Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence🤖

Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

For the details, please view their website  Austin University AI Master Online Program

SMART Goal

 

      I had learned about the SMART goal but did not use it explicitly in my classroom because I thought it counts to think about in my head. Now I am going to make a SMART goal with the guided questions as followed:

1. Specific: What will the goal accomplish? How and why will it be accomplished?

The goal is for my Chinese IB class students to pass the Speaking Assessment. 

This goal can be accomplished by providing students with the opportunities to practice speaking according to the IB requirements, instructions, and rubrics. The reason to accomplish this goal is that the Speaking Assessment is part of the Chinese IB exams. 

2.              Measurable. How will you measure whether or not the goal has been reached?

I will measure whether or not the goal has been reached through formative assessment during instruction and summative assessments in the final assessment. There are three parts in the assessment: Presentation of the visual stimulus (1-2 minutes), Follow-up discussion (2-3 minutes), and General discussion (2-3 minutes). The assessment criteria include: Language, Message, and Interactive Skills.  

3.              Achievable. Is it possible? Have others done it successfully? Do you have the necessary knowledgeable, skills, abilities, and resources to accomplish the goal? Will meeting the goal challenging you without defeating you?

Yes, it is possible. I have been teaching Chinese IB class for over seven years and attending various workshops. I have the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources to accomplish this goal. Meeting this goal demands diligence and dedication from myself and students. The first challenge is that my students are all from Hispanic language and cultural background without a Chinese environment at home. Second, they had one year of remote learning Chinese due to the pandemic which slows down the learning and curriculum pace. Last but not least, they are seniors who are busy with multiple activities. Even though meeting this goal will challenge us, nothing will defeat us because we have a positive mindset and we take actions to achieve success. 

4.              Relevant. What is the reason, purpose, or benefit of accomplishing the goal? What is the result of the goal?

The Chinese IB exam is composed of Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing assessments. The first part is Speaking. The benefits of accomplishing this goal include increasing students’ Chinese speaking proficiency, strengthening their confidence to communicate with Chinese speakers, and increasing multicultural awareness. According to IB Language ab initio guide (2021), IB learners are stove to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective” (p.1). Chinese IB Speaking Assessment allows students to be communicators, open-minded, and reflective when they compare and contrast cultural differences and similarities verbally. 

5.              Time-bound. What is the established completion date and does that completion date create a practice sense of urgency?

            The IB Speaking Assessment is on March 1st, 2023. Students have been practicing             according to the IB rubrics from October 2022 with the various topics such as health,               environment, and global issues. Even though more time is needed for the better preparation for speaking, the practice for other assessments of Listening, Reading, and Writing, which will be in May, also demand time.

        1 Timothy 1:5 states the goal of God’s command “is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith”. As Christians,  we should make efforts in fulfilling this goal daily.

References

Anonymous. n.d. SMART goals questionnaire. https://www.baylor.edu/hr/doc.php/308719.pdf

International Baccalaureate Organization. (2021). IB Language ab initio guide. https://dp.uwcea.org/docs/Language%20ab%20initio%20Guide.pdf

Why Is Culturally Proficient Leadership Important?

Why Is Culturally Proficient Leadership Important?

Approaches to Multicultural Curriculum

      I recommend the following book to enrich our knowledge of culturally proficiency. 👍

Curriculum Evaluation and Development

1. What is curriculum evaluation?

According to Glatthorn et al.(2019), “curriculum evaluation represents the summation of the written, the supported, the taught, the tested, and the learned curricula. Therefore, the process of evaluation is essentially the procedure for determining to what extent the educational objectives are actually being realized by the program of curriculum and instruction” (p.329). 

2. Why should educators evaluate curriculum? 

Curriculum evaluation helps teachers realize if their teaching covers the standards and meets administrators’ expectations. The feedback of the curriculum evaluation helps teachers find their strengths and needs in the curriculum development and teaching. The ultimate goal is to help students accomplish academic achievements. 

