Artificial Intelligence (AI) with its associated benefits and challenges have become pervasive in our society, workplaces, and educational institutions. Two middle school educators, Dee and Dan, have taken on the task of demystifying this complex topic for their fellow teachers. Their goal is to provide a clear and concise overview of artificial intelligence, focusing on its rapid evolution, practical applications, and the ethical considerations. By breaking down the complexities of AI into digestible information, Dee and Dan aim to equip educators with the knowledge needed to understand and effectively integrate this technology into their teaching practices.

 

In their workshop, Dee and Dan go beyond theoretical explanations. They offer hands-on experiences with carefully curated AI tools, allowing participants to explore and experiment in a guided environment. This practical approach helps teachers gain confidence in using AI-powered resources. Additionally, they share real-world examples from their own experiences, demonstrating how they have successfully implemented AI technologies with both their teaching staff and students. Their concrete examples provide valuable insights into the potential of AI to enhance learning experiences, streamline administrative tasks, and foster innovative teaching methods in the classroom. Dee and Dan's approach will enable educators to utilize AI as a powerful tool for the 21st century classroom.

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About the Facilitators:

Daniel Stowell - Dan has been teaching grade 8 ELA for over 20 years, with a dash of high school English teaching thrown in for good measure, although he started out at UNH as a computer science major, briefly.  He loves living near the seacoast in New Hampshire, biking, hiking, kayaking, and just hanging outdoors with his wife and two kids.  The first movie he remembers watching was The Empire Strikes Back, and he’s been a sci-fi nerd ever since.   

 

Deidre Whall - Dee’s middle school teaching experience spans the 1990’s through today.  After getting a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons University, she taught at the Ellis School; she has taught at the Cooperative Middle School for over 20 years.  Dee spends much of her free time exploring Downeast Maine with her spouse and huge dog. As of this writing, she is reading No New Things, by Ashlee Piper.