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Keeping an Eye on AI in Teaching

Keeping an Eye on AI in Teaching

Canterbury’s ongoing commitment to faculty professional development continued when renowned speaker and author Tom Driscoll presented “Building Comfort and Confidence with AI in Education” in Maguire Auditorium.  

The interactive workshop helped faculty gain a deeper understanding of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) works, why it matters, and how to use generative AI to enhance lesson planning, instruction, feedback, and more. “Why are we focusing so much on AI in education right now? It is impacting our world in profound ways,” Tom told his audience. “Educators across the globe are experimenting with AI tools to varied results, and students are using it in unprecedented ways.”   

As the Founder and CEO of EdTechTeacher, Tom works with more than 250 client schools and organizations, specializing in digital learning, civic education, and school leadership. During his talk at Canterbury, he discussed the current gap in education where students are not exactly sure how to use AI but are doing it anyway, and many teachers remain unsure about it as well. The net result is a pressing need to get educators fluent in the technology so they know not only when to use AI but also when it might not make sense. It is an entirely different—and tremendously important—skill set for teachers. 

The good news, Tom said following the workshop, is that Canterbury’s faculty members are well ahead of the game. “I was impressed by how many of the teachers have been using it; by the end of the session, some were even creating AI virtual tutors to complement their class,” he said. “Several instructors approached me afterward and said they have already been working with AI to create a custom experience for students based on the topic being taught and their values as teachers. That is very positive!”   

The faculty was equally excited about the learning opportunity. “Feedback from the AI professional development session was overwhelmingly positive, with teachers appreciating how engaging and practical it was,” said Kelli Darrin P ’26, ’27, Director of Curriculum, Academic Committee Chair, and Mathematics Teacher. “Combining lecture with hands-on exercises kept the energy high and allowed attendees to try out what they learned in real-time. Tom did a great job breaking down complex concepts and explaining things clearly.”

He also emphasized the importance of gaining student perspectives on AI moving forward. “As this continues to evolve, the student voice will be important,” Tom explained. “What do they think? What can they help with? What do they want to know? Student focus groups are powerful tools.”

With his AI lecture in the rearview mirror, Tom is eager to reconnect with Saints faculty to help further refine and advance the use of AI at the School. “I am very much looking forward to working with them and seeing where they take it,” he said. “I have already been in touch with a few of the teachers who are sharing their ideas. These are exciting times!”

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