Embracing curiosity, not fear, is a mindset that can lead to growth, learning, and innovation. Jason Strakowski exemplifies this mindset as he shares his journey from being a social studies teacher to becoming an instructional technology coach with a focus on AI in our podcast. His story begins with a simple act of curiosity - asking for an unused Chromebook cart and exploring its potential in the classroom. This curiosity eventually led him to a district-wide position where he helped teachers integrate technology into their teaching practices.

Listen to the full podcast below and check out this article breaking down the insightful conversation.

Table of Contents

• Podcast Breakdown

• AI in education is inevitable

• AI tools are game-changers.

• Embrace AI for creative teaching

• AI can streamline teaching tasks

• Use ChatGPT for fair evaluations

• Leverage AI for administrative efficiency

• Automate tasks to foster innovation

• AI revolutionizing professional development in edu …

• Share podcast with school leaders

Podcast Breakdown

Jason's story highlights the importance of being open to new opportunities and embracing the unknown. Instead of being afraid of the challenges that come with adopting new technologies like AI, Jason approached them with a sense of excitement and a willingness to learn. This attitude not only helped him navigate the rapid changes brought on by the pandemic but also allowed him to thrive in his role as an instructional technology coach.

In the podcast, Jason acknowledges the fears that many educators may have about AI. However, he encourages listeners to shift their perspective and see AI as a tool for enhancing teaching and learning, rather than a threat. By approaching AI with curiosity and a growth mindset, educators can explore its potential applications in the classroom and leverage it to improve student outcomes.

Embracing curiosity, not fear, is not just about being open to new technologies like AI. It is a mindset that can be applied to all aspects of education and leadership. When educators approach challenges with a sense of curiosity, they are more likely to seek out innovative solutions, collaborate with others, and adapt to change. This mindset fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ultimately benefiting students and the school community as a whole.

In conclusion, Jason Strakowski's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing curiosity, not fear, in education. By approaching new technologies and challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn, educators can unlock new possibilities, drive innovation, and create a more engaging and effective learning environment for students. As leaders in education, it is essential to cultivate a culture of curiosity and exploration, encouraging teachers and students alike to embrace the unknown and discover the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

AI in education is inevitable

AI in education is inevitable. The transcript of the podcast featuring Jason Strakowski and his insights on AI tools in education sheds light on the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of learning. As a longtime sci-fi fantasy enthusiast, Jason is well-versed in the potential dangers and benefits of AI, particularly in the realm of education.

One of the key points raised by Jason is the displacement of jobs that AI may bring. While this is a valid concern, history has shown that technological advancements often lead to the creation of new opportunities. Just as the Industrial Revolution and the rise of electricity brought about significant changes in the workforce, AI is poised to do the same. It is crucial for educators and policymakers to start thinking about how to support individuals who may be affected by job displacement due to AI.

Furthermore, Jason highlights the need for a shift in the educational landscape to adapt to the advancements in AI technology. Traditional methods of rote memorization may no longer be sufficient in a world where generative AI tools like ChatGPT and DALI are becoming more prevalent. Students need to develop critical thinking skills and focus on application-based learning to thrive in a future where AI plays a significant role.

In terms of tools, Jason categorizes AI tools into three main piles: generative AI, large language models, and specific tools like DALI. These tools have the potential to revolutionize the way educators teach and students learn. By leveraging AI technology, teachers can personalize learning experiences, provide instant feedback, and create more engaging and interactive lessons.

Overall, Jason's insights underscore the inevitability of AI in education. As technology continues to advance, educators must embrace AI as a tool to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for the future. By staying informed, adapting to change, and fostering a culture of curiosity and exploration, the education sector can harness the power of AI to create a more innovative and effective learning environment for all.

AI tools are game-changers.

AI tools are game-changers in the field of education, as highlighted in the podcast transcript featuring Jason. The discussion revolves around three main categories of AI tools that are revolutionizing the way educators teach and students learn. These categories include tools that leverage chat GPT for various educational purposes, tools that enhance creativity and productivity through artificial image generation, and tools that automate tasks such as behavior intervention plans and rubric writing.

One of the key points made in the podcast is the use of chat GPT as a versatile tool that can be customized with additional features to create new services. For example, the differentiation tool called "diff it" allows educators to adapt content for English language learners and students at different reading levels in multiple languages. This tool not only simplifies the process of creating tailored learning materials but also opens up new possibilities for personalized education.

Additionally, AI image generators like Dali and Mid-Journey are mentioned as tools that can assist in creating visual content for various purposes, such as Dungeons and Dragons campaigns. These tools provide a creative outlet for educators and students alike, allowing them to explore new ideas and enhance their storytelling abilities.

Furthermore, the podcast touches on the legal and ethical implications of using AI tools in education, particularly in terms of copyright infringement and age restrictions. It is important for educators to be aware of these considerations and ensure that they are using AI tools responsibly and ethically.

