In an era of rapid technological advancement, educators must also be at the forefront of digital transformation by utilizing available ICT tools to enhance (not replace) their pedagogical practices.  To this end, The University of the West Indies, Mona, in collaboration with E-Learning Jamaica Company Limited, successfully conducted an Artificial Intelligence (AI)  workshop for secondary school teachers entitled, “Intelligence: An Orientation and Exploration of its Classroom Applications,”  on August 22-23, 2023. The workshop, hosted by the Faculties of Science and Technology and Humanities and Education, welcomed an enthusiastic cohort of approximately forty (40) teachers eager to explore the potential of integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) in their classrooms.

The two-day event aimed to equip educators with introductory knowledge and skills to seamlessly integrate AI tools into their teaching methodologies while considering the ethical issues surrounding its usage. Through an immersive experience participants explored a range of popular AI tools including Chatbot Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), Bard, Slide Reader, and more. These tools were presented as useful resources to enhance the teaching and learning process, fostering engagement, critical thinking, and creativity amongst students as well as driving efficiency, personalization and streamlining of administrative tasks to allow teachers more time for ‘actual teaching’. Recognizing teachers as crucial drivers of educational development and societal transformation, the workshop emphasized the importance of empowering teachers to boldly apply these LLMs (and others) in the classroom. “Prof. Daniel Coore (Department of Computing, Faculty of Science and Technology), workshop co-organizer and facilitator noted, “I am pleased with the positive feedback that we received at the end of the workshop.  A lot of planning and thought went into the workshop overall, so it was gratifying to hear the words of high praise being spoken by the participants at its end. A deliberate approach was taken to expose the participants to some of the nuances of using LLMs, such as ChatGPT and Bard, in applications that were directly relevant to their day to day tasks as secondary school teachers; so I was especially encouraged to hear, at the end of the day, that they felt that they had been empowered.” 

Research has consistently highlighted the positive impact of technologically proficient teachers on student outcomes. When educators possess the knowledge and confidence to leverage AI tools, classrooms become dynamic hubs of innovation and exploration. In sharing her experience about the workshop, Ms. Venice Bell, a science teacher at Glenmuir high school expressed, “the AI workshop was very informative and engaging. The information provided on the AI tools set the ground for improvement in the teaching and learning experience. The presenters were exceptional in presenting the information and provided integrative sessions that have enabled us teachers to be better able to understand Artificial Intelligence on a wider scale. With the knowledge I have garnered on AI, I can enhance my teaching skills and make my class sessions for Biology and Human and Social Biology in more interactive ways to enhance students’ learning.” It is likely the ripple effect will extend beyond the workshop, creating [more] digitally literate educators who can effectively navigate the evolving educational landscape. As the use of AI matures in the classroom, educators should leverage its best attributes for bridging the gaps in learning and teaching, allowing them to do more than ever before towards the best outcome for students.  “The collaboration between the Faculty of Science and Technology (Department of Computing) and the Faculty of Humanities and Education (School of Education) to host this workshop on Artificial Intelligence has been a fruitful and exciting one. Witnessing first-hand the curiosity and engagement on the part of the workshop participants highlighted the timeliness and relevance of the workshop. We look forward to continued collaboration on this initiative and to further enhancing the capacities of secondary school teachers as they engage with the classroom applications and accompanying issues of artificial intelligence," added Dr. Therese Ferguson, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities and Education (School of Education) and workshop co-organizer.

As the digital revolution continues to reshape the education industry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, remains committed to providing opportunities for teachers to advance their pedagogical practices.

Photo caption: Secondary tecahers and faciliators at the AI workshop hosted on August 22-23, 2023.

Follow the Faculty of Science and Technology on Instagram @uwimona_fst and on Facebook at @ The Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona. For enquiries, WhatsApp us at 1-876 552-4691, call us at 1-876-977-1785 or email us at fst@uwimona.edu.jm.