NoRedInk and the Future of AI in Schools
Exploring NoRedInk, ethical challenges, and inspiring AI applications in education and beyond.
This week, we’re diving into tools and topics that show how AI is reshaping education and beyond. From versatile writing tools to ethical challenges and groundbreaking real-world applications, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re looking for classroom solutions, ethical discussions, or must-read articles, I hope this newsletter provides valuable insights and inspiration.
NotebookLM Deep Dive:
AI Tool of the Week: NoRedInk
NoRedInk is a fantastic tool for helping students build their writing and grammar skills. It’s widely used in English classes, but it doesn’t stop there—you can use it in history, science, or any class where students need to communicate clearly through writing.
What makes NoRedInk awesome is how it connects activities to students’ interests, making the work more engaging and personal. Plus, it adapts to their individual needs, giving extra practice where they need it most. Teachers love how it simplifies lessons on tricky topics like sentence structure, essay organization, and grammar while also tracking student progress with easy-to-read reports.
Teacher Tip:
Use NoRedInk to help students prepare for projects or assignments. For example, if your class is writing research papers, you can assign activities to organize ideas or cite sources. It’s a great way to give students focused practice without overwhelming them.
Example:
A history teacher used NoRedInk to help students fine-tune their thesis statements for a DBQ essay. Students loved how the tool walked them through the process step-by-step, and the teacher noticed their arguments became much stronger.
Helpful Tutorials to Get You Started:
Here are some video tutorials to help you and your students start using NoRedInk:
NoRedInk Overview video:
NoRedInk’s Grading Assistant:
Whether you’re teaching essays, research writing, or just polishing up grammar, NoRedInk is a flexible, easy-to-use resource that can make a big difference. Check it out and see how it works for your class!
AI Ethics Corner: Navigating AI's Murky Ethical Waters
The rise of AI in education has unlocked incredible opportunities, but it also comes with complex ethical questions. A recent article from Education Week, “4 Things to Know About AI’s ‘Murky’ Ethics”, highlights key concerns that educators and students should keep in mind:
Can we trust AI-generated content?
AI tools like ChatGPT are helpful for lesson planning or creating resources, but their outputs aren’t always accurate or reliable. Educators need to carefully evaluate the content before using it in the classroom.Will AI impact critical thinking?
There’s a growing worry that students may rely too much on AI, potentially weakening their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Teachers play a crucial role in showing students how to use AI as a tool, not a crutch.What about academic integrity?
With AI making it easier to generate essays or solve problems, issues like plagiarism and authentic learning are becoming even more significant. Clear expectations around AI use can help maintain integrity.Why do we need clear policies?
Without proper guidelines, balancing AI’s benefits with its risks is difficult. Schools should work toward creating thoughtful policies to ensure the ethical and effective use of these tools.
These challenges remind us that technology is only as ethical as its use. Educators have a responsibility to teach students how to think critically about AI and its role in their learning.
AI Reading List: Must-Reads on AI’s Impact
This week’s reading list features three fascinating articles that explore AI’s growing influence in education, healthcare, and ethics.
School Punished Student for AI Misuse, Court Sides with Educators
This article delves into a recent court ruling where a school disciplined a student for improper AI use on an assignment. It highlights the importance of clear guidelines and academic integrity as AI becomes more prevalent in schools.AI Detects Woman's Breast Cancer After Routine Screening Missed It
A moving story about how AI detected breast cancer in a routine screening, saving a woman’s life. This case showcases the life-saving potential of AI in healthcare and the importance of integrating technology with human expertise.How Does OpenAI Imagine K-12 Education?
Explore how OpenAI envisions AI tools like ChatGPT transforming K-12 education. The article discusses a free training course for educators, the concept of prompt engineering, and some of the challenges around accessibility and teacher involvement in tech adoption.
These articles provide valuable insights into the diverse ways AI is shaping our world. Whether you’re an educator, a librarian, or simply curious about AI, they’re well worth the read!
As we continue to explore AI’s role in education and beyond, it’s clear that these tools bring both exciting possibilities and important challenges. We can navigate this evolving landscape by staying informed, sharing resources, and having thoughtful discussions. I hope this week’s tools and articles spark ideas and help you engage with AI in meaningful ways.
Thanks for reading, and see you next week!
BONUS Content:
What could your library do with $500K? Carnegie Corporation of New York has announced a new grant opportunity that will invest $5 million in public libraries to support English language learning and youth programs in U.S. communities.
Learn more about the criteria for selection: https://carnegie.io/3OMoP1a
Complete the eligibility survey by January 10, 2025: https://carnegie.io/3ZK2NCy