That’s a wrap!
EC&I 832 is coming to an end.. and to say I’ve learned a lot wouldn’t quite do it justice. I think any “educational technology” course is so relevant and practical.. I feel like I’ve walked away with an entire toolkit.
My final project had me creating an AI handbook for our school. Being on mat leave this past year, I felt a little bit behind in understanding AI as ChatGPT was already being used by students in the classroom and here I was, so removed from the classroom I felt so far behind. This was a good reminder, for me, how some people feel this sense of anxiety in not knowing where to start in tackling certain technologies when you feel as though other people have already been successful in implementing these technologies in their lives. This AI handbook was a thought prior to me returning back to work after mat leave, but its importance became even more evident upon returning to work. Having kids hand in multiple attempts at essays or papers that are completely AI generated sparked something for me, that many students genuinely do not know how to appropriately manage the powerful tool of AI quite yet. This handbook includes references to our division framework to show parallels between what we strive for in our students (in both digital spaces and non), an introduction to digital citizenship for parents and students, as well as an introduction for AI, tools, limitations, and implementations, and even some division success stories of people using AI. Overall, I feel this is still pretty preliminary in development but do think schools and school divisions could benefit by having an AI handbook ready to use by parents and students. Below are a few sample pages from the handbook:
This handbook was only made possible by the content of this course enlightening me on AI, as I genuinely had little to no understanding of it!
However, my learning of AI is just the tip of the iceberg of content I picked up from this course. For a more extensive look at all I’ve learned this semester, please check out my summary of learning video!
Mrs. Herauf's Blog 
I think your idea to create an AI handbook is great. I know that comes up a lot in schools and school divisions. People are looking for some type of guide, policy and handbook. You’ve gathered some useful ideas and terms that are important for teachers and definitely useful. Good job!
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Hi Kendyll, what a great project! I can see how much thought and work went into the final product – kudos to you for providing a much needed resource. Your handbook’s emphasis on aligning with the division framework, introducing digital citizenship, and providing comprehensive coverage of AI basics (tools, limitations, implementations) provides a very holistic overview. I agree with Jennifer – this is something all division’s will need in place (as soon as possible). I am sure your division will be super grateful! Thank you for sharing and best wishes!
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Kendyll, this handbook looks great! It is clear the amount of effort that went into the information and details including wording of your handbook, making it a very well done and needed resource. Often time gets in the way of resources like this being produced, promoted, and circulated – there are only so many positions in each division that could potentially be responsible for something like this within their work responsibilities and only so much time in the day to do everything. I think what you’ve done here definitely has a place in school divisions across Sask. I think you had said you took on an admin position recently and I think creating a handbook like this as admin displays great leadership. Really well done and thank you for the great conversations this semester. Cheers!
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