Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Jose, founder and CEO of Neulight, about the transformative potential of AI in education. They discuss IntelliTier, which enhances the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework by simplifying data collection and providing personalized intervention strategies for students. Jose shares insights on the importance of user experience for teachers, the feedback received from early adopters, and the future of data-driven decision-making in education. The conversation emphasizes the need for technology to support educators in their roles, allowing them to focus more on student interaction rather than administrative tasks.

Jose's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As the son of Salvadoran immigrants who fled civil war, he's risen to become a tech innovator at giants like Microsoft and Netflix. Now, he's on a mission to revolutionize education through technology.

During his nearly decade-long tenure at Netflix, Jose led groundbreaking projects, including initiatives that brought in millions of new subscribers. But his most exciting venture is yet to come.

Learn more:

Neulight

Connect with Jeff and Tricia and look out for more ways to learn with them:

https://www.shiftingschools.com/

In this conversation, Tricia and Laura discuss the intersection of ableism, artificial intelligence, and education. They explore how AI can serve as an assistive device to enhance access and equity, particularly in educational settings. Laura shares personal experiences and insights on how AI can foster curiosity and agency in learners, especially those with disabilities. They also touch on the importance of community support and sharing knowledge to create a more inclusive environment for all.

Ready to learn more about our amazing guest?

Laura Germishuys is a speaker and disability consultant, focusing on accessibility, workplace accommodations and transition coaching. She leverages AI to find creative solutions in the disability space. Laura was a learning professional for seven years specialising in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and believes strongly in the transformative potential of technology for equity in education. She cares deeply about animal rights, sustainable development, and social justice.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-germishuys-she-her-781278104/

Post AI in the Living Room

Thank you to our show sponsor for supporting us

Learn more

Reed Hepler discusses the changing role of archival work in the era of generative AI. He explains that while some may think archives and AI are incompatible, there are actually many ways in which AI can be useful in archival work. Reed also demystifies the role of archivists, highlighting their responsibility in acquiring, organizing, preserving, and interpreting historical records. He emphasizes the importance of structure, objectives, and perspectives in creating archives and offers insights into how AI can assist in the archival process. Reed also discusses the skills required for archival work, including curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to find interest in seemingly mundane tasks. He compares generative AI tools to musical instruments, emphasizing the human element in using these tools effectively. Reed also advocates for open access and equitable access to information in education.

Connect with our guest:

Reed Hepler is a digital initiatives librarian, instructional designer, artificial intelligence practitioner and consultant, and M.Ed. student at Idaho State University in the Instructional Design and Technology program. He obtained a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science, with emphases in Archives Management and Digital Curation, from Indiana University. He received a Bachelor's Degree in History with minors in Anthropology and Religious Studies as well as a Museum Certificate. He has worked at nonprofits, corporations, and educational institutions encouraging information literacy and effective education. Combining all of these degrees and experiences, Reed strives to promote ethical librarianship and educational initiatives. Currently, Reed works as a Digital Initiatives Librarian at a college in Idaho and also has his own consulting firm, heplerconsulting.com. His views and projects can be seen on his LinkedIn page or his blog, CollaborAItion, on Substack.

Contact him at [email protected] for more information.

heplerconsulting.com

reedhepler.substack.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

Neulight.io

Learn more about the upcoming FETC event:

https://www.fetc.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Goodall, a leading expert on the social applications of assistive technologies. Fiona helps us understanding how emerging technologies, particularly AI, can benefit neurodivergent learners and support social-emotional development.

We'll explore a compelling use case where AI is being leveraged not just for academics, but to help foster friendships and meaningful connections. Fiona will also share her perspective on the need for cautious optimism when it comes to AI - a mindset she believes is critical as this powerful technology continues to advance.

Learn more about our special guest:

Making Connections Toowoomba was founded by Fiona Goodall, a Special Educator with over 20 years' experience. Fiona holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of Special Education. She is also a certified facilitator of the PEERS® Program, Peaceful Kids Mindfulness and Positive Psychology programs, and is a certified facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy. Fiona has a professional and personal interest in Mindfulness and Meditation. She is a Registered Meditation Teacher with the Meditation Association of Australia, and is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling.

Fiona has worked across all education sectors, including specialist autism settings, special education settings and mainstream schools, both in Australia and abroad. Fiona stepped into the private sector so she could devote her professional time, passion, and expertise to working directly with neurodivergent young people, and their families.

