AI Tech Bytes Workshops Empower Staff for the Future
This term, we launched our AI Tech Bytes workshops to equip our staff with the skills needed to integrate AI into their classrooms effectively.
Led by Eden Carey, these 20-minute bite-sized workshops span five weeks and focus on simplifying and enhancing teaching methods, allowing us to harness the full potential of AI in education.
Below are the AI topics these workshops cover:Â
- Lesson Kick Starters: Learning quick tricks to kick-start lessons with engaging lesson starters to captivate students’ attention and set the tone for learning.
- Brainstorming and Idea Generation: Learn how to teach students to use AI for brainstorming and idea generation for their class assessments.
- Differentiation: Use AI to guide students in their own learning, and to differentiate assessments to cater for individual differences.
- Notes and Structuring: Learn how to teach students to use AI for notes and the structure of their class assessments.
We asked Eden to share some of her insights on AI in education.Â
What specific skills and strategies will be covered in these workshops?
In these workshops, participants will delve into various skills and strategies designed to enhance educational experiences. The focus will include understanding and leveraging AI, particularly through tools like Magic School and Chat GPT, to create engaging and interactive learning environments. Staff will also learn how to effectively utilise the assessment cover page and navigate school AI policies, ensuring compliance and ethical usage. Teacher strategies for classroom management and student engagement will also be highlighted, incorporating our student self-paced online courses, UpGrade, which aims to facilitate personalised learning pathways.
What inspired you to start this workshop series on AI in education?
I was inspired to start this workshop series on AI in education after noticing a growing need and interest in AI from both students and staff. With numerous conversations and policies being developed across Australian schools, it became clear that our school needed to stay ahead of the game. This proactive approach ensures we can effectively integrate AI into our educational practices, benefiting our entire school community.
Can you share a personal experience where AI made a significant difference in your teaching?
In my teaching experience, AI has made a significant difference by streamlining various tasks and improving overall efficiency. Despite the ever-changing workload and increased contact time due to technology, AI tools have allowed me to complete tasks more quickly and easily. For instance, using AI-powered assessment tools has significantly reduced the time spent on assessment ideas and creation, allowing me to provide more time to develop classroom resources for students. This efficiency has enabled me to focus more on personalised instruction and student engagement, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for my students.
How can teachers integrate what they learned from the AI Tech Bytes workshops into their everyday teaching practices?
Teachers can integrate what they learned from the AI Tech Byte workshops into their everyday teaching practices by incorporating AI tools such as Magic School and ChatGPT. These tools can be used to create interactive and engaging lessons that capture students’ interest. By leveraging AI, teachers can provide personalised support and resources, helping students use AI safely and intelligently to enhance their learning experience. These tools can streamline administrative tasks, improve work productivity, and increase efficiency, allowing teachers to focus more on instruction and student support. This integration will foster a more dynamic and effective educational environment.
What sparked your personal interest in AI, and how has it influenced your approach to teaching and education?
My personal interest in AI was sparked by my role as the Coordinator of Digital Integration, where I am responsible for investigating ICT tools and their effective integration into our school community. I frequently use AI to enhance my knowledge, increase the efficiency of my workload, and generate ideas for assessments and content. This practical experience has shown me the immense potential of AI as a transformative tool in education. AI is not only a great tool but also a permanent fixture in our technological landscape, continuously improving and becoming more advanced. This perspective has influenced my approach to teaching and education, driving me to advocate for the thoughtful and innovative integration of AI to benefit both students and educators.
- AI in education, Featured, Staff Workshops
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.