Embracing Innovation in Teaching

The Mindset of Trying New Things with Technology

In the ever-evolving field of computer science, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Digital technologies now form part of the contemporary student experience (Henderson et al., 2017). As educators, it's essential to adopt a mindset that embraces innovation and continuously explores new technologies. Amidst the busyness of day-to-day teaching, seize any available opportunity to try new things. This approach not only keeps teaching methods fresh and engaging but also prepares students for a rapidly changing digital world. This week, one of my explorations led me to CodeHS, a platform that highlights the potential of AI-driven personalized learning paths for teaching computer science. This discovery has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of technology in education.

Teaching and Learning with Video Technologies

Connected learning looks to digital media to offer engaging formats for interactivity and self-expression (Ito et al., 2013). In my creative coding class, students learn to code in JavaScript and express personal interests through video creation. This approach not only develops their coding skills but also enhances their creativity and communication abilities. I utilize Vidcode, a platform that empowers students to create their own video content, combining coding with multimedia storytelling.

Using video technologies in the classroom offers students an engaging way to demonstrate their learning. It encourages them to think critically about how to communicate their ideas and solutions visually. With tools such as Adobe, Flip, and Canva, students can creatively present their projects and concepts. Additionally, AI tools like Synthesia and Lumen5 help generate video content with minimal effort, making the process more accessible. As a teacher, I am continuously learning how to create and incorporate video technologies into my lessons, enriching my teaching toolkit and keeping students engaged.

One reason CodeHS caught my attention is its use of a GPT model to analyze student code and provide personalized feedback. This platform not only allows students to learn at their own pace but also provides targeted support where it's needed most. The platform's AI grading features are another boon, saving valuable time by automating the evaluation process. This time-saving aspect allows me to focus more on personalized instruction and less on administrative tasks. This week, both my Python students and I explored the free version of CodeHS, resulting in several positive outcomes. Students showed improved engagement with interactive coding exercises and benefited from immediate feedback, which helped them quickly identify and learn from mistakes. The self-paced nature of the platform allowed for individualized learning experiences, enhancing their problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Additionally, I gained valuable insights into student performance, enabling me to tailor my teacher led instruction more effectively. These experiences underscore the advantages of incorporating CodeHS into our classroom activities.

Advantages of AI in Education

Another compelling example of combining video and AI in education is Edpuzzle. I love this technology, as it leverages AI to transform YouTube videos into interactive learning experiences. With AI generating questions from video content, Edpuzzle allows educators to create engaging assessments that reinforce key concepts. This not only makes learning more interactive but also helps students retain information more effectively. The ability to tailor questions to specific learning objectives ensures that students are actively processing the material, rather than passively absorbing it.

Edpuzzle's AI features are particularly beneficial for educators who value the concept of learning with videos. By providing immediate feedback and tracking student responses, the platform offers insights into student comprehension and engagement. This data-driven approach allows teachers to adjust their instruction based on student performance, ultimately leading to more effective teaching outcomes (American University School of Education, 2019).

My journey in exploring new teaching tools doesn't stop with CodeHS, Vidcode, and Edpuzzle. I've also delved into other AI generative tools that serve specific purposes in education. For instance, using AI-powered platforms for collaborative coding sessions has transformed how I engage students in problem-solving activities. These tools facilitate real-time collaboration and feedback, allowing students to work together seamlessly.

In conclusion, adopting a mindset of trying new things is pivotal for educators, especially in the field of computer science. By continuously exploring and integrating innovative technologies, we can elevate our curriculum and teaching methods, to better prepare our students for the future. As educators, we must remain open to new possibilities and embrace the challenges that come with change. By doing so, we not only enrich our own teaching practices but also inspire our students to become lifelong learners, ready to tackle the technological challenges of tomorrow. Let's continue to explore, innovate, and transform the educational landscape, one technological advancement at a time.

References:

American University School of Education. (2019, December 11). Data-driven decision making in education: 11 tips for teachers & administration. https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/data-driven-decision-making-in-education/

Erb, R. (2024). An AI Mindset. [Image]. Created using openart.ai

Henderson, M., Selwyn, N., & Aston, R. (2017). What works and why? Student perceptions of 'useful' digital technology in university teaching and learning. Studies in Higher Education, 42(8). 1567-1579.

ISTELive. (2024, July 3). Get started with video creation projects for students [Video]. EdTech Magazine. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/media/video/istelive-24-get-started-video-creation-projects-students

Ito, M., Gutiérrez, K., Livingstone, S., Penuel, B., Rhodes, J., Salen, K., Schor, J., Sefton-Green, J. & Watkins, S. C. (2013). Connected learning: An agenda for research and design. Digital Media and Learning Research Hub.

PowerSchool. (2024). The ultimate guide to AI in education: Benefits, challenges, & real-world uses [images]. https://www.powerschool.com/blog/ai-in-education/#:~:text=Data%20Analysis%2C%20Predictive%20Analytics%2C%20and,a%20student%20struggling%20or%20excelling.

All content unless otherwise credited is Intellectual Property of Rochelle Erb

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