Simon Says: Educate!

In Episode 22 of Simon Says: Educate!, English teacher Dionna Faherty from Clover Park Technical College discusses integrating Generative AI into English 101. She innovatively uses AI for various stages of essay writing, including brainstorming and thesis development. Dionna emphasizes teaching students to critically evaluate AI-generated content, recognizing its biases and limits. This approach, reminiscent of the early days of online teaching, aims to bolster critical thinking skills. The episode highlights AI's role as a learning tool and its transformative potential in teaching methodologies and student engagement.

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In Episode 21 of Simon Says: Educate!, we meet Elena Guel from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, who shares her instructional design journey. Initially skeptical of AI, Elena now sees its educational potential. She discusses AI tools' role in efficient lesson planning, while addressing faculty resistance and ethical considerations. The episode highlights change management in AI integration, stressing the need for flexibility and faculty support. Elena's story mirrors a trend where liberal arts show increasing interest in AI, contrasting with the cautious stance of science departments. The discussion also covers managing technological shifts and AI's future in education, envisioning a realm of limitless possibilities centered on student benefit.

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In Episode 20 of Simon Says: Educate!, Ronald Lethcoe and Diane Follett discuss AI in education post the 2023 Creative Commons Global Summit. They explore AI’s integration with open resources and licensing. Diane, enriched by the summit, talks about AI's role in administrative efficiency and creative content development at Clover Park Technical College. They examine AI's cultural impact, its influence on indigenous communities, and ethical training considerations. Case studies include AI in student marketing and the Maori language's digital preservation. The episode navigates AI's educational role—augmenting intellect while ensuring human creativity remains central. They advocate for AI's informed use in education, urging educators and students to explore AI's capabilities.

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In Episode 19 of Simon Says: Educate!, the spotlight is on the Fall 2023 Faculty In-Service at Clover Park Technical College's Teaching and Learning Center. The episode delves into the planning and execution of this event, with a forward-looking perspective on future professional development. Highlighted are the diverse training modules, including AI literacy and classroom management, with a special focus on the AI initiative's summer institute and conference participation. Feedback's pivotal role in shaping both current and future training agendas is underscored. The episode conveys the TLC's dedication to dynamic and responsive training methods, particularly in essential areas like Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and classroom dynamics, underscoring the center's commitment to ongoing faculty development driven by a feedback-oriented approach.

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In Episode 18 of Simon Says: Educate!, Ungrading Part 2, Ronald Lethcoe continues the enlightening discussion with Eric Stokes and Dionna Faherty. They delve further into the nuances of ungrading in education, where Eric and Dionna share real-world experiences. They tackle the misconception that ungrading simplifies teachers' work, instead highlighting its role in nurturing authentic learning experiences. The episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for educators considering this approach, with an emphasis on starting small and prioritizing student agency. This conversation provides a deeper understanding of how ungrading can transform educational practices and student engagement.

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In Episode 17 of Simon Says: Educate!, Ungrading Part 1, Ronald Lethcoe, Eric Stokes, and Dionna Faherty discuss "ungrading" at Clover Park Technical College. Ronald moderates as Eric, a chemistry professor, and Dionna, an English lead, share their experiences. They explore ungrading's shift from scores to authentic learning, aiming for a stress-free environment. Eric talks about ungrading in STEM, and Dionna discusses her shift from skepticism to advocacy, noting its positive effect on student engagement and well-being. Part 2 will continue the discussion on grading's future, setting expectations, and ungrading's flexibility.

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In Episode 16 of Simon Says: Educate!, Jessica Fuller and Geoff Cain come together to discuss the groundbreaking potential of the "Hypothesis" tool in the realm of digital education. Dive into their conversation as they explore how this social annotation tool can redefine student engagement, active reading, and collaborative learning. Understand the nuances of how "Hypothesis" bridges the gap between solitary reading and a shared, interactive experience, allowing students to annotate, question, and discuss digital texts in real-time. While they touch upon the challenges of integrating such a tool within traditional learning management systems, they also emphasize its seamless compatibility with platforms like Canvas. Join Jessica and Geoff as they highlight the significance of digital literacy and the transformative power of social annotation.

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In Episode 15 of Simon Says: Educate!, Ronald Lethcoe and Alex Dejean explore the innovative "liquid syllabus." This dynamic tool transforms traditional educational approaches, offering a personalized, accessible syllabus that enhances student engagement and learning experiences. They discuss the stark differences between the conventional and liquid syllabi, emphasizing how the latter fosters a more humanized and inclusive approach to education. While addressing the challenges of adopting this novel method, such as the learning curve and time investment, the rewards are profound. Students become more involved and connected to their educational journey, deeply investing in their learning. The episode highlights the importance of digital literacy and inclusivity in education, showcasing the ongoing evolution of teaching methodologies.

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In Episode 14 of Simon Says: Educate!, Ronald and guest Diane Follett explore the concept of inclusive syllabi in education. The episode features Diane's journey, which led her from studying Russian to her enthusiasm for teaching English as a Second Language. They delve into the importance of crafting syllabi that not only inform but also welcome students, creating a sense of belonging and community in the classroom. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of inclusive education and the vital role of personal connections in enhancing the learning experience.

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In Episode 13 of Simon Says: Educate!, we welcome Tiffany Smith for an insightful discussion on the observation process in professional development. This episode focuses on the pivotal roles of mentorship and community building in enhancing teacher agency. We delve into the concept of "teaching circles" and how this approach nurtures a supportive network among educators. The conversation also explores the dual nature of observations, balancing the challenges with the rewards, and emphasizes the importance of trust and clear communication. Join us as we traverse the ongoing journey of continuous improvement in the field of education.

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