3. What are some effective techniques used for curriculum evaluation? 

As a future administrator, I would consider implementing Stufflebeam’s Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) Model at my school site. The emphasis of CIPP on “decision making seems appropriate for administrators concerned with improving curricula. The detailed guidelines and forms created by the committee provide step-by-step guidance for users” (Glatthron et al., 2019, p.326). Context evaluation provides rationale for determining the objectives and sets up the expectation of the curriculum content, standards, and learning environment. It allows me to have the ongoing assessment of the strength and needs in the curriculum and determine the goals. Input evaluation assesses the ways of using resources and strategies to meet the objectives and goals. It guides me to learn and compare the approaches. Process evaluation investigates the areas that need to be improved. In this process, based on the data, I may discover the needs and the modification of the implementation. Products evaluation measures the outcomes which can be the test score, unit project, and more. I can assess if the outcome meets the goals.

4. How do we measure student success?

Bartlett (2022) states that “ there are two key types of assessment that schools refer to: formative assessment and summative assessment” (p.1). She suggests measuring student success by involving students in learning from the beginning, during, to the end of the lesson through different activities and strategies. For example, Bell work, Odd one out, Envelope activities, and Exit ticket. 

The outcome of the summative assessment such as the Benchmark score, class grade, school testing data is one way to measure student academic achievement, however the formative assessment of ongoing teaching-learning interaction is another important way. “We must recognize that we cannot make the learning happen. We can only create opportunities that best allow that learning to take place” (Bartlett, 2022, p.5). “The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Bible Gateway, 2011, Proverbs 18:15). Teachers should provide students a safe and productive learning environment and train students to be more prudent and wise. 

5. Who should inform curriculum development?

The curriculum evaluation shows students’ strength and needs. In order to meet students’ needs, teachers adjust teaching methods and instructional techniques accordingly to provide support to students. Stakeholders such as administrators, teachers, teachers, parents, school instructional lead, and district curriculum lead should be involved in the development of curriculum.

6. What do we mean when we say educators should assess for learning?

Bartlett (2022, p.2) lists the following ten aspects of educators should access for learning. “Assessment for learning:

1. is part of effective learning 

2. focuses on how students learn 

3. is central to classroom practice

4. is a key professional skill 

5. is sensitive and constructive

6. fosters motivation 

7. promotes understanding of goals and criteria

8. helps learners know how to improve

9. develops the capacity for self-assessment 

10. recognizes all educational achievement.”

The book of "Outstanding assessment for learning in the classroom" is highly recommended.👍 It demonstrates how assessment for learning can be used to enhance and support all aspects of the learning process. ✍

References

Bartlett, J. (2022). Outstanding assessment for learning in the classroom. Routledge. 

Glatthorn, A. A., Boschee, F., Whitehead, B. M., & Boschee, B. F. 

      (2019). Curriculum Leadership. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

New International Bible. (2011). New International Bible online.

       https://www.biblegateway.com/ (Original work published 1973)

The Field Educational Technology

        According to Loyola University Maryland’s School of Education, “Educational Technology is the field of study that investigates the process of analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the instructional environment, learning materials, learners, and the learning process in order to improve teaching and learning” (para.1). 

       Colon (2020) summarizes how educational technology changed over time from mouth-to-mouth communication, writing on paper, using radio and video in teaching, to utilizing computers and various digital tools in education. The definition of the field of educational technology changed over time depends on what technology people had in the historical phase. However, no matter how advanced technology will be developed, some basic teaching and learning skills can not be completely replaced, such as person-to-person communication, reading, and writing. 

       One of the leading professional organizations in the field of educational technology is the U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Technology. It “develops national educational technology policy and establishes the vision for how technology can be used to transform teaching and learning and how to make everywhere, all-the-time learning possible for early learners through K-12, higher education, and adult education" (the U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Technology, para.1).

      From what I heard and the webpage of Technology and Innovation of my school district, there are various careers held and tasks performed by educational technologists, such as 

• Coding class teacher
• Computer science instructor 
• Media specialist 
• Digital coach 
• Network specialist 
• Student data technician 
• Data analyst 
• Digital learning coach 
• Network engineer 
• Director of technology department

       One of the influential educational technologists who is the Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Innovation in my school district. He is also one of the directors of California Association of Asian and Pacific Leaders in Education.  Some of his achievements in educational technology include but not limited: he has been responsible for setting the vision and course for my district’s Digital Equity Roadmap and providing leadership and expertise regarding digital learning and information technology systems

