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- 📝 How AI fits in classwork
📝 How does AI fit in classwork?
It’s a question many of us have been wrestling with on the topic of artificial intelligence.
And follow-up questions: Should it fit in classwork? Can it help students? Can too much stunt students’ development?
They’re all valid questions — questions we SHOULD be asking right now. (Even for younger students.)
Part of the problem, I think, is that we talk about it in generalities. AI or no AI? Is AI good or bad?
Instead, let’s get to some specifics.
Holly Clark, my co-host of the Digital Learning Podcast, created an AMAZING AI guide (PDF) with Alex McMillan of Shanghai American School.
In our 💡 Big Idea today, we'll delve into some of my favorite parts.
(And yes, I said “delve” … and no, ChatGPT didn’t write this introduction … even though “delve” is on top of this list of words and phrases ChatGPT uses excessively.) 😉
Inside:
📫 Join Holly Clark’s email newsletter
👀 DTT Digest: 4 resources worth checking out
💡 The Big Idea: How AI fits in classwork
💻 Tech Tip: Animate from audio with Adobe Express
😄 Smile of the day: Two types of teachers
👋 How we can help
📫 Join Holly Clark’s email newsletter
Image via hollyclark.org
I’ve been a subscriber to Holly Clark’s free email newsletter for years.
She discusses the impact and implications of AI in education.
She shares practical ideas for implementing blended learning (solid teaching using tech when it makes sense).
She inspires with new ideas and encouragement to level up teaching and learning.
If you enjoy this newsletter — Ditch That Textbook — you’ll love Holly’s newsletter, too. They’re a great complement to each other.
👀 DTT Digest
4 teaching resources worth checking out today
💼 New teacher starter pack — From Edutopia, it includes resources about mindset, classroom design, first days, and more. (Good for experienced teachers, too.)
🌍 Smithsonian Science for Global Goals — Helps you incorporate the UN’s sustainable development goals into class. (Thanks Jackie Gerstein)
🤖 Education Hazards of Generative AI — From Cognitive Resonance, it encourages educators to be aware of AI concerns.
ICYMI: 📺 Microsoft Flip/Flipgrid alternatives — Flip is ending for most of us. Here are some video creation app alternatives.
💡 THE BIG IDEA 💡
📝 How AI fits in classwork
Do you have your copy of this downloadable AI guide yet? (If not, grab it here.) It’s created by …
Holly Clark, my co-host of the Digital Learning Podcast and author of The AI Infused Classroom
Alex McMillan of the Shanghai American School, co-author of Designing for Understanding
PS: Getting the guide will also sign you up for Holly’s email newsletter. If you like mine, you’ll love hers, too … and you can always unsubscribe any time.
Here are some of my favorite parts of the graphic:
The TAPE Framework: If students use AI, they should use it with: Transparency, Accuracy, Process, and Expectations. The guide breaks down all four with suggestions and tips.
Five tips to improve AI accuracy (including: asking an AI tool to double-check itself … brilliant!).
Student expectations: 5 levels of AI use (ranging from “students think alone” (no AI) to “AI creates elements” (heavy AI). This is a great improvement over the “stoplight framework” (red: no use; yellow: limited use; green: use).
13 suggested AI tools for schools: Including SchoolAI, Brisk Teaching, Snorkl, Diffit, MagicSchool, and more
Download the guide — even print it for handy reference if you want.
💻 TECH TIP 💻
🔊 Animate from audio with Adobe Express
These talking characters are so much fun!
Animate from Audio a free feature of Adobe Express.
Choose an avatar (from a list of dozens)
Record yourself speaking for the avatar
Adobe Express transforms it into a video of the avatar talking with your voice
You can share the video with others
As a teacher, you could create these videos for students to watch.
Or, if students have Adobe Express, they can create these videos.
(FYI: Adobe Express is free for education, and it can be deployed across your entire school district for free.)
😄 Smile of the day
Is this true? Or is there an “in between” option? 🤔
h/t Jennifer Brown via Teacher Memes Facebook group
👋 How we can help
There are even more ways I can support you in the important work you do in education:
Read one of my six books about meaningful teaching with tech.
Take one of our online courses about practical and popular topics in education.
Bring me to your school, district or event to speak. I love working with educators!
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