Exploring the Future: AI in Education Event Inspires Eastern Oregon Educators

by | Jun 6, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Ai Learning Partnership Event

Eastern Oregon, May 2025 

Educators, innovators, and technology enthusiasts gathered for a transformative day of learning and collaboration at the AI in Education event, a dynamic workshop designed to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the classroom. This impactful event was made possible through a powerful partnership between the Grant County Educational Service District, NCCE (Northwest Council for Computer Education), and Eastern Oregon Regional Educator Network (RES).

A special acknowledgment goes to Mark Habliston, Integrated Liaison at Grant County ESD, whose leadership and vision were instrumental in initiating and planning the event. Grant County ESD played a pivotal role in getting the conversation started and ensuring the event’s success.

The event was thoughtfully facilitated by John Pauls of Jacksonville, Florida, and Randy Hawkins of Boise, Idaho, whose classroom experience, combined expertise and engaging approach helped guide participants through complex topics. Their facilitation created a collaborative environment where educators could explore, question, and build confidence in using AI in their schools. The event offered a comprehensive journey from foundational AI knowledge to hands-on application and resource development.

Building a Foundation in AI

The day began with a warm welcome and an engaging icebreaker that invited participants to reflect on their current feelings about AI through visual metaphors. This set the tone for a thoughtful and inclusive learning environment.

Key highlights from the morning included:

  • AI Literacy and Bias Awareness: Attendees explored how AI works, learned to critically assess AI outputs, and discussed the importance of recognizing bias in AI systems.
  • The History and Future of AI: Through videos and collaborative search activities, participants examined AI’s evolution and its potential trajectory in education and beyond.
  • Prompt Engineering: A deep dive into crafting effective prompts emphasized the importance of clarity, context, and audience. Educators practiced designing prompts tailored to their classroom needs.
  • Teacher Productivity with AI: Participants identified time-consuming tasks and explored how AI tools can streamline lesson planning, grading, and content creation.

The morning wrapped up with a reflection session, where attendees shared their learning and envisioned how AI could enhance their teaching practices.

Innovating with AI in the Classroom

The afternoon shifted focus to practical application and innovation. Participants were encouraged to think like AI pioneers, exploring how to integrate AI tools into their daily workflows. Many educators attending the event were already dabbling in AI tools, experimenting with ways to enhance instruction and streamline their workflows. However, there is a clear and growing demand for structured guidance, ethical frameworks, and leadership input to help navigate this rapidly evolving space. The event provided a space for educators to ask critical questions, share experiences, and begin shaping policies and best practices for responsible AI use in schools.

Key activities included:

  • The Future of Work and School with AI: A collaborative discussion on the skills students will need in an AI-driven world, including adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning.
  • AI as a Productivity Partner: Educators explored a library of productivity prompts, redesigned lessons using AI, and experimented with content creation across various media.
  • Resource Development: The session culminated in the creation of personalized AI resource guides, equipping participants with tools and frameworks to continue their AI journey.

The day concluded with a Q&A session, sharing of additional resources, and a collective reflection on the key takeaways.

A Transformative Experience

Participants described the professional learning as one of the most impactful and eye-opening experiences they’ve had. The sessions not only delivered practical tools and strategies but also fostered deep, meaningful conversations about the future of education. Many administrators left the event reconsidering district policies and implementation strategies for AI integration, recognizing the urgency and potential of this rapidly evolving technology.

Looking Ahead

This event marked a significant step forward in preparing educators to harness the power of AI in meaningful, ethical, and innovative ways. Thanks to the collaboration between Grant County ESD, NCCE, and Eastern Oregon RES, and the leadership of Mark Habliston, Eastern Oregon’s educators are now better equipped to lead the charge in shaping the future of education.

Looking for a partner in your AI journey? Reach out to NCCE at https://ncce.org/contact/.

Skip to content