Blog - Page 7 of 49 - Spencer Education

May 23 2024

Why AI Can’t Replace Teachers

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, Podcast 4 Comments

For all the hype about AI replacing teachers, the reality is that teachers are irreplaceable. It is a deeply human endeavor. The teachers who can leverage this human element through authentic learning will ultimately prepare students for an unpredictable world forged by AI. Listen to…

May 06 2024

Promoting Academic Integrity in the Age of Generative AI

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, Podcast 7 Comments

We often talk about the need for students to have voice and choice in their learning. We want them to engage in meaningful, productive struggle as they do projects and engage in problem-solving. But where does AI fit into this? In past articles, we've explored…

Apr 30 2024

Using AI to Bridge the Gap from Theory to Practice

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Podcast 2 Comments

It's easy to get dismissive about educational theory. I've heard teachers say "Don't bother with the theory. Just focus on practical strategies." But when done well, theory can provide a roadmap and framework we can use. It can be a nuanced dialogue that cuts to…

Apr 15 2024

How to Prevent AI from Doing All the Thinking

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast 7 Comments

Cognitive atrophy happens any time we lose the ability to engage in a mental process due to inactivity. In a world of Artificial Intelligence, we need to be cognizant of the dangers of cognitive atrophy so that we can continue to engage in curiosity, creativity,…

Apr 09 2024

Grace Hawthorne on How to Make Possibilities Happen

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

In my latest episode, Grace Hawthorne, author of Make Possibilities Happen, shares practical insights into how to spark creativity in students. She has a wealth of knowledge and shares key insights throughout this episode. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d…

Apr 03 2024

Rethinking Information Literacy in an Age of AI

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Literacy, Podcast 2 Comments

Terms like "game-changing" and "disruptive" have become cliche in technology circles. As educators, we've seen the hype of 1:1 devices, paperless classrooms, interactive whiteboards, and a host of different education fads. However, AI feels different. We are living in a cultural moment where generative AI…

Mar 26 2024

Making Time for Project-Based Learning (PBL)

By John Spencer Podcast, Project-Based Learning One Comment

When I was in my second year of teacher, I wanted so badly to implement PBL. This, despite the fact that I didn't know the term "project-based learning." I simply knew that I wanted students to engage in meaningful projects where they learn the content…

Mar 13 2024

What Are the Bay Leaves of Education?

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast 4 Comments

A few years ago, I met a chef and asked him, "So, bay leaves? Do they even have a point? You can't taste them. You have to take them out. They seem to get in the way." He shook his head and said, "Nah, it's…

Feb 19 2024

Deliberate Practice or Deliberate Play?

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast One Comment

Deliberate practice and deliberate skill are two different approaches to developing skills. One is more structured and the other is more connective. One is more targeted and efficient while other other is more connective and holistic. While it's easy to view these as opposing approaches,…

Feb 13 2024

How to Guide Students in Self-Reflection During a Project

By John Spencer Project-Based Learning 2 Comments

I still remember the moment. I was in my second year of doing project-based learning when a student sighed and asked, "Why do we need to stop?" "What do you mean?" I asked. "The learning. The project. Everything. Why do we need stop everything and…