• Helped implement one-to-one Chromebook to students  digital equity
• Established a Technology Playbook which include short and long term technology plan 
• Created Zero Trust Architecture and Framework
• Trained staff Cloud Computing Solutions
• Trained stakeholders Cybersecurity
• Provided portal tools for parents to involve with school activities 
• Initiated conversation with city manager to offer secure internet access and fiber to the city
• Built and maintains strong connection with Industry and Community Partnerships
• Created close relationship with the Internet Service Providers
• Monitors Infrastructure in each school site and district

       The Department of Technology and Innovation in my school district has been making great efforts in promoting digital equity, offer training to stakeholders, and provide technical support when needed. Personally, when I asked the head of the Technology and Innovation Department about the Google Certificated Educator, he immediately encouraged me to earn it and emailed me the resources for preparing for its exams. With his support, I became a Level Two Google Certificated Educator. As an educational technologist, his positive impact to our community, district, schools, and me is transformational!

       Here is the inspirational podcast interview with his Bridging the Digital Divide (👈Click this link to hear this interview.)

                                                                References

Anonymous. (2021). Loyola University Maryland’s School of Education. What is educational  

       technology and why is it important?

       https://www.loyola.edu/school-education/blog/2021/what-is-educational-technology

Colon, F. (2020). The evolution of educational technology.            

       https://www.disruptorleague.com/blog/2020/04/14/the-evolution-of-educational-technology/

 The U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Technology. What we do.

       https://tech.ed.gov/what-we-do/

2023年春节活动🐇Chinese New Year Activities

  祝福大家春节快乐！平安健康！💖

1. 兔年手工，做一个漂亮的小兔子吧！Year of the Rabbit, be a beautiful little rabbit

2. 兔年简单新年手工 | Year of Rabbit Easy CNY DIY ideas 

3. 賀年摺紙| DIY Chinese New Year Red Packet ORIGAMI RABBIT

4. Lunar New Year for Kids | Educational Video

5. Chinese New Year 2023 | What is the Chinese New Year? | How to Celebrate it? & Story of Nian

6. 年的故事

7. 春节是中国人一年中最盛大的节日。澳洲中文电台。

8. 中国新年教案大放送|各种好玩有趣的庆祝新年活动|THE BEST LESSON PLAN FOR THE CHINESE NEW YEAR

9. 十个中国新年线上+线下教学活动 

10. 自制日历的123种做法

11. 《过年》 剪纸动画短片 （中文版）

12. 【En Sub】Learn Chinese New Year in Chinese Mandarin, Mr. Sun Mandarin

13. 湖南师范大学孔子学院举办兔年海报大赛（👈请点击此链接）

14. 抖音 兔年手工集锦 （👈请点击此链接）

15.  抖音 兔年歌舞💃🎵 （👈请点击此链接）

16. 兔年PPT  (👈请点击此链接）

17. 5 EASY CNY DIY DECORATIONS (UNDER $5) | DIY Red packet lanterns, wall fan, firecrackers & flowers

18. 新年大吉DIY | 新年柑橘手作

19. 手把手教你DIY新年装饰红包灯笼

20. 中国结

希望以上分享的视频对您有所帮助！欢迎您在下面的Comment里留言或微信我您的想法。👏　也期待您和我分享您的春节活动或喜欢的视频！👍

Challenges and Possibilities in the Field of Educational Technology

 Abstract

       The one-to-one laptop support, WiFi and hotspots may have begun closing the digital divide. Many cities took a leadership role and initiative to provide free internet access by prioritizing the improvements in their digital infrastructure to help those families who fell into poverty due to the effects of the pandemic. However, there are many challenges in the field of educational technology, for example, the lack of professional training of the latest educational technology, the inequity in education, mental health issues, and cyber safety concerns. This paper will discuss the current landscape, emerging trends in K-12 from a global perspective, future directions in education, and cyber safeguards.