Fiona is a member of the Positive Partnerships Delivery Team, working with caregivers and educators of school-aged children on the autism spectrum to provide evidence-informed information through face-to-face and online workshops. Fiona is also a member of the Positive Partnerships Educators Reference Group.

Connect with her:

https://www.makingconnectionstoowoomba.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/makingconnectionstoowoomba/

https://www.instagram.com/makingconnectionstoowoomba/

Many thanks to our sponsors for making this conversation possible:

https://www.lebrahq.com/

On this week we speak with Dr. Federica Fornaciari, who is a Professor, a researcher, a children's book author, and the Academic Program Director for the MA in Strategic Communications at National University.

She received a doctorate in Communication with a concentration in Electronic Security and Privacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Marshall University.

Her research and teaching revolve around emerging technologies, privacy issues, digital identities, frame theory, and media representation. Federica has published several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters including "The silver generation and beauty: does American culture provide models for positive ageing?" in Critical Studies in Fashion & Beauty; "Reframing Hate: The Changing Face of White Power Narratives" in Discourse Analysis and Conflict Studies. "What is Privacy Anyway? A Longitudinal Analysis of Media Frames of Privacy" in the Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy, and "Pricey privacy: Framing the economy of information in the digital age" in First Monday. A storyteller at heart, Federica recently published her first children's book titled "Rosa & Cammy: From Reggio to the World" to cultivate cultural bridges and ignite young minds with the magic of imagination. Federica's multifaceted journey embodies the spirit of exploration, nurturing intellectual growth, and fostering connection amidst the ever-evolving landscape of communication.

--------------

Dr. Fornaciari discusses the concept of technological sublime and its application to AI. The technological sublime refers to the awe, admiration, and fear that arise when encountering a monumental technological advancement. AI, particularly generative AI, elicits a sense of technological sublime due to its ability to push the boundaries of human creativity and intelligence. However, there is also a sense of apprehension and concern about the societal impacts of AI and the potential loss of human values. The conversation also touches on the importance of privacy, media literacy, and critical thinking in the age of deepfakes.

----------------

Learn more about our guest:

https://www.nu.edu/degrees/arts-and-humanities/faculty/federica-fornaciari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/federica-fornaciari/

----------------

Thank you to our show sponsor:

Lebra

https://www.lebrahq.com/

Professor Anna Mills discusses the evolving landscape of AI literacy in education, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to integrating AI into writing and learning processes. She reflects on the challenges of defining boundaries for AI use in academic settings, the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation among students, and the necessity of bridging the gap between K-12 and higher education.

Anna Mills has taught writing at public two-year colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area for 18 years and currently teach at College of Marin. Her OER textbook, How Arguments Work: A Guide to Writing and Analyzing Texts in College, has been used at over 65 colleges. She serves as the English Discipline Lead for the California community colleges OER Initiative, and her collection AI Text Generators and Teaching Writing: Starting Points for Inquiry is featured in the Writing Across the Curriculum Clearinghouse. As a consultant for OpenAI, she tested GPT-4 before its release. Currently, she serves as volunteer advisor on the teacher-created app MyEssayFeedback.ai and as faculty for the AAC&U Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum. As a member of the MLA/CCCC Task Force on Writing and AI, she helped launch Exploring AI Pedagogy: A Community Collection of Teaching Reflections.

Connect with our guest:

www.annarmills.com

https://x.com/AnnaRMills

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-mills-oer/

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor!

Neulight

In this episode, Jeff Utecht interviews Michelle Kassorla, an associate professor of English at Georgia State University, about using generative AI in higher education. They discuss the importance of teaching AI literacy, the role of AI in the writing process, and the benefits of using AI to support student learning. Michelle shares her insights on assessment, transparency, and the creative opportunities that AI provides for students. She also discusses the development of AI literacy standards for higher education and offers practical tips for integrating AI into the classroom.

Michelle Kassorla, Ph.D., an Associate Professor at Georgia State University, Perimeter College, has more than 30 years of experience teaching English and Composition. She teaches With and Against AI in Composition I and II courses, integrating AI into all assignments this academic year. She's on the AI Expert Panel for EDUCAUSE, leading the AI Literacy committee for Higher Education. A recipient of a Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Online Education fellowship, she published "Teaching with GAI in Mind" in the EDUCAUSE Review and co-authors a textbook and papers with Eugenia Novokshanova. She's a Co-Principal Investigator in the "Perceptions of AI" study at GSU. She shares her insights on LinkedIn and her blog, "The Academic Platypus." As a mother of eight boys, she's continually inspired to excel.

