My goal was to leverage AI technology within our Learning Management System, Edsby, to streamline feedback analysis and data extraction for optimizing teaching and learning time. By harnessing tools like Bing and CoPilot, I aimed to empower educators with the ability to use AI to automate report card comments using existing feedback already created for students while ensuring content security. The vision was to free teachers from writing a report card comment (which summarized progress, areas of strength and growth, and next steps) from term to term in hopes of prioritizing time for teaching and learning and real-time and ongoing feedback in the classroom. Despite initial enthusiasm and successful buy-in during a professional development session, some concerns emerged regarding the traditional role of teachers in crafting report cards versus AI assistance. However, I addressed those concerns by reiterating how the teacher would remain the content creator given that the comment would be directly generated from feedback previously shared on Edsby.
While grappling with the challenge, I realized that setbacks are part of the journey towards innovation. The AI tool I employed encountered limitations, generating inaccurate information alongside pertinent details. This forced a re-evaluation of the initiative’s feasibility, as the time spent rectifying errors outweighed the intended time-saving benefits. Despite setbacks, the essence of my inquiry remains crucial: optimizing teaching and learning experiences through technological integration. It’s a continuous exploration, demanding perseverance, and an openness to adapt strategies.
Reflecting on this experience, I acknowledge the need for patience and continued exploration in finding the right AI tool for the task. As someone not inherently tech-savvy, the journey has been frustrating yet illuminating. This setback marks not the end, but a starting point for refining strategies and seeking more suitable solutions. With determination and resilience, I approach this challenge as the foothills of a larger ascent, driven by the unwavering goal of enhancing educational practices through innovative AI integration.