Sharing the Journey Workshops

Plagiarism Detection and Ethical AI Use (Gr. 6-12)

ChatGPT has posed challenges for educators, leading to concerns about academic integrity and the erosion of the traditional essay format in the face of new Large Language Model software.

A new study shows that teachers can be trained to detect AI-plagiarism without the drawbacks that AI-detection software brings. This workshop will assist teachers in methods to detect plagiarism from ChatGPT and Quillbot.

It also explains ways that AI can be effectively incorporated into the classroom to teach skills in critical thinking and writing so that students understand how to use AI ethically as a new tool in their arsenal rather than trusting it to do all their work for them.

HANDOUT:

Plagiarism Detection and Ethical AI Use – John Henry vs. The Machine (Required during the workshop, but may be viewed by delegates on their personal electronic devices.)

KENDAL FORTSON is an AP English and Psychology teacher with an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction. Originally from the USA, he has worked on three continents in both IB and American schools. He also operates Diogenes Education, providing academic resources for teachers, instructional aids for students, and professional development training on the detection of AI-plagiarism based on methods proven to be more accurate than software-based tools by recent research. kendalfortson.com, diogeneseducation.org

Creating Innovation: How to integrate innovation labs into the curriculum in order to enhance teaching and learning (All Grades)

We will share a compelling case study of the Innovation Hub at the American International School in Jeddah (AISJ), exploring how it aligns with our school's mission and vision and reflects future educational trends and the latest research on best practice. We will walk you through the steps for a successful launch, sharing case studies across multiple grade levels, challenges faced, and our strategies for continued development.

Attendees will then consider how tools from our innovation space could integrate into their own programs. You will leave with practical insights on how to implement innovative learning spaces in your schools. Join us to transform your educational environment!

HANDOUT:

Creating Innovation at AISJ

(It's not required for this workshop).

Early Intervention for Reading Success within an MTSS Framework (Gr. K-5)

Research shows that prevention and early intervention are critical to improve student outcomes in literacy. A multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework is designed to use data and instruction to maximize student outcomes. In MTSS, students are screened three times each year to determine if they are meeting grade level benchmarks.

At TAISM, we identify students who require targeted interventions, group them according to need (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension) and monitor their progress to assess their response to intervention. This process allows schools to provide effective short term, direct and explicit intervention at a tier 2 level in addition to the core instruction. This timely intervention prevents many students from experiencing long term reading and academic difficulties.

SHARON McGOWAN is passionate about helping all students be successful learners. As an occupational therapist, she found inspiration working with young children and pursued a master’s degree in elementary education and another in special education. She has been helping to lead the transition to MTSS at TAISM and provides professional development for staff and education for parents.

Empowering Educators: Integrating AI, Disruptive Tech, and Ethical Tech Use in Math, Science, and STEAM (Gr. 9-12)

This workshop will introduce educators to the potential of AI, disruptive tech, and ethical tech use in math, science, and STEAM education.

Outcomes:

• inspire educators to consider the relevance and ethical implications of these technologies;
• encourage educators to think about integrating these concepts into their teaching methods;
• create a brief space for sharing best practices and networking with peers;
• provide educators with a concise introduction to the topic, sparking their interest and curiosity and encouraging further exploration and discussion.

ARISTOTELIS THYMIANOS holds a B.Sc. in Physics with specializations in Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics. He has participated in numerous Space Related Projects, including the construction and launch of the first High Power Model Rocket in Greece. Aristotelis has been a Secondary Science and Mathematics educator since his early academic years. He tries to go beyond the ‘classic’ way of teaching by organizing innovative projects and having students participate in international competitions. He embraces the Benjamin Franklin quote: "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”.

Instructional Lesson Frames: Prep Less, Engage More! (All Grades)

Discover the power of highly effective cooperative learning strategies and frameworks, grounded in research, and enhanced by technology. Learn how to easily differentiate instruction to ensure mastery for all students. Reduce your planning and grading time while increasing student engagement, performance, and collaboration through in-the-moment feedback.

Via tools such as Google Slides, Hyperdocs, quiz games, and virtual discussions, students actively engage in their learning through repetition and discussion.

When technology is integrated with cooperative learning strategies, it can effectively demonstrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by offering students various ways to engage, represent, and express their learning. By combining technology and cooperative learning, we can create an inclusive learning environment that serves all students.

LeaANNE EATON currently teaches Grade 7 ELA in Saudi Arabia. She has also taught in the US, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, and Saipan. LeaAnne has experience with Grades 2-12, ELA, middle school mathematics, and social studies. She has written reading, writing, and science curricula. Outside of teaching, she is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her daughter, four dogs, and her cat.

Game On: Innovating Professional Learning (All Grades)

In this workshop, participants will discover how incorporating choice and designing game-like professional learning experiences can effectively enhance skill sets, facilitate teamwork, and stimulate innovative thinking. The approach not only engages learners but also fosters a culture of ongoing improvement and creativity in professional environments.

Adding choice and game-like design to professional learning creates engaging and effective experiences for teachers. Participants will learn how these methods can help improve skills, teamwork, and creative thinking. It is an exciting way to keep learning fresh and interesting, while also encouraging everyone to iterate and think outside the box. These strategies help leaders guide their teams and schools towards innovation in a fun way.

CINDY KAARDAL is a dynamic educator/coach committed to fostering student agency and creativity. Her passion is evidenced by her recognition as an Apple Distinguished Educator (2019), ISTE Certified Educator, and Google Certified Coach. She is currently completing an Education Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership and Coaching. Cindy values teacher collaboration and the willingness to try things that will create new and meaningful experiences for students and the future of education. Twitter/X: @innovative_inq

JANE ROSS, an Apple Distinguished Educator since 2008, is a dynamic teacher known for her 'Make to Learn' philosophy. Serving on the Apple Distinguished Educators South Asia Board from 2010-2015, she has presented globally and authored several books on the Apple iBooks Store. With a fervent passion for design and emerging technologies, Jane specializes in digital sculpting, AR/VR/MR, and electronics. Beyond her professional pursuits, she delves into personal maker projects, including crafting guitars and exploring the art of weaving.

Vocabulary Acquisition – An Out of the Box Experience Through Inquiry (Gr. 6-12)

In this workshop, teachers in World Languages, ESL, Social Studies, and Language Arts will learn how to successfully cultivate vocabulary acquisition in context using an inclusive, innovative, and engaging design that has been successfully tested through Action Research.

Teachers will be introduced to the CLERC framework for Global Communicative Competency and how to use it for any and all collaborative and project-based learning and assessments supported by educational technology. NESA educators will be the first to see this design presented in action, as the follow-up study will be published in an upcoming academic educational handbook in 2024. As NESA educators, we strive towards a future supported by global communicative competency, therefore, this presentation hits all the targets.

CHRISTINA ROCHA is an educator, author, researcher and speaker. She has been teaching Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, modern Greek) and ESL for over 20 years. Christina holds a Masters Degree in Leadership in Foreign Language Teaching, and is currently a PhD candidate in a program of Language and Communication. Her research and pedagogical interests center around using inquiry as a communication tool to cultivate intercultural communicative competence and global citizenship.

HANDOUT:

Vocabulary Acquisition: An Out of the Box Experience Through Inquiry Slides

(It's not required for this workshop).