ODESSA, Texas — The Ignite the Light Power of Literacy Conference is a free professional learning event for ECISD teachers where they learn about useful teaching techniques and tools that they can bring into their classrooms to better teach students.
"So, our intention is to elevate our teachers with their skill and their practice of teaching," said Dr. Lilia Nanez, associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. "We have a diverse group of students in Ector County, and we want to make sure that we equip all our teachers to be ready to serve all types of learners that we have in our classrooms."
On Wednesday, people heard from keynote speaker Kenneth Shelton, a learning designer and former teacher who has experience using AI in the classroom. Shelton feels it can be a good thing for students if implemented correctly.
“So, the thing is we always want to be cautious around new and emerging technologies. The way I always describe it is it's not utopian, nor is it dystopian," Shelton said. "And so, for me, the whole idea is how do we look at using it to again support and augment what students are learning, how they're learning, and then the resources they have."
The district said they’ll be trying out AI in the classroom in September, but they’ll start out small by using it with only one grade.
“So, we are also going to engage in a pilot in 6th grade this year in Ector County ISD where students can interact with literature, they can respond to the literature and then the AI will provide questions that the teacher can engage with individual students based on how the students answered or responded to the literature they read,” Dr. Nanez said.
Dr. Nanez stated that the software was designed by educators for educators and can’t wait to see it in action in September.