Kansas educators explore the future of learning through AI

LAWRENCE — What if schools could harness the full potential of artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and data to reimagine teaching and learning? That’s the vision behind the Center for Reimagining Education (CRE) and its partnership with school districts to help educators lead the transformation of how students learn and how teachers teach. 

“One of the great ironies is that schools are oftentimes critiqued, and the solution is to just do more of the same and thinking that's the way things will get better,” said Rick Ginsberg, co-founder of CRE and dean of the School of Education & Human Sciences. “We're encouraging educators to change the way we do things.” 

Amid growing national conversations about AI in classrooms, Kansas educators are taking action. Last week, 30 educators from six Kansas districts participated in Professional Learning and Collaboration Days hosted by CRE, a center within the Achievement & Assessment Institute at the University of Kansas. 

These events are part of CRE’s statewide effort, which includes three cohorts made up of nine districts across eight counties. Rather than asking educators to travel, CRE staff go directly to schools throughout the year, offering in-person coaching and collaboration tailored to each cohort’s unique goals for reimagining teaching and learning with AI. CRE staff also provide online meetings and coaching throughout the year.  

“We want to learn how to use it, teach our kids how to use it and give them a step ahead of everybody else,” said Deanna Herrin, a math teacher from Buhler High School. “I'm really looking forward to being able to get the students to direct their own learning by using the tools.” 

CRE staff traveled to Meriden and Augusta to connect with educators like Herrin looking to demystify AI. At the events, district superintendents and teachers discussed their unique goals, challenges and strategies to reimagine education. The events also offered time for reflection and cross-district collaboration. 

“We are preparing our kids for their future and not for our current present,” said Dan Wessel, superintendent of Oskaloosa Public Schools. “Kids tomorrow aren't going to be the same as they are today.” 

Brad Kempf, superintendent of the Jefferson County North school district, emphasized the importance of AI in preparing students and teachers for the future of education. 

“I think in public education, we need something to ignite our instruction and to ignite our kids to be better prepared for the future,” Kempf said. “I think an AI tool for the teachers is just as important as for the kids to save time, meet all kids’ needs and provide them with varied experiences within education.”  

CRE will continue to connect with districts through ongoing coaching, resources and personalized support after the events. In September, educators will reconvene to hone in on what they want to accomplish together. 

“Our goal is to use AI as a lens to help schools think through how we personalize education,” said Bart Swartz, director of CRE. “When we do personalize education, the way we teach will look different, but we’ll unlock new possibilities for students and their teachers.”