46. Class in Session: A PHD Class on AI in Education from an AI Powered District Leader
Feb 22, 2024
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Dr. Nneka McGee, an AI district leader, shares insights on AI in education. Topics include AI tools in education, data privacy, teacher development, data sharing agreements, privacy guardrails, knowledge gap among teachers, market response to AI, and challenges & opportunities in AI education.
District investment is crucial for successful AI adoption in education.
Aligning teacher priorities with district goals fosters AI adoption in schools.
Clear guidance and resources are essential for teachers to integrate AI effectively in teaching practices.
Deep dives
Levels of AI Implementation Concern
Many educators are currently in the informational or personal stage of concern when it comes to artificial intelligence implementation in education. Some teachers are still seeking information on how AI can be applied in their context, while others are uncertain about its impact. Those who have already implemented AI in areas like computer science are exploring collaboration with students and considering wider implications for equity and career readiness.
District Investment for AI Adoption
For successful AI adoption in education, district investment is crucial. Teachers often look to the district for guidance and initiatives regarding AI implementation. Without district-driven programs and offerings, AI implementation in schools may not gain traction and could fade away without sustainable support, leading to a scenario where innovative ideas end up as dormant plans in dusty binders.
Aligning Teacher Priorities with District Goals
Aligning teacher priorities with district goals is essential for fostering AI adoption in schools. When district priorities reflect the importance of AI implementation, teachers are more likely to prioritize AI training and initiatives. By integrating AI into district strategic planning and evaluation processes, educators are more inclined to engage with AI technologies as they become integral to the overall educational ethos.
Challenges in Implementing AI in Education
Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in education poses significant challenges, as revealed in the podcast episode. One key challenge highlighted is the need for clear guidance and resources for teachers to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. The podcast emphasizes the importance of addressing the lack of teacher training in AI, as it is crucial for expanding AI capacity in school districts. Additionally, the discussion touches on the complexity of setting priorities for teacher training days, considering the multitude of topics schools are required to cover within limited training time.
Vision for AI in Education and Practical Implementation for Students
The podcast delves into the vision for AI in education and the practical steps necessary for its implementation to enhance student learning. The conversation underscores the importance of fostering critical thinking skills, creativity, and adaptability in students to prepare them for the evolving technological landscape. It advocates for teaching young learners about AI through engaging activities like building robots with Play-Doh and collaborative projects. Moreover, the podcast emphasizes the significance of using AI tools that prioritize student privacy and do not collect personal data to ensure safe and effective AI integration in educational settings.
Are we finally at “the get on the train or be left at the station” moment?
Our guest today says there’s still time: it’s okay to breathe.
My SECOND conversation with Dr. Nneka McGee was a special one. In addition to being the first guest to return to our conversation, Dr. McGee is a true AI unicorn — a district leader with deep experiences in education (most recently as Chief Academic Officer of San Benito CISD in Texas) and a depth of experiences in Artificial Intelligence well beyond the ChatGPT era.
Honestly, this conversation with Nneka was probably one of my favorite conversations on my journey so far — maybe it is because we are talking for the second time or because we’ve both grown tremendously in our knowledge around AI in education over the past year.
Buckle your seatbelts and get ready for an hour-long doctoral level class with Dr. Nneka McGee.
Register for Sequoia Con ($50 off w/ code: AIConvo)
Show notes at TheAIEducationConversation.com
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