.

Set guidelines for respectful discourse, evidence use, and participation. With clear expectations, it will help to set the tone for productive and meaningful discussions.

Encourage students to use the comment feature to refine arguments and share sources. This fosters a deeper understanding of how claims are supported or refuted.

Design rubrics that assess not just the content of arguments but also collaboration, critical thinking, and responsiveness.

The impact of Kialo Edu

Kialo Edu can completely transform the way students approach discussions. They will become more thoughtful, articulate, and respectful in expressing their ideas. Beyond academics, these essential skills will prepare them to navigate a world that demands critical thinking, adaptability, and flexibility.

Kialo Edu is more than just a teaching tool for educators — it’s a pathway to more engaging and meaningful classroom interactions. Whether debating global issues, analyzing literature, or deciding on a field trip, Kialo Edu brings structure, clarity, and engagement to every discussion.

In a world where thoughtful dialogue is more important than ever, Kialo Edu empowers students and teachers alike to explore, analyze, and connect in ways that truly make a difference. I love finding ways to boost classroom discussion, and Kialo Edu is a must-try for all educators.

As educators, we aim to prepare students for tests and life and be adaptable. Kialo Edu provides students with the tools to think critically, argue respectfully, and collaborate effectively — invaluable skills in any field. With its intuitive design, robust features, and commitment to privacy and accessibility, Kialo Edu is a powerful resource to help make the world more thoughtful, one discussion at a time.

About the Author

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

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