Overall, the podcast emphasizes the importance of embracing AI tools as a means to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for the future. By leveraging the power of AI in education, educators can create a more innovative and effective learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of students. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for educators to stay informed, adapt to change, and foster a culture of curiosity and exploration in order to fully harness the potential of AI in education.

Embrace AI for creative teaching

One key point highlighted in the podcast is the idea that AI tools can be used to spark creativity and engagement in the classroom. By using AI models such as Chat GPT Plus, teachers can generate unique prompts, ideas, and resources to make learning more interactive and personalized for students. This not only helps to make learning more fun and engaging but also allows students to explore topics in new and exciting ways.

Furthermore, the podcast discusses how AI tools can help teachers streamline their lesson planning and curriculum development processes. By utilizing AI to generate ideas, prompts, and resources, teachers can save time and energy that can be better spent on other aspects of teaching. This can lead to more efficient lesson planning, increased productivity, and ultimately, better learning outcomes for students.

Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the importance of embracing AI tools as a way to foster creativity and innovation in teaching. By using AI models to generate new ideas and approaches to teaching, educators can break out of traditional teaching methods and explore new ways to engage students. This can help to create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment that encourages students to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate with their peers.

In conclusion, embracing AI for creative teaching is essential for educators to adapt to the changing landscape of education and prepare students for the future. By leveraging the power of AI tools, teachers can enhance learning outcomes, foster creativity, and create a more engaging and innovative learning environment for students. It is important for educators to stay informed, open-minded, and willing to explore new technologies in order to fully harness the potential of AI in education.

AI can streamline teaching tasks

Overall, AI can streamline teaching tasks by automating time-consuming processes such as lesson planning, assessment creation, and grading. This allows teachers to focus more on personalized instruction, student engagement, and fostering critical thinking skills. Additionally, AI can provide valuable insights and feedback to help educators improve their teaching practices and tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.

Embracing AI for creative teaching is essential for educators to adapt to the changing landscape of education and prepare students for the future. By leveraging the power of AI tools, teachers can enhance learning outcomes, foster creativity, and create a more engaging and innovative learning environment for students. It is important for educators to stay informed, open-minded, and willing to explore new technologies in order to fully harness the potential of AI in education.

Use ChatGPT for fair evaluations

One way in which educators can utilize AI technology, such as ChatGPT, is for fair evaluations. Evaluating teachers can often be subjective and biased, as individual opinions and perspectives can influence the feedback given. By using ChatGPT to generate summary comments or feedback for teacher evaluations, educators can ensure that evaluations are more consistent and less subjective.

AI tools like ChatGPT can help to standardize the evaluation process by providing objective feedback based on the information inputted. This can help to eliminate biases and ensure that evaluations are fair and equitable for all teachers. By feeding in specific criteria or areas of improvement, ChatGPT can generate suggestions for feedback that are based on the input data rather than personal opinions.

Furthermore, using AI for evaluations can also help to save time and streamline the evaluation process. Instead of spending hours crafting personalized feedback for each teacher, educators can use ChatGPT to generate initial feedback that can then be personalized and refined as needed. This can help to make the evaluation process more efficient and effective, allowing educators to focus on providing meaningful feedback and support to teachers.

Overall, using ChatGPT for fair evaluations in education can help to promote equity, consistency, and efficiency in the evaluation process. By leveraging AI technology in this way, educators can ensure that evaluations are based on objective criteria and provide valuable feedback to support teacher growth and development. Embracing AI for fair evaluations can ultimately lead to a more equitable and supportive learning environment for both teachers and students.

Leverage AI for administrative efficiency

In the podcast, Mike and Jason discuss various ways in which administrators can leverage AI technology, specifically ChatGPT, for administrative efficiency in education. One of the key points raised is the use of AI for responding to parent emails and drafting letters of recommendation. By utilizing AI to generate responses, administrators can save time and ensure that their communications are professional and effective.

Additionally, Mike and Jason highlight the potential for AI to be used in worst-case scenario templates, allowing administrators to have pre-prepared messaging in place for emergencies. This can help administrators to quickly communicate with the community and address concerns in a timely manner, reducing stress and ensuring a proactive response to challenging situations.

Furthermore, the podcast discusses the possibility of using AI for teacher evaluations, suggesting that AI could analyze video recordings of lessons to provide feedback on teacher talk, student engagement, lesson coherence, and more. This application of AI has the potential to streamline the evaluation process, provide valuable insights for teacher development, and promote consistency in evaluations.

Another innovative use of AI mentioned in the podcast is creating a knowledge base for new teachers by uploading contracts, handbooks, and guidelines into a ChatGPT system. This "Tiger Bot" can then provide answers to common questions, helping new teachers navigate the administrative aspects of their roles and freeing up time for more impactful work.

