Deep Dive on the Gen AI Journey – #112Leads

What’s all the fuss about AI?

Why all of the emphasis on “new tools” – “we have enough to do already!”.

Well … In North Shore School District 112 we have been on a journey exploring generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). I have written about it here on the blog, I have spoken about it on the Lighthouse 112 Podcast, I have spoken about it at conferences, and I have shared it internally with the staff at North Shore School District 112. I’m on a journey to broaden my Gen AI literacy so that I may lead in a more informed and impactful manner. On a daily/weekly basis, I may explore Open AI Chat GPT, Google Gemini, ISTE-ASCD Stretch, Claude, Magic School AI, School AI, Latimer, and more! I’m aiming to explore what is going on and learn what it’s all about.

I’m working in a progressive school district that is engaged in a pilot right now with Magic School AI — 301 staff members are actively exploring the potential of Gen AI for themselves as educators and as of this writing, there are 43 active “rooms” where staff members (teachers, coaches, administrators, librarians, etc.) have opened up Gen AI to students – in a guarded, closed, directed manner. Safety/Privacy – Ethical Usage of AI tools is paramount to our exploration.

In this blog post, I am sharing an audio “podcast” “conversation” generated from Google’s Notebook LM experimental tool. Sharing six artifact sources regarding this journey, the Notebook LM “made” an audio “conversation” …the future is now – the present is the future – and it’s incumbent upon educators like myself to explore, learn, innovate, and share what tools exist, what tools can help improve learning, and what tools our students can use! Any time we use AI, we note it, we explain it, we explore it and we “own” it. We are sharing what’s going on so we know more and we can best support our educators, best inform our community and best innovate and engage and empower our students.

Link to 11-minute Audio “conversation” generated by Google’s Notebook LM reviewing six sources I uploaded (and will share in this post).

AUDIO CONVERSATION MADE BY GOOGLE’S NOTEBOOK LM LISTEN HERE – 11 MINUTES

I uploaded sources to a notebook – the notebook reviewed (electronically) the content and then had the programming to summarize, generate a briefing doc of highlights, make a timeline, and create an audio conversation – wait – what?! Yes, the generative artificial intelligence takes sources that a user uploads (documents, PDF, Google Docs, Google Slides, web URLs, pasted text), “read”/somehow interprets the content, and then -makes a CONVERSATION with a male voice and a female voice.

This is free of charge, too, by the way … please read on and then please click the link above and listen to the 11-minute conversation … this is TODAY – not the future. The male and female voices are from Google’s Notebook LM. I did NOT write a script, I did NOT prompt engineer, I did NOT do anything other than take my own original content (5 of the six sources) and an article from Yong Zhao (an educational thinker who I read, follow, and respect), and Notebook LM made “magic” … or used it’s large language model, machine language and generative artificial intelligence and did something that was not possible nor was it accessible until very recently.

The six sources I asked Notebook LM to “review” include the following:

Summary of a presentation I made to the Center for Digital Education

Summary of the article by Yong Zhao

Link to the article

District 112 Artificial Intelligence Guidelines

Using Notebook LM from Google is fascinating – here is a “briefing document” generated by the Notebook LM integrating and “reviewing” the six sources – much like the audio “podcast” is “its” interpretation of key points from its understanding of language patterns, the briefing doc is just that – a briefing on the content from the six sources,

Briefing Document: North Shore School District 112’s Generative AI Initiative

Subject: Review of North Shore School District 112’s Generative AI Integration Initiative

Author: Bard, a large language model created by Google

Executive Summary: This briefing document analyzes North Shore School District 112’s initiative to integrate generative AI into its educational practices. The document examines the goals, implementation strategy, perceived benefits and challenges, stakeholder perspectives, and potential next steps.

1. Background and Objectives:

Since November 2023, North Shore School District 112 has actively explored and implemented generative AI tools to enhance teaching, learning, and operational efficiency. Inspired by national conferences and guided by organizations like Teach AI and CoSN, the district aims to:

• Foster AI Literacy: Equip both students and staff with essential AI skills for the future.
• Provide Clear Guidance: Establish robust guidelines for safe, ethical, and responsible AI use.
• Build Capacity: Invest in professional development opportunities for educators to effectively leverage AI tools.
• Support Innovation: Embrace innovative AI applications to improve educational processes and administrative functions.

