October 2024
In the inaugural meeting of the Harnessing AI for Educators working group, participants explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and discussed ways to integrate AI tools effectively into teaching and learning. The group’s goals include vetting AI tools for various subjects, such as math, coding, and science, and sharing experiences from educators already using AI in their classrooms. Key topics included addressing important concerns around student safety, privacy, and ethics, while also examining how AI can streamline workflows for tasks like practice problem creation and makerspace organization. There was a strong emphasis on developing strategies for integrating AI into student learning in a way that aligns with educational standards and objectives.
Participants shared their experiences with several AI platforms, including Brisk and Magic School AI, which have been used for generating practice problems and supporting personalized learning. Looking ahead, the group expressed interest in exploring more advanced applications, such as creating custom chatbots for student support and investigating AI tools tailored for multilingual learners. Ethical considerations, such as preventing bias and ensuring transparency in AI use, were also central to the conversation, as participants considered best practices for incorporating AI responsibly into classrooms.
Resources shared during the meeting included a variety of useful AI tools and platforms, such as Playlab.ai, Google Notebook LM, and an AI tools database, which will be valuable for future work. Additionally, the group highlighted the importance of professional development, discussing plans to create workshops to train educators on using AI effectively in their teaching. Overall, the meeting set the stage for ongoing collaboration in exploring how AI can be harnessed to enhance education while maintaining ethical standards and ensuring equitable access for all students.
The Harnessing AI for Educators working group meets regularly to continue these discussions and further develop strategies for integrating AI into educational practices. The next meeting will be Thursday, November 14 at 7pm. You can use this form to sign up for the Harnessing AI for Educators and any of STEMteachersNYC’s other, excellent working groups.
Note: summaries are written with aid of AI text software