Rutland Intermediate School educator selected for global AI video project
For the last four years, Rutland Intermediate School information technology teacher Adam Brua has been bringing artificial intelligence into his classroom. Next month, he’ll have the opportunity to share that experience with classrooms across the globe.
Brua, along with seven other educators from across the globe, was selected to participate in the International Society for Technology in Education’s 2023 AI video project — an opportunity for participants to share with a global audience how they integrate AI into their classrooms.
As part of the project, Brua and his fellow ISTE educators will each create and present a short film about how they teach AI concepts.
These educators also will participate in a Q&A panel discussion led by ISTE leaders.
The presentation and panel discussion will take place during a global webinar this December.
“The idea (is that) these videos will serve as a really quick snapshot for other educators across the world (and show) that teaching AI is not rocket science, so to speak,” Brua said. “You don’t really even need a whole lot of training to get it done. There’s a lot of great resources out there already.”
According to its website, ISTE “is a nonprofit organization that focuses on accelerating innovation in education through the smart use of technology in education.”
Brua said each participant’s video will be three minutes long and will highlight each teacher’s AI practices in their own classrooms and why AI education is important.
“AI is permeating every part of our lives. It’s not going anywhere; it’s just going to continue to find ways to be in our lives. Even our youngest kids — I teach third-graders — don’t even realize that they’re interacting with AI almost on a daily (basis),” Brua said.
Within the younger grades, Brua said he integrates AI by focusing on introducing students to basic AI concepts, including how AI works, where it can be used, and how people can use AI to benefit their lives.
For students in fifth and sixth grade, Brua said the learning advances into conversations about the potential bias and harmful effects of AI.
“It is cutting edge (technology). Even us adults are still trying to figure out how it works and what’s really going on behind the scenes,” he said.
In addition to the video presentations and his participation on the panel, Brua said he is looking forward to networking with some incredible educators from across the globe.
“(I’ve) already been talking with these other finalists. (There’s) a teacher from Guatemala and there’s a lady in New Mexico who’s already shared a lot of insight on what she’s doing,” he said.
Brua shared that he had previously presented with ISTE alongside Rutland City Public Schools District Technology Director Patricia Aigner two years ago, adding that the opportunity opened many networking channels that he’s excited to continue growing.
According to Brua, Aigner inspired him to get involved with ISTE when he first began at RIS roughly four years ago.
“I’m so proud of Adam for doing this work,” Aigner said “His work is not just going to be seen in the United States, but across the globe. He’s going to have an influence on children internationally. He’s turned out to be a real leader in this area.”
She said she is excited for Brua’s students to take this journey alongside him, getting the opportunity to explore cutting-edge learning.
RIS Principal Kerry Coarse said she is thrilled to have Brua leading RIS in this area of learning and is excited to see him continue to transform this educational experience for students.
“In our digital world that we’re in, I think the more (that) students have experience with this type of technology, the better off they are,” she said.
Brua shared a similar sentiment, adding that students encounter AI nearly every day on social media, streaming platforms, and more. As such, he said, it is crucial for students to be informed digital citizens.
“I think it’s important that educators realize you don’t need a whole lot of expensive technology or training to be able to bring AI concepts and activities into the classroom,” Brua said. “(This topic) is exciting for the kids. It’s exciting for me. It’s just a great experience.”
Source: https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/rutland-intermediate-school-educator-selected-for-global-ai-video-project/article_ed49bd8d-10e4-50a1-aee7-11167c9b5b34.html
