In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeff Bradbury sits down with Dr. Bryan Drost, Executive Director for Instructional Innovation in Northeast Ohio. Together, they explore AI's impact on education, how to effectively blend pedagogy with technology, and the challenges of crafting school AI policies. Dr. Drost shares valuable insights from the ISTE and ASCD conferences, highlighting the importance of developing a comprehensive curriculum that integrates digital learning. The conversation also covers practical strategies for supporting teacher technology adoption and standardizing assessment practices across classrooms. Their discussion concludes by examining future educational planning and the crucial role curriculum directors play in shaping effective instructional practices.

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• Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
• Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
• Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

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Key Takeaways:

• AI is crucial in modern education and should be integrated thoughtfully.
• Teachers need to be trained in both pedagogy and technology.
• Clear frameworks for AI use in classrooms are essential.
• Policies should evolve based on instructional goals, not just restrictions.
• AI can enhance assessments but requires careful crafting of questions.
• Collaboration among teachers is key to successful curriculum development.
• Professional development should be ongoing and responsive to teacher needs.
• Resistance to technology often stems from fear of de-skilling.
• Curriculum directors play a vital role in aligning educational practices.
• Flexibility in planning allows for innovation and adaptation in teaching.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Instructional Innovation
• 02:38 Reflections on the ISTE and ASCD Conference
• 05:44 The Role of Pedagogy in AI Integration
• 08:26 Defining AI in Education
• 11:17 Creating Effective Policies for AI Use
• 14:14 Staff Development and Technology Integration
• 17:20 Assessing AI's Impact on Teaching
• 20:12 Standardizing Assessments Across Classrooms
• 23:03 Planning for the Future of Education
• 25:59 Conclusion and Future Directions

About our Guest: Dr. Bryan R. Drost

Dr. Bryan R. Drost is the executive director for Instructional Innovation for a region of northeast Ohio. He is a faculty member at several Ohio colleges and has presented throughout the state and country on various topics related to instruction, assessment, pedagogy, data analysis and technology integration. He is a published Kappan and Educational Leadership author and is currently the Co-Chair of the NCME Classroom Assessment Committee. His current research focus is the...