Workshop Description

Presented by:  Adam Lockwood, PhD, NCSP, LP. Kent State University. School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how school-based professionals approach communication, documentation, research, intervention planning, and other routine responsibilities.

This two part interactive workshop will provide participants with a practical framework for understanding and using generative AI while maintaining professional judgment, ethical responsibility, data privacy, and high-quality services for students and families.

Participants will explore broadly applicable strategies for communicating effectively with AI tools, improving the usefulness and accuracy of AI-generated materials, evaluating potential risks, and incorporating appropriate safeguards into professional workflows. Through demonstrations, discussion, and hands-on activities, participants will have opportunities to apply these strategies to realistic school-based tasks and consider how AI may support their own roles and settings.

The workshop will take a platform-agnostic approach so that concepts can be applied across commonly available and institutionally approved tools. Content and activities will be adapted for a  multidisciplinary audience based on participant needs, available technology, and local policies.

Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify potential applications of generative AI within school-based professional practice.

2. Apply general strategies for producing, refining, and evaluating AI-generated content across a range of professional tasks.

3. Recognize ethical, privacy, accuracy, equity, and professional-responsibility considerations associated with AI use.

4. Evaluate when and how AI tools may be incorporated into professional workflows while preserving human judgment and accountability.