Concurrent Session II: 9:50 AM – 10:50 AM, EST (60 minutes)
- Workshop 4: Leveraging Amira as an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Reading Assistant: Supporting Equitable and Personalized Learning for Bilingual Children with Language and Special Needs
(Jennifer Chen, Kean University; ChareMone’ Perez, NJ Public School)
In this workshop, the presenters will showcase how Amira, the AI-powered and purportedly the first intelligent reading assistant, can help revolutionize assessment practices for teachers of bilingual students. They will also demonstrate how Amira can empower teachers to efficiently assess bilingual students' learning strengths and needs, lessen their assessment workload, and clear valuable time for tailored teaching. By leveraging Amira's innovative capabilities for assessing student learning, teachers can apply insights gained to provide personalized instruction for bilingual learners to acquire both English and Spanish more effectively. Additionally, Amira serves as a powerful screening tool for identifying students who may be at risk of dyslexia, enabling further evaluations and timely interventions. The second presenter will share firsthand experience of implementing Amira in her second-grade English-Spanish bilingual classroom to support students' language development and screening for possible dyslexia. The presenters will conclude by encouraging participants to harness the power of AI tools, such as Amira, to support equitable learning for all bilingual learners from diverse backgrounds and with diverse learning needs.
Target Audience: K-5 teachers: - Workshop 5: Empowering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in the Digital Age
(Diallo Sessoms, Salisbury University)
In our increasingly digital world, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) are crucial. This interactive session explores the dual role of technology as both a barrier and a catalyst for DEIA. Participants examine how technology can amplify biases or dismantle them, create access or worsen disparities, and discuss strategies to leverage it for positive change. Participants will gain actionable insights to champion DEIA, fostering more inclusive and equitable digital spaces.
Target Audience: 5-12 teachers, media specialists, educational technology support specialists
- Workshop 6: Revolutionizing K-12 Science Education: Harnessing Technology for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
(Karen Spence, American History High School, Newark Public School District)
As science educators, we are all part of a community striving to create a more welcoming and equitable classroom environment for all learners. Using an online resource like Kami, this workshop is a collaborative learning experience that aims to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in science K-12 classrooms. Kami ensures engaging lessons, collaborative learning, time-saving assessment processes, and improved learning outcomes, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in our teaching practices. By the end of the session, participant will have practical strategies and resources at their disposal, empowering them to integrate technology effectively and support DEI in their teaching practices.
Target Audience: K-12 teachers:
