Learnings from LTAG - Dr Walter Barbieri
The Learning and Teaching Advancement Grant (LTAG) scheme supports innovation and leadership in learning ad teaching. This month, Adelaide Education Academy member, Dr Walter Barbieri (School of Education) shares his experiences of delivering workshops on the innovative use of AI as part of his LTA Grant.
I utilised the LTAG Grant to attend and present at two significant international conferences in Europe: IAFOR in Paris and ISYDE in Pavia Milan. During these events, I delivered workshops on the innovative use of AI in education, particularly focusing on the use of ChatGPT as a crisis management tool for pre-service teachers during school placements. These presentations were integrated with interactive sessions and Q&A, allowing for in-depth discussions and feedback on the subject.
What was the impact of your experience?
The insights gained from these conferences have led to a refinement in pedagogical strategies within our courses. Incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT has enhanced the decision-making capabilities of pre-service teachers, offering them immediate, personalised feedback during critical moments. This has directly improved their preparedness for real-world classroom challenges and has influenced other faculty members to explore similar integrations in their teaching methodologies.
One thing that surprised me in undertaking this activity was…
The breadth of interest and applicability of AI in various educational contexts beyond initial teacher training.
The keen interest from international educators in our methods has highlighted the global relevance of our work and opened up new avenues for collaboration and research.Walter Barbieri
What is your key learning from this activity?
One key learning was the importance of real-time feedback mechanisms, like those provided by AI, in enhancing the training and resilience of pre-service teachers. This real-time support appears crucial in managing crises effectively, fostering a reflective and adaptable teaching approach.
How could colleagues use your learnings in their practice?
Colleagues could integrate similar AI tools within their curriculums to simulate complex educational scenarios, thereby providing pre-service teachers or even experienced educators with safe, controlled environments to hone their problem-solving skills. This could be particularly beneficial in courses focusing on classroom management, special education, and mentorship programs.
How do you plan on building upon the results of your activity?
I plan to continue collaborating with both local and international educational institutions to refine these AI-driven pedagogical tools, aiming to standardise such training aids across teacher education programs. Additionally, ongoing research will aim to quantitatively measure the impact of these tools on teacher efficacy and student outcomes.
How can people learn more about your activity?
Interested parties can join the AI Community of Practice where I (and other colleagues) share detailed case studies and ongoing research findings. Publications from these conferences and future papers will also be accessible through our university’s digital repository.