The Crucial Triad in the Era of AI Disruption: Identity, Authenticity and Sharing
In my last article, I referred to an AI-driven labyrinth and the navigation of this maze of disruption continues to cause all manner of problems for educators. This article focuses on the significant roles of Identity, Authenticity and Sharing in how we participate and contribute.
This article is not intended to suggest that my lived experience or that of any other teacher, offers a better insight than any teacher with less experience or those who do not ply their trade in classrooms. The intention here is to highlight how these shape my views and rightly so. In doing so, I encourage others to do the same from their perspectives and lived experiences.
My Journey: Identity Forged in the Crucible of Experience
As an educator, my identity has been moulded and shaped by the rich tapestry of my experiences spanning over two decades. Whether working in different countries with students from varied socio-economic backgrounds or integrating technology into learning with teachers and students, each interaction, each moment of discovery, has been a thread woven into the fabric of my educational identity.
I am a strong advocate for transformation, pushing boundaries, and empowering both teachers and students. My belief in schools as integral parts of broader communities, a commitment to harnessing the power of technology, a passion for the power of digital tools to change the fundamentals of teaching and learning has steered me towards exploring and championing the potential of AI in education. I carry this identity into my work in a high school every day, where I continually observe and engage with the opportunities and challenges AI presents. I, also, wear these badges openly and proudly on my social media interactions.
Authenticity: An Anchor Amidst Disruption
Navigating the AI-driven labyrinth of the current era of disruption, authenticity serves as our compass. This value has become more critical than ever as we tackle the 'unknown nows and futures' in education. We're in an epoch where classrooms are extending beyond physical spaces, and learning is being delivered through hybrid models (although not nearly enough). In these changing tides, authenticity provides stability.
From my vantage point, having engaged in extensive research on integrating technology in education, it is clear that authenticity is pivotal in determining pedagogy that best harnesses the power of technology. Authenticity requires an honest appraisal of our educational philosophies, strategies, and goals. It demands that we question, adapt, and innovate with integrity.
However, in the current mix, there are individuals and entities whose sails are not set by a compass of authenticity. They are motivated by profit, masquerade as experts, and their contribution often clutters the discourse, offering little genuine insight or assistance to educators. It is imperative to remain discerning and critical to navigate through these distractions and maintain an authentic course.
Sharing: Weaving a Rich Tapestry of Collective Experience
In my current role in a high school, every day offers new observations about AI's disruptive influence. Sharing these insights and hearing from other educators about their experiences forms a dynamic dialogue that enriches our collective understanding of AI's potential in education.
From digital education novices to experienced pioneers, everyone has a unique piece to contribute to decipher the labyrinth. I've found that there are educators across the spectrum embracing AI's potential and confronting its challenges head-on, each one navigating the labyrinth of disruption from their unique perspective. There are also some educators dabbling, experimenting and unsure. Likewise, there are those who are reluctant, fearful, negative as well as some who are still unaware. Sharing these insights shapes a diverse, rich culture of collective wisdom that is invaluable for progress in digital education.
A Cautionary Note: Beware of False Prophets
As we journey through the era of disruption, however, a note of caution is warranted. In a time of rapid change, it's easy for the lines between expertise and opportunism to blur. We must remain vigilant against those who exploit the situation for personal gain, who wear the veneer of expertise while offering little substantive value.
Such individuals and entities can clutter the educational discourse, diverting attention away from genuine advancement in digital education. They might sell the latest approach or the most 'innovative' tool, but their primary interest lies in profit, not progress.
As educators, we must be discerning, critically evaluating the authenticity of those we engage with and the information we consume. Only then can we ensure that our decisions and actions contribute positively to the trajectory of AI integration in education.
Epilogue: The Triad Shaping the Future
As we continue to navigate the era of disruption, the triad of identity, authenticity, and sharing will be instrumental in shaping education's future. My identity, forged through years of diverse experiences, informs my approach to AI in education. Authenticity, anchored in genuine interest and intent, helps navigate the challenging path ahead. Finally, the culture of sharing fosters a collective wisdom to enlighten the journey. These three pillars not only help us shape the unknowns in education but also guide us to a future where AI and education harmoniously coexist, creating a dynamic, engaging, and truly transformative learning environment.
