Exploring the Future of Education: AI and the Classroom at SOTF 2024

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries worldwide, it’s crucial that educators stay ahead of the curve—especially when it comes to preparing students for a future where AI will be deeply integrated into their personal and professional lives. That’s why I’m excited to present at the Schools of the Future (SOTF) Conference 2024, where I’ll be leading several sessions focused on how teachers and students alike can navigate the evolving world of AI.

Session Highlights

Becoming a Learner in the World of AI: Helping Students Adopt AI Responsibly in the Classroom

Date: November 14, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Room: 319A

In today’s classrooms, it’s no longer a question of if AI should be integrated, but how to do it responsibly. As schools implement AI policies and educators adapt to new tools, students also need guidance to use AI effectively—not only in their schoolwork but also in their future careers. While generative AI can boost productivity and personalization, it can also create shortcuts that undermine learning or spread misinformation. In this session, we’ll explore what skills students need to harness the power of AI ethically. I’ll be joined by Faye Furutomo, Director of Educational Technology Systems at ‘Iolani School, to share our experiences from running AI literacy programs, including a summer AI bootcamp and student workshops.

This session is a must for educators seeking to empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to be responsible AI users and creators.

The Balanced Educator: AI Tools to Minimize Burnout and Maximize Engagement

Date: November 14, 2024
Time: 3:20 – 4:20 PM
Room: 301B

Let’s be real—teaching today is more demanding than ever. Balancing lesson planning, grading, and the daily demands of a busy classroom can easily lead to burnout. In this session, I’ll introduce AI tools that can help teachers streamline their workload and reclaim valuable time. From Google Gemini to ChatGPT and Perplexity, we’ll explore how AI can assist with everything from personalizing student learning to automating repetitive tasks.

My goal is to show you how these tools can not only reduce stress but also enhance both your engagement and your students’. By the end of the session, you’ll have practical strategies you can implement right away to minimize burnout and make your teaching more efficient.

Empowering Students with AI: Create Your Own Illustrated Books with Free AI Tools

Date: November 15, 2024
Time: 10:25 – 11:55 AM
Room: 301B

This hands-on workshop is where things get really exciting! Ever wanted to empower your students to become authors and illustrators? In this session, you’ll learn how to use AI to help your students write, illustrate, and publish their own books—all for free. Inspired by real-life stories from students in Lahaina and Molokai, who used AI to tell their personal narratives, this workshop will show you the transformative potential of AI in the classroom.

Whether you’re a seasoned AI user or just starting out, you’ll leave this session with a draft of your own illustrated book and the tools to bring this creative project back to your students. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give students ownership over their stories and foster a deeper connection to their learning.