There’s no avoiding it. Artificial intelligence is here: in your classrooms, in your front office, on your phone. And while the topic can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be a burden. One of the best pieces of advice regarding managing AI in schools so far came during a conversation yesterday with Melissa Hortman, a senior industry executive at Microsoft, for our sister publication eCampus news, but her advice applies to all levels of education: First, learn how it works. 

That being said, the amount of information out there can be overwhelming and getting worse by the day. Don’t worry, we’re here for you. The following resources should fill up your weekend reading queue quite nicely. And be sure we’ll be diving in deeper as this phenomenon progresses.

From: eCampus News

Open AI is an incredibly powerful technology that has the potential to transform the way we think about teaching, learning, and research. Used properly, faculty and students can explore new ways to approach complex problems, gain insights into data, and make predictions that were previously impossible. Sounds great right? But there are still many questions and reasonable concerns about how to make this potential practical. This conversation cleared up a lot.

Key points:

• Smarter systems can help protect students
• AI technologies continue to proliferate
• Online learning platforms now support millions of students

ZeroEyes, creators of their AI-based gun detection video analytics platform announced a strategic partnership with AEGIX, a Utah-based provider of industry-leading resources, technology, equipment and training for first responders. Through the partnership, ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and situational awareness software will be integrated into the AEGIX AIM active incident management platform to create a sole-source solution uniquely built for Utah public schools.

The system enables individuals in an organization, such as a school, to notify others of a crisis with the touch of a button. In a worst-case scenario, such as an active shooter, teachers simply push a button in the app to let administrators and first responders know if they are “safe” or “unsafe.” AEGIX AIM can be operated from a desktop, laptop or smartphone. 

Everyone on the system, including key law enforcement and first responders can utilize the dynamic interactive maps of a school campus, buildings and individual classrooms. This instantly provides room-by-room situational awareness. Users know exactly what the emergency is and where they need to direct their efforts. It also enables real-time communication within the patented chat feature. 

RedCritter launched its groundbreaking AI innovation, CritterCoin, a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) suite for schools powered by ChatGPT from OpenAI. The new AI capabilities automate PBIS on a school-wide level. The suite now offers adaptive and personalized student tutoring and engagement, along with automated recognition and rewards. 

Key points:

• Social emotional learning looks to evidence-based classroom practices to support a critical development in children
• Educators can employ several strategies to deal with the politicization of social emotional learning
• See related article: 3 key parts of this district’s student mental health support

The concept of social emotional learning​​ (SEL) has been around for 30 years—a bit of esoteric, if well-meaning, academia intended to improve the way kids are taught. Post-pandemic, the phrase has somehow entered the culture wars leaving educators with a delicate balance between implementing these essential concepts without becoming politicized. 

If the pandemic taught us nothing else, it’s that the mental health of students is the first and foremost concern to successful teaching and learning—not to mention their parents, teachers, and everyone else associated with that student’s learning experience. So how can educators and admins cope? We sat down with Justina Schlund, Vice President of Communications at Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) to bang out some specific strategies for schools to employ if this becomes an issue in your district. Scroll down for some of the transcribed and edited highlights:

ESN: It’s best to start at the beginning. What is CASEL’s definition of SEL?

JS: You can look on our website for the official definition but basically, social and emotional learning is about developing all of the skills that last a lifetime. Things like staying motivated, communicating really effectively, understanding other people, and making decisions that are good for ourselves, and the community around us. So it is a sort of developmental process that happens from the time we were born, and now throughout our adulthood.

One of many post-pandemic truths exposed and emphasized is that learning outcomes suffer without proper student mental health measures.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, host Kevin Hogan has a conversation with Sonny Thadani, CEO of Robin, to explore how SEL can be integrated into district policies and school curricula. The key? Get everyone involved.

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has long been a popular acronym in education circles. Providing teachers with the tools and techniques to deliver these subjects to students has never been more important. In this podcast, Lauren Tarshis, SVP Editor-in-Chief & Publisher, Classroom Magazine Division, Scholastic Magazines+, and Patty Janes, Vice President, Science, Math, and Art at Scholastic, break down how one of the world’s great curriculum providers approaches STEM subjects and provide insights on how teachers can integrate these concepts into everyday teaching and learning.

While many think of high school students engaged in mechanical engineering or robotics competitions when they hear the word “robotics,” the subject naturally lends itself to learners of all ages—including very young students.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan, you’ll hear from Jason Innes, Director of Curriculum, Training and Product Management at KinderLab Robotics, Inc., discuss why robotics is an excellent way to introduce young learners to coding, computational thinking, and design principles.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• What is computer science education lacking?
• Why educational robotics is a critical STEM learning tool
• STEM Lessons Straight from the Classroom

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• Finding the learning loss data needed to drive learning recovery
• Education must keep pace with evolving ransomware
• Current Challenges and Trends in K-12 Education

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• 3 strategies to support student well-being and SEL
• Building culture and community takes more than a committee
• Fostering student well-being

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• Teachers are burning out. Can AI help?
• Using AI to improve accessibility
• AI in the classroom: Supporting innovative teaching and increased productivity

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• 5 of the biggest education trends in 2023
• 5 ways our district streamlines edtech ecosystems
• Using Federal Grants to Hire Personnel: Advice for Districts

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• 8 predictions about literacy learning in 2023
• 6 tips for tech-enabled instruction in the early literacy classroom
• How Active Learning Environments Help Students Engage in Content

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• 5 ways virtual tutoring reinforces our after-school program
• 5 ways video improves school-home communication
• Virtual Reality Gets Real

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• Virtual school nurses can play a pivotal role in schools
• 5 ways tech helps create calmer learning environments
• All About Accessibility: Enabling a More Inclusive Classroom

Related:
New year, new edtech solutions

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• 37 predictions about edtech’s impact in 2023
• New school year shows continued signs of academic rebounding
• Digital Safety for Students: Keeping Student Data Private and Access Secure

In this episode of Innovations in Education, sponsored by Promethean and Merlyn Mind, and hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• 4 reasons we put all of our district communications on one platform
• Teachers can’t keep up with the need for SEL
• How a dedication to STEM makes this eSN Hero a winner

In this episode of Innovations in Education, sponsored by Promethean and Merlyn Mind and hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• 4 blended learning strategies for better student engagement
• Only out-of-the-box solutions will fix the real problems in schools
• The Promising Reality of AI

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• 5 ways to prep students for online learning success
• Our district is battling a loneliness epidemic
• Cybersecurity in the K-12 Space – Realities and Myths

Related:
Edtech tools for teachers
Future strategies for today’s schools

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• Using data insight platforms to improve SEL strategies
• 5 tips to help students master foundational skills
• Teacher Shortages: Viable Solutions to Meet Immediate Needs

Related:
Big thoughts in edtech
Sharing best practices

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

• 4 ways to design collaborative learning spaces
• Free internet could erase the digital divide
• STEM lessons straight from the classroom

Related:
Big thoughts in edtech
Sharing best practices