GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Technology is not neutral and neither are the societies in which we live. Critical engagement involves being thoughtful about our approach to technology, deliberately reflecting on our own assumptions and actions, questioning taken-for-granted ideas and grappling with technology’s effects. 

This critical engagement toolkit is meant to go beyond the ‘how-to’ of using genAI tools. It provides a scaffolded way to build the habits of mind for engaging in dynamic processes of reflection and action as they relate to genAI. 

This toolkit is designed to support metacognitive thinking about how and why different aspects of genAI matter for specific uses or contexts. 

The toolkit is organized around two key dimensions: EXPLORE THE TECH & CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF. Each dimension offers four prompts and some central guiding QUESTIONS that can be used to generate conversation and reflection.

The remainder of the toolkit includes SUPPORTING SLIDES that offer additional information and guidance for deeper reflection, and can be adapted for use in any order.

Generate conversations. Use this toolkit to generate critical conversations with others and to create a learning community around AI (PLCs, reading groups, informal conversations, team meetings, classroom activities, etc.).

Scaffold the use of AI tools. Use this toolkit as a framework for critically engaging with genAI tools — before, during, or after using a specific platform. You can use this graphic organizer to support you in this process. 

Decide when to reject AI tools. Use this toolkit to learn about genAI and make decisions thoughtfully about when and why you would NOT use AI tools.

Design thoughtful policy or guidelines. Reflect with the support of this toolkit to inform the process of creating policy at any level (district, school, classroom, department, organization, family) and proactively shape the culture of AI use. 

This starter kit can help get you started, but it is best used with support from experienced facilitators and researchers. Reach out to us if you would like to explore this option.

Casey Daigle

Casey Daigle has been co-creating with educators and edtech for 14 years. As the Digital Learning Manager for the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES), Casey's work explores how we invite connection and imagination through technology. Her expertise centers on program development, instructional design, change management, facilitation, and the creation of learning experiences that are differentiated and personalized with fidelity to the content. She works with PreK-12 teachers, administrators, and edtech leaders across Massachusetts and beyond, to explore how tech can transform teaching and learning, better connect us as humans, and create more equity and inclusion. Casey is an ISTE Certification Authorized Provider, ISTE Certified Educator, Google Certified Trainer. 

Rebecca Mazur, PhD 

Rebecca Mazur is an educational researcher and evaluator, and a former high school librarian. She has designed and conducted studies investigating a variety of educational phenomena including system factors that support or constrain student learning outcomes, teacher support networks, instructional interventions for adolescent learners, and organizational collaboration. Her scholarship has been published in a number of respected peer-reviewed journals including Educational Administration Quarterly, Evaluation and Program Planning, and Educational Management Administration and Leadership.

Sahara Pradhan

Sahara Pradhan is an experienced researcher and evaluator with a focus on qualitative methods and applied social research. She is currently completing a PhD at the College of Education at UMass-Amherst. Her recent projects include emerging educational technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence. She also provides consultation, professional development to K-12 educators, administrators, schools, and districts.

Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse

Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse, M.A. is the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES)  Online Learning Manager and also part of the ISTE Certification Team which focuses on the use of educational technology for learning in meaningful and transformative ways. She has expertise in adult learning theory and practice, Google Workspace for Education, Universal Design for Learning, Media Production, and multiple Learning Management Systems. Suzanne has provided one-on-one coaching in technology integration for K-12 teachers, graduate-level program faculty and professional development consultants, including webinar support and development. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Hampshire, a Master’s Degree in Technology Integration from Marlboro College Graduate School and a Social Media Certificate from Drury University (Missouri). Suzanne’s interests lie in the fields of blended learning, technology integration in K-12 schools, makerspaces and creativity in education, games and gamification, and adult pedagogy.

Generative AI was not used at any stage to generate or edit/refine the content (text, icons or design) in this toolkit. 

However, we used generative AI tools extensively in order to learn more about them, explore their capabilities, reflect on our own feelings, discuss our process of using these tools, as well as to deepen our own understanding of various ideas and concepts related to artificial intelligence. The tools that were explored include: 

• ChatGPT-3.5

• ChatGPT-4

• Claude

• Dall-E 

• Diffit

• Perplexity

• Perplexity Pro

• Bard/Gemini

• Magicschool

• Midjourney

• Embedded tools: Adobe, Canva, Padlet

Generative Artificial Intelligence Slide Deck by Collaborative for Educational Services is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.

As educators, we passionately believe that copyright should both protect intellectual property and inspire new creations. This slide deck is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND which includes the following elements:

• BY: Credit must be given to the creator.

• NC: Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted.

• ND: No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted.

Other Uses:

If you would like to use this Toolkit in a way not covered by the Creative Commons license outlined above, please contact us to discuss your proposed use. We are open to other uses that align with our intentions, research, and mission and welcome a conversation.