50. Creating Strong Competitive Advantages for All Students: A School District's AI Playbook
Mar 21, 2024
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Explore the impactful AI playbook from St. Vrain Valley Schools in Colorado with the Chief Academic Officer. Discover the challenges of integrating AI in education and the collaboration between academic and technology departments. Uncover the importance of stakeholder engagement and change management for successful AI implementation in schools, and empowering marginalized students through AI in academic programs.
Summer planning season offers a crucial opportunity for school districts to revamp strategies and training around AI.
St. Bering Valley Schools empowers teachers with innovative initiatives like AI Bingo and Ed Camps to explore AI tools effectively.
Early integration of AI tools in experiential learning environments prepares students for the evolving AI landscape and fosters digital fluency.
Deep dives
Empowering Educators: Strategizing AI Integration in Education
Amid the rapid development of AI tools in education, the stagnant guidance across educational institutions is a pressing concern. The upcoming summer planning season offers a crucial opportunity for school districts to revamp strategies and training around AI. Educators and school leaders are eager for sustainable methods to enhance student engagement and teaching practices. St. Bering Valley Schools in Colorado presents a robust playbook that showcases effective AI integration strategies, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and training to navigate the AI landscape.
Navigating Change Management and Building AI Literacy
Acknowledging the prevalent fear and anxiety surrounding new AI technologies, St. Bering Valley Schools adopts a proactive approach towards change management and AI literacy. By reducing apprehensions through innovative initiatives like AI Bingo and Ed Camps, the district empowers teachers to explore and understand AI tools effectively. The structured training programs and designated school champions ensure a comprehensive engagement strategy that prioritizes diverse stakeholders' involvement in the AI implementation process.
Fostering Student Engagement and Cultivating AI Competencies
Addressing the challenge of age restrictions on AI tools for students, the district focuses on developing AI literacy and metacognitive skills early on. By integrating AI tools in experiential learning environments like robotics and cybersecurity programs, students are exposed to practical applications of AI concepts. Emphasizing metacognition and the responsible use of AI as a tool rather than a replacement for critical thinking, St. Bering Valley Schools prepares students to navigate the evolving AI landscape while fostering innovation and digital fluency.
Generative AI as a tool for education
Using generative AI as a tool for lesson planning may not always lead to the desired skill development for students. While generative AI can align with creating a competitive advantage, it's essential to consider other approaches to foster authentic learning experiences. Educators should focus on creating engaging and creative learning experiences that resonate with students, moving beyond using generative AI as a sole solution for skill development.
AI's role in expanding student opportunities
Integrating AI into educational settings can enhance student experiences and create new learning opportunities. By incorporating AI tools like chat GPT and Adobe Firefly, schools can adapt to the changing technological landscape. Districts need to carefully evaluate AI tools based on their effectiveness, sustainability, student engagement, and impact on marginalized student groups, ensuring that AI integration aligns with educational goals and promotes equity in learning.
While AI tools continue to develop in rapid fashion, guidance across school districts, states, and the federal government has pretty much remained the same.
On the horizon is the biggest opportunity to inform a change in strategy, planning, or training around AI for school districts: summer planning +The in service weeks.
Need a playbook and don't have the mental bandwidth right now?
While the way forward may seem murky or unclear right now, I’m excited to share one school district’s playbook, maybe the best playbook I’ve seen up close and personal to date: St. Vrain Valley Schools in Colorado.
Diane Lauer, Chief Academic Officer of St. Vrain Valley Schools shares so many gems for how to thoughtfully implement and talk about AI across a school district.
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