On Saturday January 13th, over one hundred and thirty educators, school and district leaders, and technologists gathered at South Portland High School or the Elevation A.I. in Education Summit. The event was hosted by the Maine Educational Technology Directors Association (METDA) and the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM), with the purpose of exploring how A.I. is implemented, taught, and impacting education in our schools.
International speaker Amanda Fox launched the Summit with a keynote address, setting the stage for a day of exploration and learning. The Summit, a first-of-its-kind event, offered workshop sessions designed to give participants a deeper understanding of the value and challenges associated with AI use in schools. Attendees engaged in hands-on experiences with AI products to foster a practical knowledge of how this technology can be integrated into the educational landscape. A lunch time panel featured national, regional and local experts on AI, including SPHS teacher Julie York.
The day ended with a working session facilitated by best-selling author Carl Hooker in which attendees took on some of the biggest problems of practice in AI such as plagiarism, implementing thoughtful change, and reconsidering how teacher assess students in an age of AI. South Portland educators at all grade levels participated in the event.