2. Implementation Strategy:

The district’s AI integration strategy focuses on a multi-pronged approach:

• Pilot Program: A comprehensive pilot program with Magic School AI was launched in May 2024, providing educators with access to a secure and compliant AI platform. Early data indicates high usage, with 252 users generating 3,817 uses of Magic School AI tools since May 13, 2024.
• Professional Development: The district is committed to providing ongoing professional development to support staff in understanding and utilizing AI tools effectively.
• Policy Alignment: Existing school board policies are being reviewed and leveraged to guide the ethical and responsible implementation of generative AI.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Gathering feedback from students, parents, and staff is crucial for shaping the future of the initiative. An initial engagement survey was conducted in September 2024.

3. Perceived Benefits and Opportunities:

• Personalized Learning: AI can personalize learning experiences by tailoring educational content to individual student needs and learning styles.
• Enhanced Engagement: AI tools can make learning more engaging and interactive for students.
• Operational Efficiency: AI can automate administrative tasks, freeing up educators’ time for instruction and student interaction.
• Data-Driven Insights: AI can analyze data to provide insights into student progress and identify areas for improvement.

4. Challenges and Concerns:

• Data Privacy and Security: Ensuring the responsible and ethical use of student data is paramount.
• Equity and Access: Addressing potential disparities in access to technology and ensuring equitable implementation.
• Over-Reliance on Technology: Striking a balance between human interaction, critical thinking skills development, and AI tool utilization.
• Ethical Considerations: Addressing potential biases in AI algorithms and promoting responsible use.

5. Stakeholder Perspectives:

Initial feedback from an engagement survey indicates diverse perspectives:

• Positive Reactions: Many see AI as a valuable tool for personalizing learning, increasing efficiency, and providing new opportunities for students.
• Concerns and Reservations: Some express concerns about the ethical implications of AI, potential for cheating, over-reliance on technology, and the need for appropriate training and support.

6. Key Quotes:

• “If I can tell a teacher of the 50 hours of time they’re spending each week, the 25 of those hours are non-educational or non-instructional, if I can cut that in half and give them back 12 hours a week because I’m giving them access to tools that can cut their clerical stuff, it’s worth it for all of us.” – Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent (from presentation recording)

7. Next Steps:

• Analyze Engagement Data: Carefully analyze stakeholder feedback from the September survey to understand concerns and identify areas of alignment and divergence.
• Develop Communication Strategy: Create a comprehensive communication plan to address stakeholder concerns and build understanding and support for the initiative.
• Refine Implementation Plan: Use stakeholder feedback and data analysis to adjust the implementation plan, ensuring it is responsive to concerns and aligned with the district’s goals.
• Expand Professional Development: Offer diverse professional development opportunities that cater to various comfort levels and address specific concerns regarding AI integration.
• Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously monitor the implementation process, gathering data on usage, impact, and stakeholder perspectives to inform future decisions.

8. Conclusion:

North Shore School District 112’s generative AI initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to leveraging emerging technologies to potentially enhance education. By carefully considering stakeholder perspectives, addressing challenges, and prioritizing ethical considerations, the district can work toward a future where AI complements and enhances teaching and learning.

In addition to the briefing doc that Notebook LM can integrate and synthesize from sources that you upload, it can also make a timeline, see this timeline from the sources I uploaded,

Timeline of Events:

1984:

• Benjamin Bloom proposes the concept of one-to-one tutoring being more effective than group instruction, laying the groundwork for the personalized learning movement.

1990s – Early 2000s:

• Research and discussions around school reform gain traction, with scholars like Larry Cuban and David Tyack analyzing the resilience of traditional schooling systems and the limitations of reform efforts.

2010s:

• The concept of personalized learning gains widespread acceptance and promotion, driven by advancements in technology. Organizations like the RAND Corporation conduct studies indicating positive outcomes associated with personalized learning approaches.

2018:

• OECD’s PISA assessments reveal a decline in math, science, and reading scores across participating countries, prompting debates about the effectiveness of global education reforms and standardized testing.
• Yong Zhao publishes critiques of the “grammar of schooling,” arguing for a shift towards strengths-based education and problem-oriented pedagogy.

