In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Gene Kerns, Chief Academic Officer at Renaissance, to the podcast to explore practical AI literacy tips for educators and families. You’ll also hear Dr. Kerns share research insights and actionable strategies to help students, caregivers, teachers, and school leaders confidently navigate today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape. If you want to better understand how to prepare your school community for the future of artificial intelligence, this episode has you covered!
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Tips for AI Literacy for Educators and Families
- Educators should view AI tools as junior assistants—not replacements.
- Caution and thoughtful integration are key to effective AI use.
- Generative AI can support differentiation and relevance in learning.
- Transparency builds family trust around AI in schools.
SPONSORED BY Renaissance
This episode is sponsored by Renaissance. Renaissance offers a comprehensive package of AI literacy lessons in Nearpod, its interactive instructional platform used by educators nationwide.
These lessons introduce K‒12 students to AI concepts and technology, building a strong foundation for responsible and ethical AI use. Teachers can use these lessons to help students understand what AI is, how it works, explore its potential benefits and risks, and develop critical thinking skills to use AI responsibly.
Explore Nearpod’s AI literacy lessons and resources at nearpod.com/21-century.
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EPISODE RESOURCES
- Learn more about Renaissance’s approach to AI
- Explore Nearpod’s AI literacy lessons and resources
- Follow Renaissance on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
- Connect with Dr. Gene Kerns on LinkedIn
- AI4K12.org (Guidelines for AI education)
- Common Sense Media
- Anthropic (AI research & products)
- Gemini (Chatbot)
- Claude (Chatbot)
- ISTE Standards | The Leader in Edtech Standards
- Beware of metacognitive laziness: Effects of generative artificial intelligence on learning motivation, processes, and performance (article)
- Four strategies for building AI literacy in the classroom (article)
- Keep Educators at the Forefront of Classroom Decisions (Podcast Episode)
- “How to embrace AI without gambling on student outcomes” (Gene referenced Jon Medin’s article)