Keywords: educational technology, trends, challenges, possibilities, cyber safeguards

Challenges and Possibilities for the Future of Educational Technology 

      If any good came out of the pandemic, it was the federal and state funding and the gracious donations from small and large donors that came to the districts and schools to help bridge the digital divide. The one-to-one laptop support, Wi-Fi and hotspots may have begun closing the divide. Many cities also took a leadership role and initiative to provide free internet access by prioritizing the improvements in their digital infrastructure to help those families who fell into poverty due to the effects of the pandemic. Sultanaa and Tamannab (2021)’s study reveals that technology helps “people find saving time the most potential in the education sector. The factor denotes that the teachers get enough time to prepare and manage class” (p.4) and provide abundant learning resources for students. However, there are many challenges for the future of educational technology such as the “widening of the digital divide” (Horizon report, 2019, p.7), “educational inequalities” (Sabates and Karki, 2019. p.2), and “safeguard privacy and the safety information and intellectual property” issues (Schrum and Summerfield, 2018, p.207).

Current Landscape

       Rapidly developed technology is revolutionary in what is possible in education. It ensures students and teachers have a more convenient and connected learning environment with tools such as the one-to-one Chromebook, improves learning outcomes by bringing lesson plans to life with the immersive 3D, modernizes networks to protect costly cyber attacks, and integrates data on a common cloud-based platform. However, technology does not guarantee quality education. “Even with these resources, students and teachers struggled with charging, software management, and breakage” (Ames, 2022, p.1). When students forget to charge their Chromebooks, they can not access the learning materials in class when others are doing the assigned digital activities or classwork. Sometimes students encounter problems with the charger, problems with their log in, or students encounter problems because of improper use of the laptop leading to a broken keyboard or screen. Schrum and Summerfield (2018) ask “is it possible that a machine will do all the grading of assignments” (p.17)? LiveTiles (2021) argues that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) grading “lacks personal connections: While smart machines improve the education experience, they should not be considered a substitute for personal interaction. Relying too much on these machines to grade or tutor may lead to educational oversights that hurt learners more than help” (p. 2). There is a transition from the traditional printed textbooks to the digital textbooks in many schools. “EBooks are more accessible and widespread than ever before, making them an affordable and convenient classroom standard” (Lynch, 2017, p.4). However, there are some teachers’ resistance to switching from textbook to Ebooks. Another challenge of educational technology in the classroom is that technical difficulties happen during the instruction when using the Promethean interactive board. While many educators think the digital screen Promethean with the built-in whiteboard is more interactive, others still prefer to use the traditional whiteboard.

       Backfisch et al. (2016) state  “technology integration commonly refers to teachers' adoption of educational technologies during teaching and learning such as the use of distinct hardware or software applications to realize specific teaching processes” (p.2). Terada (2020) argues that “Good technology integration is not about using the fanciest tool, it is about being aware of the range of options and picking the right strategy—or strategies—for the lesson at hand” (para.1). The professional development with the topic of integration technology across curriculum should be provided to teachers. Technology integration learning is a trend for 21st Century education because it can help learners gain decision-making skills, develop creativity, make impossible teaching and learning in traditional settings possible, and increase technology skills. However, Backfisch et al. (2016) suggest “from a teacher education perspective, teachers have to be aware of the influence of contextual aspects such as their motivation, as well as the quality and quantity of their technology integration” (p.18). 

      Noguera-Fructuoso and Valdivia-Vizarreta (2022)’s research reveals that during the remote learning mode, teachers “experienced difficulties in lack of literacy in online pedagogies and work overload among lecturers; privation of physical presence and fluent communication among students. Students are dissatisfied with the learning experience, although they value the opportunities for flexible learning and saving time on commuting. Students valued more traditional teaching strategies (i.e. combinations of lectures and tutoring)” (p.1).

Recent Developments

     Based on the current trends and research, I anticipate the top three trends of educational technology in the following five years include the hybrid learning models, increased use of learning technologies, and the rapid growth of STEM in schools. The top three trends in ten to twenty years might be the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, collaborative classrooms, and student-led classrooms. In the following section, these emerging educational technology trends will be discussed. 

Current Issues Facing the Field 

       The issues that educational leaders, teachers, students grapple with concerning technology include digital divide, mental health, and cyber safety. Schools and parents are encouraged to work together closely to provide students with equitable technology access, improve their social emotional learning, and increase cyber safety. The one-to-one device program helps to close the digital gap  to meet students’ digital learning needs with equity. It is important to keep checking all the devices and recharging cables to work appropriately, so that students can collaborate and interact with peers and teachers in the classroom and do their homework and submit assignments outside the classroom. Teachers should be provided the updated software on their district laptops and cartridges for the classroom printers to prepare lessons and print out needed materials. When teachers mindfully guide students to use technology in learning, demonstrate to students how to explore information, train students concentration skills, and teach them cyber safety skills, we can recognize that technology as a beneficial tool in education, instead of a distraction. In addition, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is crucial to foster students’ skills of self-awareness, self-management, decision making, and building relationships. Unfortunately it took a pandemic to make everyone realize that students need an SEL curriculum. The pandemic isolation intensified the need, but students always have always needed SEL instruction and strategies. The implementation of SEL is one of the best practices that can help students to learn the content by using technology. 