August 2019:

• North Shore School District 112 (NSSD112) Board of Education approves the Portrait of a Graduate (POG), outlining aspirational learning outcomes for students, including skills related to information evaluation, innovation, and active citizenship.

November 2023:

• OpenAI releases ChatGPT 3.5.
• NSSD112 Superintendent Michael Lubelfeld begins sharing information about generative AI in education with district leadership and staff.

January 2024:

• New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) bans ChatGPT from school devices and networks (ban later reversed on May 18).

March 2024:

• OpenAI releases ChatGPT 4.
• Khan Academy launches Khanmigo, an AI-powered learning tool.

April 2024:

• NSSD112 representatives attend the CoSN national conference, further exploring generative AI in education.

May 2024:

• Yong Zhao’s paper, “Artificial Intelligence and Education: End the Grammar of Schooling,” is published, advocating for a student-driven, personalized learning approach enhanced by AI.
• NSSD112 enters a pilot partnership with Magic School AI, an educational AI platform.
• NSSD112 releases “Artificial Intelligence Guidelines D112,” outlining the district’s strategic approach to AI integration.

June 2024:

• Michael Lubelfeld publishes a blog post titled “Generative AI in NSSD112 – #112Leads,” outlining the rationale and vision for AI integration in the district.

Summer 2024:

• NSSD112 holds professional development workshops for teachers and staff on integrating AI into their practice.

September 2024:

• NSSD112 conducts an engagement survey, gathering feedback from parents, staff, and students on the use of generative AI in the classroom.
• NSSD112’s Magic School AI pilot concludes, with 252 staff users and 3,817 documented uses of the AI tool.
• Michael Lubelfeld delivers a presentation at the Center for Digital Education (CDE), discussing NSSD112’s AI journey and highlighting the potential of AI to transform education.

September 15, 2024:

• NSSD112 releases “Engagement Summary AI Sept 15,” summarizing the findings of their community engagement survey on AI in education.

2024-2025:

• NSSD112 plans to evaluate the Magic School AI pilot and refine its AI integration strategies based on community feedback and data analysis.

Cast of Characters:

Michael Lubelfeld:

• Superintendent of North Shore School District 112 (NSSD112), located in Illinois.
• Leading advocate for integrating AI into the district’s educational practices.
• Author of the upcoming book, “Leading for Tomorrow’s Schools Today” (co-authored with Nick Polyak), which explores innovative educational leadership strategies.

Yong Zhao:

• Professor of education at the University of Kansas, University of Melbourne, and East China Normal University.
• Outspoken critic of traditional schooling models and advocate for student-centered, personalized learning enhanced by AI.
• Published “Artificial Intelligence and Education: End the Grammar of Schooling” in May 2024.

Benjamin Bloom:

• Educational psychologist who, in 1984, proposed the concept of one-to-one tutoring being more effective than traditional group instruction.
• His work laid a foundation for the modern movement towards personalized learning.

Larry Cuban:

• Professor Emeritus of Education at Stanford University.
• Known for his research on the history of education reform and the use of technology in classrooms.
• His work highlights the challenges of implementing substantial change in established schooling systems.

David Tyack:

• Professor Emeritus of Education and History at Stanford University.
• Co-authored “Tinkering Toward Utopia: A Century of Public School Reform” with Larry Cuban.
• His research explores the historical context of education reform and the often-limited impact of reform efforts.

Sal Khan:

• Founder of Khan Academy, a non-profit educational organization that offers free online learning resources.
• Developed Khanmigo, an AI-powered learning tool designed to support students and teachers.

Organizations:

• North Shore School District 112 (NSSD112): A public school district in Illinois committed to integrating AI to enhance education.
• OpenAI: An artificial intelligence research company, known for developing ChatGPT.
• Khan Academy: A non-profit educational organization providing free online learning resources, including Khanmigo, their AI learning tool.
• CoSN (Consortium for School Networking): A professional organization for school technology leaders.
• Magic School AI: An educational technology company providing AI-powered tools and platforms for schools.
• RAND Corporation: A global policy think tank that conducts research on various topics, including education.
• OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development): An intergovernmental organization that conducts PISA, an international student assessment program.
• Center for Digital Education (CDE): A national non-profit organization that provides research, best practices, and community engagement opportunities for education leaders.