Education in an AI World summer conference to be hosted for educators

LAWRENCE — The School of Education & Human Sciences at the University of Kansas will host the 2024 Strategies for Educational Improvement Summer Conference for the region’s PK-12 educators as a hybrid professional development event. 

This year’s conference, Tomorrow Is Here: Education in an AI World, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14 in the BEST Building at KU’s Edwards Campus. Leaders in education will discuss the rapidly changing educational landscape during TED-style “EduTalks” on the exciting opportunities and complex challenges offered by artificial intelligence.

The event will include “AI Playground” activities in the afternoon, with opportunities for hands-on experience with a variety of AI tools, and ample time for Q&A and networking. An in-person American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be provided.

“With the explosion of emerging AI technologies, we are pleased to being together experts to help teachers navigate the best ways to have AI impact their teaching and the work in schools,” said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education & Human Sciences. “Adding some hands-on sessions to allow teachers to practice varying approaches and techniques is an exciting addition this year.”

The agenda for this year’s conference will adhere to the following schedule:

Morning sessions

• 8:30-9 a.m. — Networking with continental breakfast 
• 9-9:15 a.m. — Welcome by Dean Rick Ginsberg, School of Education & Human Sciences 
• 9:15-9:45 a.m. — EduTalk 1: “From AI to IA: Co-evolve with Artificial Intelligence,” Yong Zhao, professor, Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, KU 
• 9:45-10:15 a.m. — EduTalk 2: “From Chalkboards to Chatbots - Teaching in an AI World,” Ronnie Williams, coordinator of instructional resources, Greenbush Education Service Center, Girard 
• 10:15-10:30 a.m. — Break 
• 10:30-11 a.m. — EduTalk 3: "AI: Looking Forward," James Basham, professor, Department of Special Education, KU 
• 11-11:30 a.m. — EduTalk 4: "AI From the Classroom,” Jessica Tickle, teacher, Shawnee Mission School District 
• 11:30 a.m.-noon — EduTalk 5: “The Intersection of the Human Brain and AI in the Classroom,” Lisa Dieker, professor, Department of Special Education, KU 
• Noon-12:30 p.m. — EduTalk 6: "AI Guidance for Educators," Stephen King, education program consultant, Career Standards and Assessment Services, Kansas State Department of Education 
• 12:30-1:30 p.m. — Lunch, with keynote by Randy Watson, state commissioner of education

AI Playground 

• 1:30-2:10 p.m. — AI Playground Session 1 

Session 1A: “AI for Beginners” 

Never tried using AI? Get your feet wet! We will walk you through the first steps. Make something useful and fun during this introduction to some popular AI platforms. 

Session 1B: “Hone Your AI Skills: Using AI for Lesson Planning” 

• 2:15-2:55 p.m. — AI Playground Session 2 

Session 2A: “AI for Beginners” 

Exploring AI: Become an AI prompt engineer. Tips for writing good prompts. Led by Dean Rick Ginsberg. 

Session 2B: “Hone Your AI Skills: More AI Tools” 

• 3 p.m. — Conclusion of event & networking 

The event is free and open to the public, but online registration is required by 5 p.m. June 10. Interested individuals are encouraged to register now and mark their calendars. 

The 2024 Summer Conference is hosted by the KU Global Education Academy of the School of Education & Human Sciences in partnership with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).