Today’s ever-changing advancements in technology are intersecting with today’s classrooms, and one of the latest developments is that of artificial intelligence, or AI.
Again at the forefront of equipping its teachers with the right tools and strategies to bring the latest tech developments into their classrooms, the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Harrisburg offered a professional development workshop on AI. Applicable for school leaders, teachers and technology coordinators, the February 10 workshop examined AI use in education, its foundations and ethical implications, and its application in the classroom.
Artificial intelligence is a type of computer technology in which machines learn tasks. It is used in a wide range of applications – including web development, customer service chatbots and product recommendations. In education, AI can automate administrative tasks, assist with lesson planning, generate prompts, and increase student engagement and productivity.
The workshop was keynoted by Annabel Dotzman and Anthony Dunn of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Dotzman is the Associate Director of Educational Technology, PreK-12; Dunn is the Technology Integration Coach, PreK-12.
Sessions zeroed in on AI concepts and tools that teachers can start integrating into their classrooms to enhance learning and personalize instruction, and examined AI’s pitfalls.
An undercurrent across the presentations and breakout sessions was responsible use of AI, especially with regard to teaching students to use it as a tool, not an alternative to learning.
“We see more and more ways to apply AI in education to be a resource for a teacher to save time and support all student-learning through various tools in differentiation and support,” said Crystal Noel, Academics and Data Specialist in the Diocesan Education Office. “Additionally, we need ways to mitigate the ethical concerns and applications of AI. AI is not going away; our students are growing up in this world and we need to prepare them for how to use it morally and responsibly.”
Noel pointed to the following statistics from the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report from Microsoft & LinkedIn:
- 66% of leaders say they would not hire someone without AI skills.
- 76% of professionals say they need AI skills to remain competitive in the job market.
- 69% of people say AI can help get them promoted faster, and even more (79%) say AI skills will broaden their job opportunities.
“Our teachers model and prepare our students for their future careers and colleges with the ultimate goal of Heaven. We want to provide teachers with tools to be knowledgeable and confident to prepare our students to be moral digital citizens who lead the way in society with truth and light,” Noel said. “This professional development opened the door to understanding AI and navigating it to promote student learning.”
Learn more about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Harrisburg at www.GoCatholicSchools.org.
(Photos by Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness.)
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
