A Call to Educational Leaders As educational leaders, we are facing a reality that many schools have not fully acknowledged: artificial intelligence aka AI, is already in our classrooms. Students are using AI tools to brainstorm ideas, summarize information, generate study guides, and even complete assignments. Teachers are using AI to create lesson plans, differentiate instruction, draft parent communications, and analyze data. Whether our organizations have formal AI policies or not, AI is already influencing teaching and learning. One challenge I have observed is that many educators are expected to navigate AI independently. While schools may have acceptable use policies, policies alone are not enough. A list of rules cannot prepare teachers to make informed decisions about when AI enhances learning, when it creates risks, or how to teach students to use these tools responsibly. Effective leadership requires a workforce that understands both the opportunities and limitations of AI. ...
Using ChatGPT to Increase Student Engagement in the Elementary Classroom With artificial intelligence changing rapidly it is continuously changing education, and one AI tool I have explored that has strong potential to improve student motivation and engagement is ChatGPT. As a future elementary teacher, I see tremendous value in using ChatGPT to create personalized learning experiences that meet students where they are academically while also connecting learning to their interests. Rather than serving as a replacement for instruction, ChatGPT can function as a supportive learning partner that helps teachers differentiate instruction and increase student participation. Although many educators see ChatGPT as a form of cheating and thinking that students will use it as a shortcut from actually doing their own work. I think this will enhance students thinking and with proper instruction can use it as a way to engage more in their work. ChatGPT is an AI-powered chat-bot that generates...