Emerging Trends in K12 from a Global Perspective 

       I predict the first trend of educational technology in five years is the hybrid learning models. According to the 2021 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report (2021) “The past year’s disruptions and rapid changes, which forced so much of teaching and learning to be done remotely, have made digital technologies even more vital to higher education. What those technologies are, how they are deployed across the institution, and the ways in which they themselves continue to evolve may very well be one of the defining stories of higher education in the years ahead” (p.8). Horizon Report states “learning models that enable flexible movement between remote and in-person experiences will help institutions minimize disruption and ensure continuity of course delivery through future crises” (p.8). Many schools offer in-person instruction and virtual classes after returning to in-person learning mode at the beginning of the school year of 2022-2023. Virtual Academy was launched to offer students the option to continue taking online classes. For example, in my school district, Lynwood Unified School District (LUSD), “all students enrolling in Virtual Academy have the option of classroom instruction in a traditional school program within their home district. Enrollment is continuously voluntary. The objective is to enable the student to keep current with grade level studies. Students are provided with teacher support services, textbooks, curriculum guides, workbooks, technology, and related instructional materials. All curriculum and methods of study are consistent with established LUSD guidelines and California State Content Standards” (LUSD Virtual Academy 2022-2023 Master Agreement for Grades K-12, p.2). Virtual Academy will become more and more popular because it allows students to do an online independent study model using technology that promotes creativity while providing flexibility and an academic pathway for a curriculum to meet their needs. Therefore, in the next five years, we will see the increasing growth in the hybrid learning mode of in-person and virtual education.

       The second trend is increasingly using learning technologies in education. One of the trends appearing on the Gartner Hype Cycle for emerging technologies is “Digital ecosystems” which refer to “web-like connections between actors (enterprises, people and things) sharing a digital platform” (2019, p.8). In the field of educational technology, the most popular digital platform is Google Classroom which allows students to submit assignments, teachers input the grade and offer the comments. From the interviews with teachers of different subjects, I notice that technology is widely and increasingly used across curriculum. English teachers introduced me to the free online resource called Commonlit they use for teaching. It aligns with CCSS and provides a comprehensive and full year English Language Arts curriculum. “It allows students to read a wide variety of passages at different levels, each passage includes an image and is structured in easy-to-follow paragraphs that make it more enjoyable to read, and teachers can download a PDF or assign it to students  and set a time window for completion” (Commonlit, para.3). Geometry and Algebra teachers attended UCLA math training to increase the use of technology and incorporate hands-on activities to improve student engagement. Math department uses Desmos and DeltaMath to teach and assess students. The chemistry labs include the use of technology in the form of scales, thermometers, pH meters, and electrolysis apparatus. In Film class, students get to explore technology in a new way by filming and editing videos. With a thriving Theater Club, students learn how to work lighting, sound, set design, and backstage management. As access to technology and digital tools have continued to develop, the Special Education Department has implemented the use of tools such as Shared Drive and Calendar to share resources, improve communication, centralize data, and continue to foster a collaborative environment. District training provided professional development of using Academic Intervention and Monitoring for Students to access the information of our English Learners in each classroom. Almost all teachers across the curriculum have students use Google Classroom to submit assignments in the form of paper, quiz, videos recordings and many more. With the built-in rubric function, teachers give very specific feedback with rubric scores and comments. Google for Education states that “schools are incorporating emerging technologies into the classroom to create more innovative and engaging teaching methods” (p.7). As departments and teachers continue to transition toward the full inclusion model of educational technology, it is expected that innovations will occur along the way. Nonetheless, we strongly believe that this transition shows our commitment to providing the least restrictive environment and accessible learning opportunities for all students. Google for Education states “schools are incorporating emerging technologies into the classroom to create more innovative and engaging teaching methods” (p.27). It is a trend in the future that teachers will have more educational technology tools to adjust instruction with diverse materials to meet students’ learning needs. Students will be able to access more well designed and developed resources that can help them think critically and work collaboratively on diverse topics.

