Empowering Educators: Highlights from Ohio's AI Summits
The end of the school year brings dozens of competing priorities, but that didn’t stop Ohio educators from diving into AI education. We want to thank the hundreds of teachers in Ohio who attended three sold-out AI Summits to engage in learning about AI literacy and its effective implementation in the classroom.
Hosted by aiEDU, the events brought together educators from across the state to learn and share ideas around AI. The summits took place in Dayton, Sandusky and Independence. aiEDU partnered with many organizations throughout Ohio including the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA), the Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC), Future Forward Ohio and the Nord Family Foundation, among others.
Teachers, district and building leaders, and ESC personnel from across Ohio all were invited to attend and gain insights, not only from leading AI experts, but also directly from fellow educators and students.
The summits featured speakers from national, state, and local levels, providing a diverse range of perspectives. Attendees heard from featured speakers such as the Ohio Department of Educational Workforce, Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, aiEDU CEO Alex Kotran, OESCA Executive Director Craig Burford, MCESC Superintendent Shannon Cox, Elevate Education Founder and CE Ken Shelton, Adaptable Learning Founder AJ Juliani, and Internationally renowned AI trainer, speaker, and consultant Rebecca Bulstma.
Key Takeaways
Key takeaways from the Summits emphasize the role of AI as a supportive tool in education, the need for continuous learning and adaptation, the importance of empowering educators and students with a clear understanding of AI literacy, and the necessity of handling AI use responsibly and ethically.
AI as an Enhancement Tool
AI should enhance teaching and learning rather than replace traditional methods.
AI can be leveraged for deeper learning and improving teaching practices.
AI is seen as a tool to aid teachers with personalized learning and transforming learning spaces.
Empowerment and Understanding
The importance of demystifying AI to empower teachers, staff, and students.
Encouraging a better understanding and confidence in using AI in education.
Quality Feedback and Assessments
Using AI to enhance the quality and efficiency of feedback and assessments.
AI's role in providing more effective and timely feedback to students.
Effective Use and Misuse Management
Strategies for handling the misuse of AI by students and ensuring its safe and effective use.
Teaching students to use AI tools correctly and efficiently.
AI's Dual Nature
Acknowledging both the positive and challenging aspects of AI in education.
Understanding that AI can significantly lighten the teacher's workload when used appropriately.
Ethics and Equity
The importance of incorporating ethical considerations and equity in AI education.
Ensuring AI is used in a way that promotes authentic learner agency and positive engagement.
What We Heard
Attendees were inspired and invigorated about the possibilities that AI could have not only for them, but for their students. If you attended any of the summits you could have heard things like:
“We need to teach our students about AI so they learn to use it correctly and efficiently.”
“Integrating and showing AI as a tool can be beneficial to so many learners.”
“Don’t be afraid to try new things.”
We are grateful for the time we got to spend with these educators and look forward to seeing all the new things they undertake this fall. But wait there is one more … we will be hosting a Summit on Aug. 13, 2024 in Cambridge, OH. This event is free to Ohio ESC employees, district leaders, building leaders, and K-12 teachers. For more information, check the details out here.
