In Education:

To learn how AI can enhance learning experiences and improve teaching methods, making it more enjoyable, interactive and engaging at the same time.

In Administrative Tasks:

To learn how AI can streamline administrative processes and increase efficiency.

Previous Experience:

Last year, I attended the TED 6 course on Using Technology in the Classroom, which was quite productive in theory that inspired me to further develop my skills through practical knowledge also.

• Introduction to AI and ChatGPT
• Types of AI
• Practical applications of different AI tools in learning.
• Hands-on sessions and workshops on using AI tools to prepare a lesson.
• Ethical considerations, following the ethic guideless and future trends in AI.
• Ideas for an Interdisciplinary approach
• Framework of Prompt and AI tools to enhance it
• Interactive use of AI to enhance students’ creativity, collaboration and communication;
• Differentiation and assessment with the help of AI;
• Types of assessment –formative and summative assessment; AI and constructive feedback- rubrics
• Feedback and Certificate ceremony
• Chianti Vineyard and Wine tasting Tour/ Pisa tour

Learning Objectives:

To get familiar with ChatGPT and basic AI Tools, including the pros and cons of these.

To gain proficiency in using ChatGPT and AI Tools to create personalized and dynamic content, enhance interactions, engaging, fostering an inquisitive learning environment.

Implementing the Ethical guideline usage of AI tools education.

Outdoor Learning to Stimulate Visible Thinking Strategies: To facilitate this, trainer Ms. Roby took us to the Odeon Cinema and library, followed by a visit to a nearby coffee shop, demonstrating how AI tools can support the development of the 4 Cs (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication).

Key points learned

• Getting familiar with ChatGPT and its potential applications.
• Practical skills for effectively using AI tools in lesson planning while adhering to ethical guidelines.
• Insights into the ethical implications of AI technologies.
• Understanding the pros and cons of various AI tools.
• Using AI for transparency in assessments.

Our first day at Europass Teacher Academy in

The course in Florence was a blend of enriching learning and exploring the city’s rich culture. The course, led by an efficient and passionate teacher, was engaging from the start. We were 12 participants in total, however, a Romanian participant chose to join her other colleagues in other group, so the remaining participants were from the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, Croatia, and Poland, creating a motivated and interactive learning environment. After a brief introductory session on the first day, the teacher approved short presentations from each participant, which we delivered the next day i.e. the second day of the course. Tasks and Activities Throughout the course Individual Activity we needed to accomplish to enhance the prompts with Gamma, generate images with AI video and create songs from text using Suno. Also we needed to produce videos with video.ai and used Eduaide, Copilot, and School Magic to prepare lesson plans and manage biology lessons.

First Group Discussion Implementing AI in education must adhere to ethical guidelines from the perspectives of teachers, students, and parents.

Second Group Discussion: In what way AI can enhance the four Cs.

Pair activity: Created a demo using LEGO to show how AI can be integrated into a classroom lesson on the water crisis, presented in a video clip. Highlighting teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Lesson planner and teacher assistant created lessons and tried few important features of each AI tools Eduaide, Twee, Copilot, School Magic, Diffitt.

Cultural and Extracurricular Activities: We went for Chianti Vineyard and wine tasting tour by visiting the two Chianti winery.

Facilities and Course Provider Support

Course Facilities:

1. The facilities provided by Europass Teacher Academy, including the classrooms, drinks, and snacks, were more than satisfactory.
2. We had two coolers in our classroom, which provided a bit relief from the scorching heat. We would have appreciated if AC had been provided.

Areas for Improvement:

1. I suggested that they provide computers for the trainees since the course is IT-based.
2. Group Allocation: I recommend that groups be formed based on an English language proficiency test prior to the course to make the lessons more engaging and interactive.

Our lessons have been full of brainstorming sessions, and each activity has been fruitful and inquisitive ones thanks to the well-structured lesson plans and nicely delivered lessons. The diversity of perspectives and the collaborative spirit among the participants made this an enriching experience and inspired me to go follow the path of learning new things.

Future Applications:

1. Guide students on the ethical use of AI, emphasizing fairness and accountability.
2. AI enables me to personalize lessons based on each student’s progress, ensuring that everyone learns at their own pace. Also tailored lesson plans that facilitates to different learning levels and styles in my classroom. This approach helps create an inclusive environment where every student can succeed.
3. Implementing the assessment criteria for making the grading system transparent and fair.

Recommendations:

1. I recommend that future participants to have a basic understanding of the course content and actively engage in group discussions, hands-on activities and to take part in the cultural activity if there is one, to maximize their learning experience.
2. Providing computers for IT courses and grouping participants by language skills could make the learning experience better.

Final Thoughts:

To summarize the course was effective and well-organized. Ms. Roby being an efficient, empathetic, well organized and executed her lessons very well in practical and theoretical point of view. We had lot of engaging-hand on sessions also, she organized visits to a cinema and library, followed by a trip to a nearby coffee shop.

Enhancing it by providing such as computers, along with grouping participants by language proficiency, could further improve the learning experience.

Certificates Distribution Ceremony

Ms. Roby made the certificate ceremony fun by having a game-like exchange. Each participant received a certificate meant for someone else and then passed it on until everyone had their correct certificate.

Written by: Damyanti Pal

20. Aug. 2024