Michael Feldstein’s Talk

Navigating AI's Imperfections in EdTech: Developing Literacy for Educators

When learning about AI, educators are often given lots of prompt engineering courses, some general warnings about limitations and dangers, and…that's it. AI is now starting to show up in products in ways that go beyond prompt engineering. How are educators expected to evaluate these more sophisticated uses of very new and unpredictable capabilities?

This talk describes a novel approach for cultivating AI literacy among practitioners--in this case, learning designers--that will enable them to build lasting and useful skills for integrating AI into their work and lives as the technology evolves. Through a collaborative design/build workshop series, teams of learning designers receive a prototype AI-powered learning design application. They build lessons with it, provide feedback, and test the next iteration. As they go, they learn the fundamentals of how AI works and where they are likely to encounter subtle "gotchas" with AI-powered systems. The application we will be building supports work that they're intimately familiar with, enabling them to leverage their existing skills.

This project-based learning course is intended to be a model for professional development in the confusing and ever-changing world of AI. While we are hopeful that the end project will be very useful, the greatest value is in the participants learning what is easy and what is hard to make easier or better using AI. Because of generative AI's remarkable ability to lower the cost of building applications, this hands-on approach can be duplicated with other projects to help build literacy and fluency among your team.

About Michael Feldstein

Michael Feldstein is a seasoned EdTech professional with an unparalleled understanding of the vendor landscape. His consulting portfolio boasts strategic engagements with a spectrum of EdTech entities, from major Online Program Managers (OPMs) and Learning Management System (LMS) giants to innovative startups and leading textbook publishers. This breadth of experience has also seen him provide incisive due diligence analysis for private equity firms on potential acquisitions, ensuring astute and informed investment decisions.

As the driving force behind the e-Literate blog, Michael offers deep insights into vendor strategies, market dynamics, and technological innovations, positioning him as a trusted voice in the industry. His blend of hands-on commercial experience and analytical acumen provides a unique perspective, enabling him to navigate the complexities of the EdTech sector with finesse.

Michael's journey is further enriched by roles in academia and the private sector, granting him a 360-degree view of the challenges and opportunities in digital education. His active engagement with the EdTech community, through conferences and workshops, underscores his commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the field.

In a rapidly evolving industry, Michael Feldstein stands as a beacon of strategic insight and vendor expertise, making him an invaluable asset for any strategic initiative or investment venture.

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