Artificial Intelligence in Education

This workshop will focus on generative AI tools and resources, and how they can be used responsibly to enhance teaching and learning. 

Throughout the workshop you will have the opportunity to discover the AI tools currently available, explore how they work, and learn how to use them effectively. Learn how you can start incorporating AI into your practice to save time and enhance student learning and engagement: create tiered lesson plans, generate creative content, such as visually engaging images, and adjust lessons to suit differentiated learning needs. 

You will also receive guidance on current best-practice approaches to this emerging and rapidly changing technology. Learn about the safeguards that you can put in place to protect student data and ensure you are meeting your duty of care obligations, aligned with the Department of Education's Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy.

Audience

Recommended for all Victorian Government and Catholic school teachers and school leaders who want to learn about the latest AI tools and resources to support and enhance learning and teaching.

Facilitators

These workshops will be facilitated by Academy Master Teachers in Residence, lead by:

Rachael Patrick

Rachael Patrick is a seasoned teacher and educational leader, specialising in the Humanities and STEM education through a Geography lens. As a 2023 ‘The Educator Hotlist’ winner and currently the ‘Master Teacher in Residence (the Humanities)’ at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, Rachael is dedicated to advancing evidence-informed practice in schools and bespoke curriculum design. Passionate about supporting teacher growth and development, she strives to empower educators with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance student learning experiences. She is committed to educational excellence and continually explores innovative approaches that benefit both teachers and students alike.

Brendan Jackson 

Brendan Jackson is the Master Teacher in Residence for Health & Physical Education in 2024, having completed a Doctor of Education focusing on the applicability of feedback and metacognition in a professional sporting environment. Brendan has over ten years of experience in secondary school education, including leading the development of STEM education programs within schools, and has held various positions of leadership, including as a Learning Area Leader, Learning & Teaching Leader and Deputy Principal (Acting). Brendan's work in the STEM space has resulted in leading STEM professional development programs for teachers across the state, facilitation of STEM Innovation Programs for the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools and, the development of school-based partnerships with the Australian Space Agency and NASA through the Growing Beyond Earth Program. Brendan has experience in leading teachers and education staff to develop skills with AI and explore safe and ethical implementation of AI tools in schools.

Paul McAloon 

Paul McAloon is a Mathematics Master Teacher in Residence at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, where he works in the Teaching Excellence Program. With extensive experience in upper primary education and tertiary studies in STEM education, Paul is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to evidence-based and contemporary research for regional and rural teachers across Victoria. He has a keen interest in emerging tools and resources, including generative AI, to support teaching and learning in the classroom. 

Lorena Pellone-Gismondi 

Lorena is a Science Master Teacher at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership where she works with teachers to improve teaching and learning. She is passionate about equity and social justice in education. She has been a Secondary Science teacher for 10 years and has also had roles such as year-level coordinator, faculty leader and Learning Specialist.
 

Structure

The one day program will be delivered across the state:

• Academy Geelong, 21 October
• Academy Shepparton, 21 October
• Academy Bendigo, 22 October
• Academy Moe, 22 October
• Warrnambool, 22 October
• Academy Mildura, 24 October
• Academy North Melbourne, 21 November
• Academy North Melbourne, 25 November 
   

Resources and links 

• Policy and Advisory Library, Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Australian National Framework for use of GenAI in Schools
• Enhancing Differentiation in the Classroom using Generative Artificial Intelligence

Learning outcomes

On completing this workshop, you will be able to: 

• define AI and explain how it works 
• understand how Generative AI (GenAI) can enhance teaching and learning 
• discover the AI tools currently available, and how you can best use them effectively in the classroom
• understand the safety and privacy implications of AI, and how to safely incorporate it into your practice.

Fees and financial support

Fully subsidised by the Department of Education for Victorian government school participants.