Teacher Tech Training: Empowering Educators through AI
Submitted By: Francisco Narciso
Los Angeles Regional Adult Education Consortium
Website: https://lausdadulted.org/
Type of Practice: Learner Transition
Program Area(s): ABE / ASE, ESL / EL Civics / Citizenship, CTE / Workforce Prep / Pre-apprenticeship, Adults with Disabilities, K12 Success
Region: Los Angeles Basin
Consortia Involved: Los Angeles Regional Adult Education Consortium
The Program of Practice
The integration of technology into teaching practices is increasingly essential, yet many educators lack the training and support needed to effectively use these tools. Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns and uncertainties surrounding the use of AI in education. Teachers need a structured platform to share their experiences and learn from each other’s successes with technology integration. Additionally, there is a need for ongoing guidance and support to ensure these tools are used effectively within the curriculum. Addressing these issues directly impacts students by enhancing the quality of education they receive through more innovative and effective teaching methods.
The Response
To address this issue, our Teacher Tech Training Series was created, led by educators and supported by Instructional Technology Teacher Advisors (ITTAs). This series provides a collaborative platform where teachers can share their successful experiences with technology integration. Our current focus is on leveraging AI to enhance teaching approaches, starting with sessions that discuss the benefits, risks, and considerations of AI use in education. Various AI tools, such as Bard, ChatGPT, Canva's AI tool, and Sunoai for music creation, have been introduced, with future sessions planned for Figjam and its AI companion. ITTAs at the school site level offer deeper guidance on implementing these tools within the curriculum. This support includes hands-on workshops, resources, and one-on-one coaching to help teachers effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. Feedback from teachers, administrators, and students is continuously gathered to refine and improve the training series. By addressing both the technical and pedagogical aspects of AI integration, we aim to foster a positive and productive use of technology in education. This comprehensive approach ensures that students benefit from a learning environment that is dynamic, engaging, and tailored to their needs.
The Unique Features of the Program
The Teacher Tech Training Series is unique in its educator-led format, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. It specifically focuses on the integration of AI tools, a cutting-edge area in educational technology. The program includes practical, hands-on guidance from ITTAs, ensuring that teachers receive tailored support for implementing AI tools in their classrooms. Additionally, the series addresses both the benefits and risks of AI, providing a balanced perspective that helps ease concerns and promotes informed use of technology. These unique features collectively enhance the learning experiences of students, making their education more relevant and effective in the digital age.
The Outcome
Through this program, students benefit from enhanced teaching approaches that incorporate AI, making learning more engaging and effective. The integration of AI tools can lead to more personalized and creative learning experiences, supporting diverse student needs and learning styles. Data from this program show that an average of over 50 participants attended each session, with over 150 adult educators participating in the series overall. 74% of participants rated the professional development sessions of this program as helpful in making them feel more prepared to deliver or support instruction, and the series received an overall average rating of 4 out of 5. Additionally, 61% of participants in the AI-specific professional development indicated that the training made them feel more prepared to use AI and understand its implications for education. Ultimately, the program aims to improve student achievement by equipping teachers with the skills and confidence to use advanced technology in their instruction, thereby better preparing students for future academic and career opportunities in an increasingly digital world.