Franklin High School’s Foray into the Future

From pen and paper, to computers and iPads, to Artificial Intelligence and EdTech, technology has significantly changed throughout the course of educational history. 

Blair King, the principal of Franklin High School, recently attended the Future of Educational Technology Conference (FETC), a four day event in Orlando, Florida. He returned to work with a head full of information and ideas, palpably excited and inspired. 

One of the main focuses of FETC this year was Artificial Intelligence, or AI. This is currently a controversial topic in education as usage of AI becomes more prevalent and accepted. Before the conference, King was excited about technology in education but wary of AI. 

“Anytime something new comes out, everybody’s afraid it’s going to take over. But as teachers, we’re told to have a toolbox.” King explains.

However, as FETC taught him the possibilities of new tech, “the fear of it went away a little bit… I like seeing the avenues of how it can help us.” 

At FETC, King learned about Merge Cubes, which use 3D and AR technology to bring concepts to life. One session showed a human heart displayed on the Merge Cube which could be digitally moved and examined. 

“To me, that’s going to resonate more … than just reading a book about the human heart,” says King.

Another program King saw was composed of a smart board, microphone, and headphones that translate lessons in real time. A teacher in the Bronx uses this technology to translate her lesson into six different languages at once.

In a powerful demonstration of the capability of AI, FETC included a drone light show created by a group of students.

“There were 500 drones in the air controlled by [the] seven students that coded this,” King illustrates. These students used AI to help them code the complex program, with the guidance of their teacher.

King feels that not teaching kids about the changing digital world puts them at a disadvantage. 

“AI won’t replace people, but people that use it will replace those who don’t,” explains King.

King emphasizes responsible AI usage, like using Chat GPT Study Mode. 

“Say we’re in another hurricane, and you don’t have that ability to come to school and get help, you can log into [Chat GPT Study Mode] and tell it what you’re struggling with, and it starts helping you without giving you the answer.”

He’s found programs that can also turn complex lessons into manageable podcasts, and even make it sound like the hosts are gossiping about the topic. 

“It’s silly, but at the same time, how many kids would be more interested in that? Not for the actual content, but as a follow up to help reinforce.”

He explains that AI needs to be ethically taught. Part of this ethical teaching involves assisting students in avoiding overreliance on these tools. It’s the same as teaching regular responsibility, King explains. “I have a right to kick a rattlesnake, but that doesn’t mean I should.”

While King embraces these new technologies, he is also careful to indicate that relational teaching should never be replaced. “That also means as a student, don’t expect AI to learn for you. It may help you with that assignment, but come test time, it’s going to show.”

One of Mr. King’s biggest takeaways was realizing the immense potential of technology that Franklin High School has access to but is still in the process of investigating.

One program that FHS teachers are exploring is Brisk, which can adapt lesson plans for EL, EC, and IEP students. The application can help with leveling lessons for diverse learners and assisting teachers with assessment strategies. 

King envisions a near future where workshops and professional development will be available to teachers to better prepare them for teaching in this “Brave New World.”

Ultimately, King’s goal for Franklin High School in relation to AI and technology usage is to teach students responsibility to prepare them for the changing world.

“We want to see you grow, not have the most perfect ACT score in the country. We want to see the growth in each kid and the lightbulb moments. You can’t replace that with technology, but you can build on that.”

As we consider how the wheel of educational history turns, it’s clear that these new technological tools will play a prominent role in the development of classroom instruction. And that’s worth “chatting” about!