Connect with our guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkassorla/

Takeaways

Teaching AI literacy is crucial in higher education to help students understand the limitations and biases of AI models.

AI can be used to support the writing process by providing feedback on grammar and punctuation, generating topic ideas, and assisting with research.

Assessment should focus on voice, tone, audience, transparency, and accuracy rather than traditional grammar and punctuation.

AI can free up time for teachers to focus on higher-order thinking skills and creative aspects of writing.

Developing AI literacy standards for higher education can help guide educators in teaching AI effectively.

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor!

Lebra

https://www.lebrahq.com/

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht interviews Dr. Dayamudra Dennehy, a community college teacher, about the incorporation of generative AI in classrooms. They discuss the importance of including students in the conversation about AI and the need for a nuanced approach to ethics. Dayamudra shares her project of having students create AI manifestos as a way to explore the ethical use of AI. They also talk about the need for educators to have a growth mindset and be curious about technology. Dayamudra emphasizes the importance of educators being involved in the development of AI tools and holding tech companies accountable.

Dayamudra is tenured ESL community college faculty and active nationally as a community college online educator. Her current area of interest is the ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in higher education. Dayamudra founded and led an educational non-profit with an India-based team, serving caste-oppressed students at a grassroots leadership academy. She has guided community projects in Guatemala and Hungry, taught in Indonesia, and studied in France, Japan, and Mexico. Dayamudra holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, focused on Equity/Social Justice, was a Stanford EPIC Fellow, and is an ordained Buddhist, a meditation teacher, and a certified yoga instructor.

Ready to connect with our guest?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayamudra/

Takeaways

Include students in the conversation about AI and the ethical use of technology.

Approach AI with a growth mindset and be curious about new tools and technologies.

Educators should be involved in the development of AI tools and hold tech companies accountable.

A nuanced approach to ethics is necessary when discussing AI in education.

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor!

Learn more about Lebra

https://www.lebrahq.com/

How do you see yourself in the future of learning?

This week on the pod guest Amy Oswalt is here to help us to think bigger about that question as well as the future of inclusivity in schools.

Ready to learn more about Amy?

Amy Oswalt is a passionate educator and leader with extensive experience in creating and implementing programs that cater to neurodiverse learners. As the Founder and Director of Conduit and Ask Different Questions, Amy has developed a platform that promotes inclusive education practices and neurodiversity awareness through workshops, consultations, and online resources.

Her work focuses on fostering academic, social, and emotional growth for neurodiverse individuals by developing strategic partnerships with families, schools, organizations, and community groups. Amy has a rich background in educational leadership, having served as the Director of Innovation and Head of Global Division and Online Programs at Lab School in Washington, DC. Here, she spearheaded the development and management of online programs, ensuring scalability and integrating cutting-edge educational technologies and methodologies tailored for students with learning differences.

Amy is particularly passionate about K12 imagination training and scenario thinking development. She integrates these elements into her educational practices to help students visualize and prepare for diverse future scenarios. By using strategic foresight and imaginative thinking, Amy equips students with the skills to navigate an ever-changing world confidently.

https://askdifferentquestions.com/

https://we-conduit.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-oswalt/

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor for supporting this season.

Learn more about Lebra

https://www.lebrahq.com/

Dr. Min Sun, a professor of education at the University of Washington, discusses the work of AmplifyLearn.ai, a center focused on harnessing the power of AI to improve teaching and learning. The center conducts scientific research, develops AI-powered education technology, offers training programs, and engages in public dissemination of research. Dr. Sun explains the development of Colleague.ai, a specialized AI assistant for K-12 educators that streamlines tasks such as lesson planning, differentiation, and grading. She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design and research in AI development and envisions a future where AI transforms teaching and learning, making it more personalized, immersive, and collaborative.

https://education.uw.edu/about/directory/min-sun

https://www.amplifylearn.ai/

Colleague AI

https://www.linkedin.com/in/min-sun-8382aa9b/

Takeaways

AmplifyLearn.ai aims to harness the power of AI to improve the quality and equity of teaching and learning.

Colleague.ai is a specialized AI assistant for K-12 educators that streamlines tasks and enhances teachers' work efficiency.

The development of AI in education requires thoughtful design and research to ensure its effectiveness and impact on student learning.

AI has the potential to transform teaching and learning by personalizing instruction, creating immersive learning environments, and fostering collaboration.

Join Jeff and Tricia at Camp to discuss this episode and more!

https://camp.shiftingschools.com/c/start-here/

Thank you to our sponsor, Lebra!

https://www.lebrahq.com/