AI Back to School with Hongwanji Mission School
Aloha and welcome back to a new year!
Kick off the year with AI tools for teacher use with Gabriel Yanagihara from 'Iolani School,"
This session is all about enhancing your teaching experience by introducing free, easy-to-use AI tools that can immediately make a difference in your classroom.
Learn how to streamline repetitive tasks, enhance student interactions, and balance your workload more effectively.
Dates:
January 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: AI 101 – Getting Started with AI Tools
April 7, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: AI 201 – Advanced Applications for the Classroom
Workshop Overview
Explore how artificial intelligence can empower educators and transform teaching practices in this two-part workshop series designed for the faculty of Hongwanji Mission School. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, these sessions will provide practical tools, insights, and strategies to integrate AI into your teaching with confidence and intention.
Session 1: AI 101 – Getting Started with AI Tools
Date: January 6, 2025
Learn the foundations of artificial intelligence and get hands-on experience with user-friendly tools that educators can explore at their own pace. This session will help teachers:
Understand the basics of AI and its relevance to education.
Discover practical tools for lesson planning, content creation, and student engagement.
Build confidence in exploring AI technologies outside the classroom.
Session 2: AI 201 – Advanced Applications for the Classroom
Date: April 7, 2025
Building on the foundations of AI 101, this session dives deeper into advanced features and classroom-relevant applications to enhance teaching and learning. Faculty will:
Explore advanced AI tools for collaborative projects and individualized instruction.
Learn strategies for integrating AI into everyday classroom activities.
Gain insights into fostering critical thinking and ethical use of AI with students.
What to Expect
These workshops are designed to be supportive, practical, and engaging. You’ll leave each session equipped with tools and strategies to bring AI into your teaching in meaningful ways—at a pace that works for you.
For more updates and resources, visit: gabrielyanagihara.com
About our Partners
Hongwanji Mission School
Hongwanji Mission School, the first Buddhist school outside of Japan, was established in 1949 during the time of Bishop Kodo Fujitani. The school was built on land purchased from Mary Foster (of Foster Botanical Gardens) for $6,000. Mary Foster, who was from a Christian missionary family, became a devout Buddhist after traveling to India and finding a personal teacher. Mrs. Aiko Fujitani, wife of the bishop, was instrumental in the building of the school and was at the center of school activities as the executive secretary of the school board.
Gabriel Yanagihara
Born and raised in Hawaii, Gabriel Yanagihara is an experienced educator with a background in computer science, creative media, and video game design. In addition to teaching, Gabriel is an advocate for Professional Development and Community Outreach, and gives Keynotes, Teacher Trainings, and PD workshops on topics including Esports, Minecraft, Virtual Reality, and Machine Learning AI tools.