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Today’s class was structured differently than usual, focusing more on discussion than lecture. We participated in an EdCamp, where we could move between different small group conversations based on topics that interested us. I joined a discussion about AI in education and what role it should or shouldn’t play in classrooms at different grade levels.

One key point that stood out in our conversation was the idea that AI should be implemented in ways that minimize misuse. I have found that there is often a clear misuse of the tool. I have experienced this semester some professors are very against it where on the other hand some are all to quick to put their work or topic through softwares to produce a product.

Another interesting theme that emerged was the perception of AI as “cheating.” Many of us were taught that using AI-generated content feels dishonest, especially when it replaces original thinking. While I don’t believe AI is inherently cheating, I do think it can encourage students to take an easier path rather than developing their own skills. For example, using AI to brainstorm ideas or refine wording is different from using it to generate entire essays or artwork. As future educators, I think it’s important to help students understand the difference between using AI as a tool versus relying on it as a crutch.

Reflecting on EdCamp as a whole, I really appreciate how student-led it is. It encourages discussion, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are all skills I want to foster in my own future classroom. I could see myself using a modified version of this activity, where students choose topics to explore and then teach each other what they’ve learned. It could also work as a review strategy before a test, where students identify areas they need help with and discuss them in small groups. Whether for content review, inquiry-based learning, or book discussions, I think EdCamp is a valuable and engaging tool that can be adapted for many different classroom contexts.

This week, our class explored the role of videos in education and how they can enhance student learning. Throughout my own schooling, videos were often used to introduce or reinforce concepts, and I always found them to be a helpful supplement to traditional instruction. I especially remember watching science and history videos that made abstract or complex topics more engaging and easier to understand. One key benefit of videos is their ability to bring concepts to life whether it’s watching a chemical reaction unfold in real time or seeing historical events reenacted, they provide a level of visualization that textbooks alone can’t offer.

Another advantage of videos is their flexibility. Students can watch at their own pace, pause, rewind, and review as needed, making them a great tool for independent learning. Even if a teacher doesn’t use a video in class, providing students with additional resources they can access at home can be beneficial. We also discussed how both teachers and students can create their own videos as a way to enhance learning. Teachers might record step by step demonstrations or explanations for students to reference later, while students can use video projects as a creative way to showcase their understanding of a topic.

To build on this discussion, we had a video editing workshop with Rich McCue from the Digital Scholarship Commons. He introduced us to iMovie and Clipchamp, both user-friendly video editing programs. While I have some experience with video editing, I typically use different software or apps on my phone, so it was interesting to see how these tools compare. I found iMovie straightforward and easy to navigate, making it a great option for beginner editors or students working on projects. The workshop also introduced features like green screen effects and layering, which I hadn’t experimented with much before. I can see how these tools could be useful in the classroom, whether for teacher created instructional videos or student led projects. This experience has given me a lot of ideas for how I could incorporate video into my own teaching practice in the future.