Spokane Public Radio’s recent segment sheds light on how AI is influencing K-12 education through insights from Gonzaga leaders.
A recent episode of Spokane Public Radio’s Inland Journal highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on K-12 education, featuring insights from Gonzaga University’s teacher education professor Anny Fritzen Case and Jay Yang, director of the university’s Institute for Informatics and Applied Technology. Their discussion sheds light on how AI is changing the educational landscape for teachers and students alike.
Case explained that generative AI can help educators manage their growing responsibilities while also addressing the diverse learning needs found in classrooms today. With AI taking on certain tasks, teachers may find themselves with more time to engage in the essential human-centered work that defines their roles. She believes that AI could significantly enhance instructional practices, allowing educators to focus on personal interactions and student engagement.
Yang added that Gonzaga’s strategy surrounding AI in education isn’t just about teaching the technology itself. Instead, the emphasis is on equipping educators to think critically about how AI can alter instruction, assessment, and overall student learning experiences. He noted that the institution wants teachers to engage in deeper reflections on their teaching methodologies and the ways in which students absorb information in an increasingly AI-enabled environment.
In an exciting development, both Case and Yang introduced the new AI for Instruction Fellowship. This program is specifically designed for K-12 teachers who are eager to explore innovative and responsible methods for incorporating AI into their instructional practices. The fellowship is backed by funding from the Gates Foundation, a partnership that underscores the program’s significance and potential impact on education.
The conversation on Spokane Public Radio serves as a timely reminder of the important discussions surrounding the integration of technology in classrooms. As educators navigate these changes, programs like the AI for Instruction Fellowship aim to support them in harnessing the power of AI while maintaining a focus on effective teaching and learning.
