ISTE Live is always the most inspirational edtech event of the year, and 2024’s International Society for Technology in Education conference in Denver was no exception. AI was the undeniable buzzword of ISTE, with keynote speakers and interactive sessions alike diving deep into its potential impact on teaching and learning. The excitement was tempered with thoughtful discussions about the challenges and ethical considerations around integrating AI into classrooms. Here are 5 key takeaways from my AI explorations at ISTE:
1. Keynote Speakers: Visionary Perspectives on AI’s Potential and Pitfalls
AI thought leaders including Ethan Mollick and Mo Gawdat shared inspiring visions of AI’s potential to empower educators and students, while emphasizing the importance of critical AI literacy. This quote from Ethan Mollick resonated with me, “The most important thing to realize is this is not static. This is the beginning, not the end point. We have to make a decision as teachers about how we’re going to make this work for us, and for our students.” The message was clear: AI is a powerful tool, but it’s up to us to use it wisely.
2. The Generative Age: A Gamified Symposium That Sparked Deep Discussion
This lively panel discussion was hosted by Alana Winnick, author of The Generative Age: Artificial Intelligence and The Future Education. The symposium brought together authors and AI thought leaders Matt Miller, Ken Shelton, Donnie Piercey, Tim Needles, Carl Hooker, and Vicki Davis to tackle the big questions surrounding AI in education. Through a fun, gamified format, the panelists engaged with questions on academic integrity, safety and monitoring, bias and discrimination, and the tendency for students to anthropomorphize AI, or treat AI tools as if they have human thoughts and feelings.
One key takeaway was about academic integrity and AI–Ken Shelton said, “if cheating is the symptom, what is the disease?” To address this issue, the panelists recommended student-centered, project-based assignments that are meaningful for students. Learn more by listening to The Generative Age Podcast, for interviews with each of the panelists.
3. Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI: A Paradigm Shift
One of the most refreshing sessions focused on shifting the conversation from concerns about AI-facilitated cheating to embracing AI’s potential to enhance authentic assessment. Presenters Dr. Jennifer Berne and Dr. Joan McGettigan suggested designing project-based learning experiences, performance tasks, and self/peer assessments that are not easily replicated by AI. The focus on process over product fosters deeper student engagement and learning, too!
4. Hands-On with AI Tools: Empowering Teachers
The Expo Hall offered opportunities to explore and experiment with AI tools like Google Gemini, Khanmigo, and ISTE’s new educator-focused chatbot, Scratch. These tools showcased their potential to support teacher wellness, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance personalized instruction, leaving attendees excited about the possibilities. However, the conversations extended beyond the hype, acknowledging the need for thoughtful implementation, ongoing professional development, and a realistic understanding of both the benefits and limitations of AI tools.
5. Teaching Channel’s “Bot or Not”: Empowering Student AI Literacy
As an ISTE Seal-Holder, Teaching Channel was excited to present at this year’s conference! Our poster session, “Bot or Not: AI Literacy for Future-Ready Students,” continued the AI conversation. Teachers were eager to discuss strategies for equipping students with the essential skills to understand, use, and critically evaluate AI. We shared resources to help students navigate the societal impact and ethical implications of AI, emphasizing the importance of preparing students to be informed digital citizens in an AI-powered world.
ISTE Live ’24 was a whirlwind of AI excitement, tempered with thoughtful conversations about the challenges ahead. It’s clear that AI is here to stay, and educators are ready to harness its power while navigating the complex questions it raises. As AI continues to evolve, the conversations that began at ISTE Live ’24 will be crucial in ensuring that this powerful technology serves as a tool for empowerment, equity, and innovation in education.
About the Author
Sarah Murphy is the Evaluation Manager and a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in History and a Master’s in Education. Sarah began teaching in 2004 at the elementary level. She now leads Teaching Channel’s Evaluation Team, managing our wonderful team of Course Evaluators. Sarah is also a coursewriter and content creator, specializing in edtech, educator wellness, and content area teaching.
Fun fact: Sarah has camped in 18 national parks and hopes to visit all 63 someday!
