VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

AI

Join ARISE at George Mason University to Engage in the Use of AI Tools for School Improvement Planning

by

Interested in AI tools for decision-making?

Join ARISE at George Mason University to Engage in the Use of AI Tools for School Improvement Planning

By Drs. Seth B. Hunter and Beth Davis

 

K-12 education has entered a new frontier where educators are exploring the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in innovative ways to enhance student outcomes. While many human-AI collaborations focus on efficiency, some venture into uncharted territory, exploring new and improved decision-making. The AI Informed Education Policy team at George Mason University is working with educational leaders to use AI to assist in making better school improvement decisions based on current, rigorous, and technical education research.

School improvement planning demands significant time and resources from school and district leaders, with many struggling to meet federal and state requirements for federally defined “evidence-based interventions.” Indeed, a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that many schools face challenges identifying and implementing compliant evidence-based interventions, conducting thorough needs assessments, and identifying resource inequities. These challenges persist despite dedicated efforts from district and school leaders.

At George Mason University, our preliminary workshops on AI-enabled tools showed great promise in reducing the time and resource demands of school improvement planning. When equipped with specialized AI tools, aspiring educational leaders reported significant benefits in both efficiency and effectiveness. These tools expedited the identification and evaluation of evidence-based interventions and saved valuable time. Dozens of future education leaders trained at George Mason are now learning to use AI tools for efficient and equitable school improvement planning. This is a testament to the potential for growth and learning in this field. Districts that understand and help shape these emerging practices will be better positioned to support and leverage the skills of their leadership pipeline.

 

Aspiring Education Leaders Use of AI-Enabled Tools for School Improvement Planning

This project, referred to as ARISE (AI for Responsive, Inclusive School Enhancement), brings district leaders across Virginia and beyond to transform school improvement planning from a compliance exercise into a catalyst for meaningful change. Our current participants, which include districts serving 10,000 to 100,000 students, are a testament to ARISE's rich opportunities for cross-district learning and collaboration. 

We are currently accepting additional divisions to be part of this exciting initiative to be at the forefront of AI and school improvement planning. There are many benefits for your division to join, including: 

Access cutting-edge AI tools that streamline the identification of evidence-based interventions

 

Connect with peers across districts to share challenges and solutions in school improvement planning and implementation

 

Shape the development of AI tools and processes that address your specific district needs

 

Receive affiliate faculty status at George Mason, providing access to comprehensive digital research resources.

 

If you are interested in getting started or would like to schedule time to discuss the initiative, contact Dr. Beth Davis at edavis32@gmu.edu. 

ChatGPT & AI in Education_What’s All The Buzz About?

by

by one of the VSTE Coaching Crew members, Patty Gilham

A robotic hand holding a table with a lightbulb above it. Text is along the left that says AI in Education.

As educators; we have been using applications such as Kahoot!, Quizlet and Immersive Reader with our students that use artificial intelligence (AI) to make them more personalized to the needs of our students. In late 2022 and into 2023, ChatGPT, however, seemed to suddenly bring to focus how AI could impact teaching and learning in a major way. Many school divisions have blocked it while others are embracing it to support students and teachers. No matter which way a school division decides to go; as educators we certainly want to be informed about technology that will impact what happens in the classroom. In keeping with the spirit of demonstrating the power of ChatGPT the following question and response was generated in less than 30 seconds.

Question: What are some practical ways teachers can use AI tools like ChatGPT to improve instruction?

Response: Here are some practical ways that teachers can use AI tools like ChatGPT to improve instruction:

  • Personalized feedback: Chat GPT can provide personalized feedback to students on their work, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and work at their own pace. Teachers can use Chat GPT to provide feedback on assignments, essays, or other written work, providing suggestions for improvement and areas to focus on.
  • Differentiated instruction: Chat GPT can be used to provide differentiated instruction to students based on their individual needs and abilities. Teachers can use Chat GPT to provide students with personalized instruction, such as assigning specific readings or activities that are tailored to their interests and learning style.
  • Real-time assessment: Chat GPT can be used to assess student understanding in real-time during class discussions or activities. Teachers can use Chat GPT to pose questions and receive immediate feedback from students, allowing them to adjust their instruction accordingly.
  • Collaborative learning: Chat GPT can be used to facilitate collaborative learning among students, allowing them to work together on projects and share ideas in real-time. Teachers can use Chat GPT to create group chats or virtual classrooms where students can collaborate and communicate with each other.
  • Research assistance: Chat GPT can be used to assist students with research, providing them with access to a vast amount of information and resources. Teachers can use Chat GPT to guide students through the research process, helping them to identify credible sources and evaluate information.
  • Time management: Chat GPT can be used to help students manage their time more effectively, providing them with reminders and prompts to stay on track with their assignments and deadlines. Teachers can use Chat GPT to create calendars and schedules for students, helping them to prioritize their work and stay organized.

ChatGPT is not the only AI technology that has the potential to encourage educators to rethink methods of leveraging technology with teaching and learning. Canva, another tool that promotes use in the educational arena, has also introduced many new features that includes a suite of AI-powered tools. A simple prompt can generate a range of presentations as well as custom-designed images in a matter of minutes.

As AI technology continues to advance; it is important for educators to understand its potential impact and how to prepare students for an AI-driven world. Integrating AI into education can help students learn to use, create and evaluate the results of AI-generated resources. Assisting students in developing a responsible understanding of this technology can go hand-and-hand when teaching students other digital citizenship concepts and strategies.

Additional Resources to Explore to Learn More:

  1. ChatGPT, Chatbots and Artificial Intelligence in Education
  2. 10 Gifts We Unboxed at Canva Create
  3. Artificial Intelligence in Education
  4. Tips and Resources for Introducing Students to Artificial Intelligence
  5. The A-Z of AI