Teaching in the Age of AI: Adapting, Innovating, and Safeguarding with Dr. Faryal Shaukat and Dr. Selene Verhofstad

ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

AI's impact on education, ethical use, and collaboration. In this conversation, Dave speaks with Selene Verhofstad and Faryal Shaukat, experienced teachers who recently gave a talk at NSTA about AI in education. They discuss the use of AI in the classroom, the challenges and benefits it presents, and the importance of teaching students about AI and its ethical use. They also touch on the rapid pace of technological change and the need for teachers to stay updated on new tools and platforms. The conversation explores the potential of AI to enhance education while also highlighting the importance of human supervision and critical thinking. The conversation explores the impact of AI on education and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The speakers discuss the competition between different AI technologies and the need for teachers to adapt their teaching methods. They also touch on the potential for AI to assist with goal setting and time management for students. The conversation highlights the importance of communication and collaboration skills in the age of AI and the role of teachers in fostering these skills. The speakers also discuss the need for policies and vetting processes to ensure student privacy and safety when using AI in the classroom. ABOUT SELENE

Dr. Selene Verhofstad is an experienced high school and community college science educator with a passion for creating inclusive learning experiences. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a STEM emphasis from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Selene teaches science methods courses at UHCL, preparing preservice teachers for grades 4-12, and coordinates teacher mentors with instructional coaches in PISD and CCISD. Additionally, she teaches introductory chemistry at San Jacinto Community College and organizes inquiry-based labs for 9th to 12th graders in various science subjects. Her leadership roles include serving as an Academic Decathlon Coach, Science UIL Coach, and former National Honor Society Advisor. Selene has collaborated on action research projects to improve AP enrollment, initiate AP Capstone, and enhance engineering science teaching, which has led to presentations at CAST, NSTA, and NSF NOYCE. Her diverse skill set includes designing online science curricula, conducting professional development, and managing budgets and logistics for educational programs.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drverhofstad/

ABOUT FARYAL

Dr. Faryal Shaukat is an accomplished educator and STEM specialist with extensive experience in curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and workshop facilitation. Holding a Doctorate in STEM Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, she is dedicated to integrating technology and inquiry-based learning in educational settings. Dr. Shaukat has designed and implemented numerous professional development programs, recently leading sessions on AI in Education at NSTA Denver24. In her roles as an AP Biology, AP Research lead educator, and part-time Biology Adjunct at a Community College, she emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. Dr. Shaukat regularly shares her expertise at prominent conferences, contributing valuable insights on STEM integration and AI applications in education.

linkedin.com/in/drfshaukat