Are you curious about artificial intelligence (AI) but not sure where to start? If so, you’re definitely not alone! When I was a STEM classroom teacher, I started playing with AI technology out of curiosity, quicky learning that there was a lack of guidance around how to use AI effectively and responsibly with K-12 learners. Since this time, I have done ample research to educate myself not only about how to use AI tools but how to utilize them responsibly with adolescents. Below are my top five FREE resources for educating yourself about these topics:
1. AI 101 for Teachers (Code.org): This self-paced webinar series is aimed at educators interested in AI and learning how it can impact education, both positively and negatively. Listen in on engaging sessions with leading AI and education experts to discover more about AI tools, how to responsibly implement them in classrooms, and how they can improve student learning. They also offer high-quality AI curriculum for Grades 6-12. This platform has been one of my favorites since 2015 when I began using it; you can always count on Code.org for relevant, engaging learning content that benefits both teachers and students.
2. aiEDU Professional Learning (The AI Education Project): This small, high-growth organization is backed by big names such as Google, Microsoft, and Intel – and for good reason. The AI Education Project (or “aiEDU” for short) offers a robust suite of professional development opportunities and K-12 curricular resources that will engage learners of all ages while increasing AI literacy. Join them for live virtual trainings, get inspired by these 5-minute classroom warmups, or dive in head first to their 10-week Intro to AI curriculum for high schoolers. To fully discover all there is to benefit from on this beautifully designed website, including an educator’s toolkit and a project dashboard, visit their website.
3. AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit (TeachAI):
4. Artificial Intelligence in Education Resources (ISTE): The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is always on the frontlines of any new technology trend in K-12; having attending their annual conferences, I can confidently say this! It is no surprise to me that they are at the forefront of the responsible AI in education movement. On the ISTE AI resource website, you will find free guides, podcasts, and articles for school leaders and teachers about how to responsibly implement AI in schools. They also are working on StretchAI, an AI Coach for teachers that is in beta testing right now!
5. AI Course for Educators (AI for Education): This powerful 2-hour course was written by former teachers with clearly outlined learning objectives, hands-on activities, and highly relevant content that improves AI literacy for beginners. It is self-paced, which makes it easy to come back to if you need to pause and get to your next class period! My favorite part was the short assignments that enable learners to practice using ChatGPT in practical ways that anyone can tackle; if you dread creating rubrics from scratch, then this is for you! Other beginner-focused topics that are covered include saving time on lesson planning using AI, the basics of prompt engineering for ChatGPT, and how to access their handy Prompt Library for educators.
To learn about other organizations that are involved in the movement to increase AI literacy and make it more equitable for all learners, check out this list. If you know of other resources that should be added to my list above, please contact me and let me know!