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Teaching & Learning
EdTech Edition
January 15, 2025
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Sparking Curiosity with AI
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Welcome to a new year of innovation and growth! This edition of the Teaching & Learning Newsletter shines a spotlight on the exciting work we’re doing in educational technology (EdTech) to enhance teaching and learning across our district. Together, we are exploring how to integrate tools like artificial intelligence (AI) into our classrooms in ways that empower both our educators and students, while keeping equity, sustainability, and support at the forefront of our efforts.
This year is all about exploration and professional development. We’re encouraging teachers to experiment with AI tools in a low-pressure environment, learning how these resources can enrich instruction and provide personalized learning experiences. As we continue to develop the district’s Digital Literacy Competencies, we’re laying the groundwork to ensure all students graduate equipped with the technological skills they need for success in future careers.
At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to equity. AI literacy will be accessible to all students ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive in a technology-driven world.
To support our amazing educators and avoid burnout, we’re prioritizing substantial and tailored professional development. From curated resources and lesson templates to building-level tech mentors, we’re ensuring teachers have the tools and support they need to feel confident in integrating AI into their classrooms.
Wonder Wednesday is a weekly opportunity to dive into the world of artificial intelligence and creativity! Each Wednesday, I’ll share a prompt designed for our educators to use in SchoolAI, inspiring classroom discussions, projects, or activities. These prompts are also for students and parents to explore together.
This is just the beginning of an inspiring journey for our district. I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together as we embrace these new opportunities for learning.
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Enhancing Student Learning with SchoolAI
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We're thrilled to announce the introduction of SchoolAI in the Ellensburg School District, a powerful platform designed to enrich your child's educational experience.
What is SchoolAI?
SchoolAI offers personalized learning experiences, helping students engage with content in new and interactive ways. It supports teachers by automating routine tasks, allowing more time for direct student interaction.
Benefits of SchoolAI:
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Personalized Learning: Tailors activities to meet each student's unique needs.
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Interactive Lessons: Engages students through dynamic learning modules.
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24/7 Access: Provides resources and support any time, promoting continuous learning.
Privacy and Security:
Rest assured, SchoolAI complies with all necessary privacy and data protection laws to keep student information safe.
We are excited about the potential of SchoolAI to enhance learning and teaching within our district. For questions or more information, please contact us.
Thank you for your support!
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Historical Perspectives an AI Prompt
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Historical Perspectives is a space designed to help students reflect on and discuss historical events from a variety of viewpoints. By exploring different perspectives, students can gain a deeper understanding of historical events and the complexities involved. This space prompt encourages critical thinking, empathy, and the use of evidence-based analysis, making it an ideal tool for enhancing history lessons and discussions.
ESD staff can copy this prompt and use it in SchoolAI to support AI literacy skills in their classrooms.
You are a discussion and reflection space for students to analyze and discuss historical events from different perspectives.
First, welcome students to the space.
Then ask them their grade level. Tailor the experience to that grade level, including reading level, vocabulary, and expectations.
Then, ask them what historical event or time they are learning about.
Then, ask which perspectives they would like to discuss or explore. Offer options and possible points of view they could choose.
When the student chooses the two perspectives, walk the student through an in-depth discussion about those two perspectives. Encourage students to think from different perspectives and points of view using facts and evidence from that historical time or event. Encourage students to write what they have learned on their recording sheet.
Students and parents can use this link to try it out!
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Writing Feedback an AI Prompt
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Writing Feedback space provides students with personalized feedback on their writing submissions. This space focuses on supporting students by giving constructive guidance and suggestions rather than rewriting their work for them. Students can submit their writing based on their grade level, receive tailored feedback, and learn how to edit their work effectively.
ESD staff can copy this prompt and use it in SchoolAI to support AI literacy skills in their classrooms.
You are a writing feedback space.
You will be supporting students and giving them feedback on the writing that they submit to you. Do not rewrite for them, only provide feedback, guidance, and suggestions.
First, welcome them to the space.
Then, ask for their grade level. Tailor the space to their grade level including reading level and writing expectations. Use the document attached to provide feedback.
Ask students to submit their writing. Walk them through your feedback step by step and support them in editing their writing.
Do not write it for them.
Do not write example text.
Students and parents can use this link to try it out!
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Creative Spotlight: Using AI to Teach and Inspire at Mt. Stuart Elementary
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A big shoutout to one of our talented educators, William Lorenz, who used Suno AI to create an engaging and memorable song about recess rules for Mt. Stuart Elementary students! 🎶 This innovative approach transforms a routine topic into a fun learning experience that students can enjoy and remember.
This is a fantastic example of how AI tools can bring creativity and excitement into the classroom, making learning more interactive and meaningful for our students. Great work! 👏
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OSPI’s Media Literacy & Digital Citizenship Professional Development 2024–25
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Here are some wonderful opportunities to help ESD staff learn more about media literacy and digital citizenship while growing professionally! Below are two fun activities that staff are encouraged to check out and consider about joining.
Even More Modules Available: OSPI’s Media Literacy & Digital Citizenship Professional Development 2024–25
This free, self-paced, asynchronous course is available for K–12 educators in any role through March 31, 2025. (3 clock hrs)
What’s New?
Six additional modules are now available, featuring resources from:
- News Literacy Project
- Project Look Sharp
- Center for an Informed Public
These modules complement existing ones that explore:
- Media Literacy & Digital Citizenship learning objectives.
- Instructional resource collections (Common Sense Education, Civic Online Reasoning, and CTRL-F).
Why Participate?
During past AI training sessions, many educators expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation and its impact on our students. This course is an excellent opportunity to address those concerns and build confidence in navigating complex information environments. Staff will learn how to educate themselves on these critical issues while empowering students to think critically about the information they encounter online.
Additionally, engaging with this content aligns with our board policies on media literacy and digital citizenship, making it a valuable professional development opportunity. Plus, the modules are designed to support your lesson planning while earning clock hours!
How to Access:
- Register for the required Introductory Module on pdEnroller.
- Complete Module 1 to unlock access to the entire Canvas course.
- Choose the modules that align with your professional needs.
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Registration Open for MisinfoDay 2025
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MisinfoDay is an annual educational event co-hosted by the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public and Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication.
Event Details:
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Date: March 17, 2025
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Location: University of Washington (in-person)
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Audience: High school students and teachers
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Registration Deadline: February 3, 2025
Why Attend?
The event focuses on helping participants navigate complex information environments and make informed decisions about online content.
If You Can’t Attend In Person:
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Have questions, or ideas, or need support with EdTech? I’m here to help! Feel free to reach out.
Joell Boast
EdTech Coordinator
Ellensburg School District
📧 Email: joell.boast@esd401.org
📞 Phone: 509-925-8300, ext. 31107
📍 Office Location: EHS Library
Let’s work together to create innovative and supportive learning environments for our students!
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