Demystifying AI: Simple Strategies, Tools, and Lessons To Teach AI Without Fear

Introduction and Session Overview (5 minutes) Content: Welcome and introduction to AI’s role in modern education. Overview of session objectives and key takeaways (building confidence in teaching AI, no prior coding knowledge required, ready-to-use tools and resources). Engagement: Brief poll or show of hands to gauge the audience’s current familiarity with AI. Set the tone for an interactive, approachable, and hands-on session. Demystifying AI: What Every Teacher Needs to Know (10 minutes) Content: Simple explanation of AI and its basic functions. Explain how it works and that Machine Learning is part of AI, as this is something that many educators don’t realize. Discussion of AI's impact on STEM fields and future workforce needs. Explain Industry 4.0. Introduction to core concepts like automation, data, and algorithms. Explain how this connects to Computational Thinking. AI is data and data is a big part of computational thinking. Engagement: Visuals such as slides, diagrams, or short videos to break down AI concepts into digestible parts. Q&A prompts to encourage reflection on how AI is shaping various industries. Exploring Easy-to-Use AI Tools (15 minutes) Content: Demonstration of beginner-friendly AI tools (free and paid options) (e.g., tools for data analysis, coding platforms with AI integrations, and AI simulations). Examples of how these tools can be integrated into diverse classroom settings. Engagement: Live demo of a simple AI tool with step-by-step explanations. Invite attendees to briefly discuss (in pairs or small groups) how they could use these tools with their students. AI and Digital Citizenship: Teaching Data Privacy and Security (10 minutes) Content: Overview of digital privacy concerns related to AI. Discussion on how to teach students to protect their personal data and manage digital security while interacting with AI platforms. Show how common sense media can be used to teach digital citizenship. Engagement: Scenario-based discussion: Present a real-world case where AI impacts data privacy, followed by audience reflection on how to address it in the classroom. Integrating AI into Project-Based Learning (10 minutes) Content: Explanation of how AI can be woven into project-based learning (PBL) to foster problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Share a sample PBL activity that uses AI tools to solve a real-world problem. (Tools: Piper, OtiBot, UGOT, Strawbees, and others) Engagement: Attendees will brainstorm AI-related project ideas in small groups. Invite a few groups to share their ideas briefly. Ready-to-Use Lesson Plans and Classroom Applications (5 minutes) Content: Walkthrough of AI lesson plans that meet ISTE standards (including computational thinking and digital citizenship elements). Provide links to resources, handouts, and lesson templates that attendees can implement right away. Engagement: Provide a digital or physical handout summarizing the tools and lesson ideas. Encourage participants to bookmark resources for future use. Q&A and Final Takeaways (5 minutes) Content: Open the floor for audience questions. Recap key points: building confidence in teaching AI, using AI tools to meet ISTE standards, and encouraging students to become responsible digital citizens. Engagement: Encourage attendees to share one action they will take to integrate AI into their classroom.

The Computational Thinking And Artificial Intelligence Duality by Fredrik Heintz https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-edited-volume/5312/chapter/3788890/The-Computational-Thinking-and-Artificial According to Resnick (2012), enabling students to interact with both virtual and physical worlds creates rich learning opportunities, aligning with the session’s emphasis on experiential learning. Research strongly supports the importance of teaching artificial intelligence (AI) in education, highlighting several key benefits and considerations: (https://www.languagemagazine.com/2023/05/31/the-importance-of-artificial-intelligence-in-education-for-all-students/ ) Preparing Students for the Future Teaching AI is essential for developing digital literacy, critical thinking skills, and preparing students for future academic and career success. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various industries, providing students with AI education can help close opportunity gaps and ensure they have the skills to compete in the global workforce. Enhancing Learning Experiences AI has the potential to revolutionize education by: Personalizing learning experiences Supporting adaptive learning Enhancing special needs education Facilitating bilingual education Enabling gamification and immersive learning Fostering Innovation and Creativity Learning about AI encourages students to analyze complex information, question assumptions, and consider the ethical implications of AI technology usage. This can inspire students to generate innovative ideas and solutions, fostering creativity - essential skills in today's competitive job market. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Integrating AI education for underrepresented student populations is vital to: Combat digital bias and discrimination Create a more diverse pool of talent in AI-related fields Empower communities to leverage technologies for social good Ensure diverse perspectives in AI policymaking and decision-making processes Additionally, research demonstrates the importance of integrating career education directly into academic content. Studies show that embedding career connections within curricula is more effective than addressing them separately, as it makes learning more relevant to students. Engagement and motivation increase when students see the connection between their studies and real-world careers. This session applies that research by linking coding and computational thinking to industries like healthcare and IT, aligning with national initiatives to bridge the gap between K-12 education and career pathways. https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-launches-new-initiative-to-support-career-connected-learning-and-increase-job-pathways-for-young-americans https://see.isbscience.org/systems-thinkers/career-connection-overview/ https://www.education.ky.gov/CTE/cter/Documents/Career_Connections-K-8.pdf