SPARK VIDEO: Bot or Not?: All ELA educators are thinking about the growth of AI and its impact on writing instruction. AI tools can help our students with certain tasks, and they can be a hindrance in others. In this session, I will share a game I play with my students to help them recognize the benefits and drawbacks of AI-generated writing. We call the game "Bot or Not," and it's fast, fun, and easily customized. Participants in this session will learn, laugh, and leave with tools to help students engage in authentic conversations around the things AI writing can and cannot do.
SPARK Rural YA: This spark session will share findings and insights from previous book club discussions with Iowa teachers. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for teachers to sign up for the Spring 2025 iteration of the Reading Rural Book Club. Attendees will walk away with Rural YA Literature titles to share with their students.
SPARK Thought Experiment: I believe students like to go deeper than they think they can with their learning! Therefore, several years ago I began teaching a philosophy unit in my Advanced Placement Language and Composition classes. In this session I will explain how I set up the unit (student-led Socratic seminars), offer a list of philosophical essays, and include a few philosophical thought experiments. There's more than a trolley problem!
We will share our experience delving into the Science of Reading at the secondary level. Participants will experience a structured literacy lesson and leave with resources for rigorous, low prep routines to build reading skills. This is a session for ALL teachers of ALL grade levels. No prior experience necessary!
