The AI of Everything for Teachers: Understanding and Applying AI to Innovate in Education

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025

Time: 4:00 - 6:00 pm HST

Location: Hanahau‘oli School Professional Development Center, located at 1922 Makiki Street, Honolulu, HI 96822

Cost: $60 per person

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming education, offering opportunities to innovate and solve persistent challenges. However, understanding how to use these technologies responsibly and inclusively is crucial for success. In this two hour session, participants will gain an introductory understanding of AI and ML, learn about their applications in education, and discuss the ethical implications of their use. Through hands-on activities, participants will explore building simple applications using ChatGPT and consider how to integrate data responsibly. The session will conclude with a reflection on how inclusivity and ethical considerations shape effective AI solutions in education. Participants are encouraged to bring an application idea and sample materials (e.g., PDFs) they might use to train or fine-tune their AI models. Participants can expect to leave with both practical skills and a deeper understanding of AI's implications in education.

Please note that participants will need access to the ChatGPT platform to follow along with the hands-on training. We strongly recommend that participants have access to ChatGPT 4o (subscription required). Participants may also use the free version of ChatGPT, however the instructor will demonstrate all applications using Chat GPT 4o.

This learning session is facilitated by Forward Equity Lab in collaboration with the DESCARTES NSF AI Research traineeship at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Engineering.

The DESCARTES (Data in Engineering and Society Converging Applications, Research, and Training Enhancements for Students) NSF AI Research Traineeship provides a transformative interdisciplinary approach to AI and data science education and research. The program empowers students with the tools to address pressing societal challenges in Hawai'i, such as decarbonization, healthcare, and communication networks, while emphasizing equity and inclusion. To learn more about the DESCARTES program, visit descartes.manoa.hawaii.edu.

Workshop Objectives:

This session aims to:
1. Introduce foundational concepts of AI and ML, highlighting their potential and limitations.
2. Explore ethical considerations and the importance of data integrity in AI applications.
3. Provide hands-on experience with ChatGPT to build basic AI-driven tools.
4. Reflect on inclusivity and critical thinking in AI use, particularly in crafting prompts and evaluating outputs.

By the end of the session, participants will:
1. Understand basic AI and ML concepts and their application to educational challenges.
2. Recognize the ethical considerations and importance of data integrity in AI use.
3. Begin using conceptualizing chatGPT tailored to their practice.
4. Appreciate the role of inclusivity and critical thinking in AI-driven solutions.

Workshop Agenda:

Introduction (10 minutes)
- Welcome participants and outline session goals.
- Discuss the transformative role of AI and ML in education and innovation.

Understanding AI (20 minutes)
- Explain foundational concepts of AI and ML with practical examples in education
- Explore the capabilities, limitations, and challenges of AI, including in-context learning and the role of training data
- Crafting effective prompts in ChatGPT

Ethics and Data Integrity in AI (20 minutes)
- Discuss the importance of ethical considerations, such as biases in AI models and their implications for equity
- Highlight the significance of data integrity and offer tips for selecting and preparing training data responsibly.

Hands-On Application Building (30 minutes)
- Guide participants in building basic AI-driven solutions using ChatGPT.
- Encourage participants to explore their application ideas and discuss potential uses of their data or materials.

Inclusivity and Reflection (10 minutes)
- Reflect on the importance of crafting inclusive prompts and critically evaluating AI outputs.
- Discuss the implications of using AI responsibly to foster equity and innovation.

Wrap-Up and Next Steps
- Share key takeaways and resources for continued learning.
- Encourage participants to refine their ideas and consider ethical implications in their AI projects.

Intended Workshop Participants:

K-12 educators and school administrators seeking to leverage AI and machine learning to address problems of practice, enhance innovation, and engage ethically with these technologies.

About the Facilitators:

Dr. London Thompson is a distinguished educational leader and Fulbright Specialist Grantee recognized for his expertise in curriculum development, faculty training, institutional planning, and data-driven decision-making. With a profound commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through inclusive and culturally relevant approaches, Dr. Thompson is currently serving as a Program Coordinator for the DESCARTES NSF program at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa College of Engineering, where he integrates data science principles to advance interdisciplinary research and education.

In 2024, Dr. Thompson was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Grant, under which he consults various academic institutions abroad, leading initiatives in curriculum reform and faculty training. Additionally, Dr. Thompson contributes as an ORIC Fellow at the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS). This initiative focuses on developing strategies that address societal challenges through academic research, often leveraging data analytics to measure and enhance impact.

His influence extends to Howard University, where he has served as a Subject Matter Expert at the HBCU Humanities + Science Early Career Faculty Institute, advancing the integration of humanities with the sciences in HBCU curricula through the application of data-informed methodologies.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Forward Equity Lab, Dr. Thompson leads efforts to create inclusive educational environments and professional development programs, employing data science to identify and address systemic disparities in education. He also teaches courses on creativity, innovation, and intrapreneurship as an Adjunct Faculty Fellow at Purdue University Global, emphasizing the social implications of educational leadership and the role of analytics in driving innovation.

Dr. Thompson invites connections from those interested in innovative educational practices, diversity and inclusion in STEM, or collaborative opportunities in higher education. His career, spanning over a decade, demonstrates a steadfast dedication to developing initiatives that foster inclusive, data-informed academic and professional environments.

Christopher Manloloyo is an experienced software and electronics professional with over 14 years in the fields of software, website, mobile development, and gaming. He is currently a trainee at the DESCARTES NSF AI Research and Traineeship at the College of Engineering, focusing on in-context learning using Transformers. His academic contributions are notable, having lectured over 190 credits at the University of Hawaii in a range of subjects including Programming for Engineers, Object-Oriented Programming, Basic Circuits I and II, and Introduction to Digital Logic Design. His role extended beyond teaching, as he also assembled and instructed these comprehensive curriculums, showcasing his expertise and commitment to education.

In the cryptocurrency sector, Christopher has emerged as a recognized expert with significant contributions to key blockchain platforms like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and Polkadot. He is deeply engaged with the Cardano Blockchain, managing his own stake pool and having completed the Plutus Pioneer course to enhance his skills in smart contract development. Christopher collaborates with multiple startups to develop infrastructure that includes web development, smart contracts, and stake pools. He actively contributes to building decentralized applications (DApps) within the Cardano ecosystem, driven by a passion for leveraging blockchain technology to foster community and innovation.

Currently, Christopher is pursuing a PhD at the University of Hawaii, exploring the transformative potential of AI across various sectors including decarbonization, healthcare, and social sciences. His research aims to bridge technological advances with critical global challenges, underscoring his dual commitment to technical innovation and societal well-being. Through his work and research, Christopher is dedicated to creating more opportunities for local developers and software engineers, particularly in the dynamic and evolving crypto space.