Overall, Mike and Jason emphasize the importance of leveraging AI technology to enhance administrative efficiency in education. By utilizing AI for tasks such as communication, evaluations, and knowledge sharing, administrators can save time, improve consistency, and create a more supportive and equitable learning environment for teachers and students. As AI technology continues to advance, there are endless possibilities for its application in education administration, offering new opportunities for innovation and improvement in the field.

Automate tasks to foster innovation

The podcast discusses the potential benefits of automating tasks in education to foster innovation. They highlight how AI technology can be used to streamline repetitive tasks, such as answering common questions or providing feedback to teachers. By automating these tasks, educators can free up cognitive energy to focus on more meaningful work, such as engaging with students and enhancing their teaching practice.

Mike and Jason also address generational differences in the workforce, pointing out that younger generations may prefer to interact with technology rather than humans. This preference for automation can be leveraged to improve efficiency and effectiveness in education administration. For example, using AI to provide feedback to teachers based on objective data can help new educators develop their practice and improve their teaching skills.

Furthermore, they suggest that AI technology can be used to create a more supportive and equitable learning environment. By removing the need for human judgment in certain tasks, such as evaluations, AI can provide unbiased feedback and help educators identify areas for improvement. This can ultimately lead to a more consistent and fair evaluation process for all teachers.

Overall, the podcast advocatez for the use of AI technology to automate tasks in education administration. By leveraging AI for tasks such as communication, evaluations, and knowledge sharing, administrators can save time, improve consistency, and create a more supportive and equitable learning environment for teachers and students. As AI technology continues to advance, there are endless possibilities for its application in education administration, offering new opportunities for innovation and improvement in the field.

AI revolutionizing professional development in education

Mike and Jason discuss various ways in which AI can revolutionize professional development in education. One key point raised is the use of AI for teacher evaluations. Instead of traditional methods such as announced or unannounced observations, teachers could opt to record their lessons, have them analyzed by AI, and receive feedback on their teaching practices. This approach not only eliminates biases and the Hawthorne effect but also provides teachers with valuable insights for self-improvement. By utilizing AI for evaluations, teachers can receive more personalized feedback and support, leading to enhanced professional growth.

Furthermore, they highlight the importance of reflection in professional development. By sharing their own experiences of transitioning to new teaching practices and reflecting on their teaching methods, they emphasize the value of self-reflection in improving instructional strategies. AI technology can assist educators in this reflective process by summarizing discussions, generating presentations, and designing lessons based on their reflections. This automated support can help teachers identify areas for growth, experiment with new teaching approaches, and ultimately enhance student learning outcomes.

Moreover, Mike and Jason suggest using AI to develop professional learning opportunities for staff. Leaders can leverage AI to create tailored professional development programs on various topics, ranging from wait time to student engagement. By utilizing AI tools such as chatbots and presentation generators, leaders can streamline the process of designing and delivering professional development sessions. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that professional learning experiences are relevant, engaging, and effective for educators.

Overall, they express enthusiasm for the potential of AI to revolutionize professional development in education. They envision a future where AI technology plays a central role in supporting teachers, administrators, and leaders in their professional growth and development. By embracing AI tools and leveraging them effectively, educators can enhance their teaching practices, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ultimately create a more dynamic and innovative learning environment for students. The integration of AI in professional development has the potential to transform education and shape the future of teaching and learning.

Share podcast with school leaders

In the podcast episode, Mike encourages listeners to share the podcast with their colleagues in the field of education. This call to action is rooted in the belief that sharing valuable resources and information with others can lead to positive change and growth within the education community. By spreading the word about the podcast, school leaders can help to spark conversations, inspire new ideas, and promote collaboration among educators.

One of the key benefits of sharing the podcast with school leaders is the opportunity to introduce them to new perspectives and insights on the use of AI in professional development. By listening to the podcast, educators can gain a better understanding of how AI technology can be utilized to support their growth and development as leaders in the field. This knowledge can empower school leaders to explore new possibilities, experiment with innovative approaches, and adapt their practices to meet the evolving needs of their students and staff.

Furthermore, sharing the podcast with school leaders can help to create a sense of community and connectedness within the education profession. By engaging in discussions about the podcast episodes, educators can build relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from each other's experiences. This sense of camaraderie and collaboration can foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where educators are motivated to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and strive for excellence in their work.

In conclusion, sharing the podcast with school leaders is a powerful way to promote the use of AI in professional development and to cultivate a culture of innovation and growth within the education community. By spreading the word about the podcast, educators can inspire each other to embrace new technologies, explore new possibilities, and work together to create a more dynamic and student-centered learning environment. As the podcast participants suggest, the integration of AI in professional development has the potential to transform education and shape the future of teaching and learning. It is up to school leaders to seize this opportunity, share valuable resources with their colleagues, and lead the way towards a brighter and more innovative future for education.