       The third trend is the rapid growth of STEM in schools. According to Schrum and Sumerfield (2018), “STEM-typically Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-has become a guiding star for education. STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in these four specific disciplines using an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach that relates to real-world applications” (p.8). “STEM is important because it teaches critical thinking skills and instills a passion for innovation. Beyond the benefit of learning science, technology, engineering, and math, STEM assists in the problem-solving and exploratory learning that fuel success across a variety of tasks and disciplines” (Barone, 2018). “Each year, P21 highlights a cohort of early learning centers, K–12 schools, school districts, and beyond school programs in the U.S. as 21st Century Learning Exemplars” (Battelle for Kids, para.1). Many exemplar schools address Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) instruction. For instance, Saint Ambrose School (OH) partners with STEM Accelerated Coding, as part of their program funded by NASA, to design the optimal way to extract water from Mars to place into a robot harnessing solar energy. Vineyard STEM Magnet School (CA) With 87% of its student population qualifying free or reduced lunch, Vineyard believes high-quality STEM education should be accessible to all. Vineyard integrates all core content with STEM. At a middle school in my district, students participate in the STEM Academy and interact with current individuals who are employed in the field of Engineering, Medicine and Technology. Students attend field trips to local agencies focused on STEM. They are expected to participate in a year-end showcase as a culminating project. The selected students will have the opportunity to mentor students from the elementary school in the district STEM Academy Service Learning Project. More and more school districts emphasize on STEM subjects and continue to expand with an elementary robotics course and a TK-2 iPad initiative, which gets young students involved in computer coding through games and robots. Many community adult schools provide classes in which students build parametric models of parts and 3D parts and assembly modeling.

Future Directions in Education

      The first trend is increased use of AI in education in the upcoming ten or twenty years. Schrum and Summerfield (2018) state that “basically, AI could take tedious tasks away from educators, and instead use massive data sets to assist in students’ metacognition or assume virtual assistant tasks” (p.207). According to Market Trends (2021), “as artificial intelligence and robotics continue to grow exponentially, we can achieve many things with the help of robotics in the field of education.The incorporation of new technologies in the education sector can improve interdisciplinary learning environments where teachers can help students in developing their creativity and cognitive abilities” (p.12). The robotics in education will be more advanced, diverse, and competitive. In the next ten to twenty years, more school districts will emphasize on STEM subjects, promote the adoption of AI in education, continue to expand with an elementary robotics course and a TK-2 iPad initiative, which gets young students involved in computer coding through games and robots. Google for Education shows “40% of new students in Germany are enrolling in STEM degrees, as these areas are seen as ‘safe’ career paths” (p.21). With the rapid development of technology, we will witness the increased number of students in STEM degrees in the upcoming future. In my Mandarin Chinese class, I use the AI powered Chinese learning platform, Ponddy Reader, to enhance students’ reading comprehension. “Ponddy Education uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to create language-learning products and services that make teaching more effective and learning more efficient. Affinity Knowledge Learning SystemTM groups and categorizes elements that share properties and often appear together into Radical, Character and Word Ponds for optimal learning. Ponddy Library has over 1000 authentic leveled contents covering rich topics” (para.1). “In Japan, the education ministry is rolling out English-speaking AI in 500 Japanese classrooms to improve students’ oral and written English skills. In Germany, 48% of teachers report a willingness to try VR out in the classroom”, says Google for Education, “As with any new technology, implementation is still in its early stages, as educators weigh the potential benefits with the challenges of navigating public perception and regulatory environments” (p.49). One of the trends appearing on The Gartner Hype Cycle for emerging technologies (2019) is “advanced AI and analytics that is the autonomous or semi-autonomous examination of data or content using sophisticated tools. This is the result of new classes of algorithms and data science that are leading to new capabilities, for example transfer learning” (p.8). In the upcoming ten to twenty years, we will experience the advanced AI and analytics in education to do the more sophisticated tasks, such as teaching and grading students’ handwriting in Chinese with the audio and video instructions. 

