Professional Development for Educators
Teaching Smarter with AI
Empower your teaching, boost productivity, and make more time for what matters.
In a world where students are already engaging with AI, this course empowers you to integrate this technology in ways that streamline your workload, enrich your lessons, and personalize learning experiences. Through practical tools and ethical frameworks, you’ll explore how AI can make your teaching more efficient and impactful. With a new insight into AI, you’ll have the confidence to help your students navigate an AI-driven future.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This course is designed to equip educators with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its practical applications in education. Based on the latest research and aligned with the UNESCO AI Literacy framework, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to integrate AI meaningfully into your teaching practice, enhancing both efficiency and student learning outcomes.
During the course, educators will explore topics such as AI fundamentals, ethical considerations, and practical tools that can assist with tasks like grading, lesson planning, and personalizing instruction. You will learn how AI can support differentiated instruction and how to introduce AI concepts to your students in an accessible way.
Topics covered in this course include:
- Understanding AI in Education: What it is and what it isn’t
- Ethical AI: Bias, Privacy, and Responsible Use
- AI Tools for Educators: Lesson Planning, Assessment, and Personalized Learning
- Practical Applications for the Classroom: Adaptive Learning Tools, and More
- How to Engage Students in AI Discussions: Introducing AI Concepts at an Age-Appropriate Level
Each module includes hands-on activities, opportunities to interact with AI tools, and practical exercises you can immediately apply to your classroom. You will leave this course with an understanding of how AI works, as well as concrete ways to use it to make your teaching more impactful.
Sam Osia is an AI and machine learning engineer at SickKids Hospital. With degrees in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, Sam is dedicated to equipping teachers with the skills and tools to navigate AI confidently, both for their own professional growth and to better support their students in an evolving digital world.
Marcelo Bacha, a Physics graduate with a PhD in Material Science and Engineering, is an experienced teacher with over 10 years of practice. He follows Paulo Freire's theory, advocating for education that empowers students through critical thinking and cognitive growth. Marcelo has taught various University Engineering courses as well as after-school programs for gifted students.
Meet the Instructors
What will I leave with at the end of this course that I didn't have before?
You will leave with a renewed sense of confidence in your ability to navigate and leverage AI in your professional role. You will receive practical tools and resources, including curated AI tools that are ready to use, case studies of AI use in education, and ethical frameworks to ensure responsible use. This course will provide you with a toolkit to transform your classroom into a space where technology augments your teaching and enhances student engagement.
Am I eligible for this course?
This course is designed for K-12 educators who are eager to learn how to integrate artificial intelligence into their teaching practices to improve efficiency and student engagement.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No prior experience with AI is required. A basic familiarity with digital tools and an open mindset toward learning new technologies are all you need to get started.
The course is 8 hours total completed over four 2-hour sessions.
This course is offered virtually.
Registration is limited, as smaller cohorts allow for individualized attention to each participant.
OFIS members enjoy exclusive rates for this course. Registrants may be eligible for financial assistance through the OFIS Charitable Trust.
November 26, December 3, 10 and 17
5:00 - 7:00 pm
$525.00
*Registrants from OFIS member schools save 20% on fees.