       The second trend is collaborative classrooms. “As schools put a focus on openness, flexibility and collaboration, they are redesigning classrooms to match” (Google for Education, p.29). “A landmark study found that classroom design alters students’ academic progress over a school year by 25%” (Edutopia, 2018, para.7). Western Governors University defines “a learning environment is more than just a classroom—it is a space in which students feel safe and supported in their pursuit of knowledge, as well as inspired by their surroundings” (2020, para.1). One of the 21st Century Learning Exemplar schools (2019) EVSC New Tech Institute (IN) “focuses on the whole child. With extensive opportunities for collaboration and clear schoolwide learning outcomes, New Tech Institute fosters a welcoming close knit environment where students can grow and thrive. With increased agency and embedded citizenship practices, students actively engage in conflict resolution, look for opportunities to mentor and collaborate with others, and promote a positive learning environment” (p.8). According to Buck Institute for Education, “Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects” (p.1). What draws my attention is a school in Winooski (Vermont) used a Project Based Learning unit not only to combine science and math, but also to cooking dumplings “to explore the many cultures that make up their community”, says Keller and Wild (2022), “our project celebrated the diversity of our students and opened the door for cross-cultural exchange” (p.3). At my school, a mini boat named Freddy was built by the Environmental Engineering students and the MESA club collaboratively. The boat’s name is Freddy. It was exciting to students and staff when Freddy was launched into the ocean. It is a sailboat that has a GoPro, GPS and Temperature sensors. Freddy began sending data and posting it on the web site in October, 2021.Freddy was deployed ⅓ of the way to Hawaii by hitching a ride aboard the E/V Nautilus. The Nautilus is completing a mapping cruise across the Pacific from Los Angeles to Hawaii. In future, more integration technology collaborative projects will be created to allow students to work together discovering the world.

      The third trend is student-led classrooms. “As the world around students changes-be that due to changes in values, societal shifts or technological innovations-the education landscape needs to shift in response “ (Google for Education, p.53). “Knowledge and mastery of the key subjects is very important. However, to move forward in the 21st Century Learning stage, instruction must also incorporate approaches that are student-centered, inquiry-based, and project-based” (21st Century Learning Readiness Assessment). According to Jones (2015), a student-centered classroom “is a place where we consider the needs of the students, as a group and as individuals, and encourage them to participate in the learning process all the time. The teacher’s role is more that of a facilitator than instructor; the students are active participants in the learning process” (p.2). Professional development (PD) mainly focuses on the teaching of key subjects at my school. In order to expand the expertise in teaching, PD also should promote the growth mindset. In the upcoming future, one of the transformations of mindset is switching from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction to foster 21st Century students’ critical thinking skills, autonomy, and problem-solving abilities.      

Safeguards

       Educators should take the protection of student and staff data very seriously and focus on effectively counteracting the actions of those who wish to access data by implementing the following: the framework which detects all threats to the organization, which is done through the devices, user authentication, and networks. The approach of cloud computing allows the security infrastructures protect the cloud hosting providers’ services, such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Aeries Gradebook. This built-in security automatically detects and prevents online threats. Some school districts including my school district implemented a combination of cybersecurity tools that allow the technology department to detect, monitor, and control cybersecurity and safety risks including next-generation endpoint device protection and full attack visibility. In the department of technology and innovation of my district’s organizational chart includes a Computer Security Analyst position whose sole responsibility is monitoring the security of our technology services and applications. In collaboration with the district, schools should be refining, developing, and implementing mandatory cybersecurity responsibility professional development training at all school sites. This includes the use of simulated phishing attacks which provides increased security awareness training. As cyberattacks continue to increase and become more sophisticated, school districts should continue working to strengthen practices in a way that is purpose-built to schools and community needs while also continuously improving our ability to protect valuable information and data.  

       In addition, “Today's adolescents show high rates of internet and smartphone use, so much that the incidence of technology-based behavioral addictions is significantly increasing” (Mancinelli et al., 2022, p.5). “Increased media use seems associated with the levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, stress, and anger specifically, were shown to significantly contribute to Problematic Smartphone Use severity” (Mancinelli et al., 2022, p.7). School districts should also provide workshops to parents to inform them of what is happening in the complicated digital world where children are concerned, demonstrate the types of challenges children are facing with actual recent news stories, address the importance of parental monitoring, and equip parents with tools they can use for decision-making and monitoring.

       In my opinion, the public schools should allow students to express their belief in God, pray, and  recite the Pledge of Allegiance or salute the flag again because it provides the moral foundation for students and staff. Strong belief in God and morals are the most powerful safeguard toward any form of temptations, anxiety, or risk.

References

Anonymous. 21st Century Learning Readiness Assessment. 

       https://p21.wufoo.com/forms/zinn07n0urh2im/

Anonymous. (2021). 10 ways robotics is redefining the education industry in 2021. Market     

       Trends. https://www.analyticsinsight.net/10-ways-robotics-is-redefining-the-education-

       industry-in-2021/

Ames, M. (2021).  Laptops alone can't bridge the digital divide. MIT Technology Review;Cambridge.   

       124(6),74-77.   

       https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/2593910441?pq-origsite=summon

Backfisch, I., Lachner, A., Stürmer, K., Scheiter K. (2021). Variability of teachers’ technology    

       integration in the classroom: A matter of utility! Computers & Education, 166, 1-21.

       https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104159

Barone, R. (2018). Why is STEM important? Why do we keep talking about it? iD Tech.

       https://www.idtech.com/blog/why-is-stem-important

Battelle for Kids. 21st Century Learning Exemplar Program. 

       https://www.battelleforkids.org/networks/p21/21st-century-learning-exemplar-program

Buck Institute for Education. What is PBL? https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl

Commonlit. Making millions of students better readers and writers. 

       https://www.commonlit.org

Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency. (2019). Cyber Safety.

       https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-safety

EDUCAUSE. (2021). 2021 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report teaching and learning edition.

       Google for Education. Future of the classroom emerging trends in K-12 education global edition. 

LiveTile. (2021). 15 Pros and 6 Cons of Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom. 

       https://livetilesglobal.com/pros-cons-artificial-intelligence-classroom/

Loyola University Maryland. (2021). Loyola University Maryland’s School of Education. What is  

       educational technology and why is it important?

       https://www.loyola.edu/school-education/blog/2021/what-is-educational-technology

Lynch, M. (2017). What are the benefits of digital textbooks? The tech edvocate.   

       https://www.thetechedvocate.org/benefits-digital-textbooks/

Lynwood Unified School District. (2022).  LUSD Virtual Academy 2022-2023 master agreement for 

       grades K-12.   

        https://sites.google.com/mylusd.org/independent-study/home?authuser=0

Mancinelli, E.,  Ruocco, E.,  Napolitano, S., Salcuni, S. A network analysis on self-harming and 

       problematic smartphone use – the role of self-control, internalizing and externalizing 

       problems in a sample of self-harming adolescents. Comprehensive Psychiatry; New York,  

       112, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152285

Noguera-Fructuoso, I., Valdivia-Vizarreta, P. (2022).Teachers’ and students’ perspectives on the 

       intensive use of technology for teaching and learning. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. 

       Spain. 

Panetta, K. (2019). 5 Trends Appear on the Gartner Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies, 

       2019. Gartner.      

       https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/5-trends-appear-on-the-gartner-hype-cycle-

       for-emerging-technologies-2019

Ponddy. Ponddy education. https://chinese.ponddy.com/

Sabates, R., Karki., S. (2019). Future directions in education systems for the 21st century:  

       emerging issues from UKFIET 2019 conference theme. UKFIET. 

Schrum, L., Sumerfield, S. (2018). Learning supercharged. Digital age strategies and insights   

       from edtech frontier. International society for technology in education. 

Sultanaa, N., Tamannab, N. (2021). Evaluating the Potential and Challenges of IoT in Education 

       and Other Sectors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Bangladesh. Technology in 

       Society. ELSEVIER. 68(10)1-7.

       https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101857

Terada, Y. (2018). 2018 education research highlights. Retrieved from 

       https://www.edutopia.org/article/2018-education-research-highlights

Terada, Y. (2020). A powerful model for understanding good tech integration. George Lucas   

       educational foundation edupedia. 

        https://www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-integration

Western Governors University. (2020). 3 Types of Learning Environments. Teaching and 

       education. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/3-types-learning-environments2111.html#close