Moving AI Forward In Education - HoET236
2023 has been a year for playing with AI in education and 2024 needs to be a year where we move forward.
Feedback & Shout Outs
EdCamp New Jersey 2023 will take place on Sat., November 18, 2023. Learn more and register here.
EdTech Thought
Banning Cell Phones in K-12 Schools is Dumb
Cell Phones are Essential Learning Tools
- Cell phones keep students connected, informed, and able to respond to emergencies. They enable access to educational apps, websites, and digital knowledge.
- When used responsibly, cell phones can be powerful learning aids for interactive polling, collaborative research, multimedia projects, and more.
Banning Phones Assumes the Worst in Students
- Prohibiting cell phones shows a lack of trust in students and breeds resentment. It punishes all for the mistakes of a few.
- Students need to learn self-control and responsible technology use. Banning drives phone use underground.
Schools Should Evolve with the Times
- The world is digital now. Students must learn to navigate this landscape. Banning phones does not help.
- Cell phones allow students to participate more actively in class, pursue passions, and connect learning to real-world issues.
Work With Students, Not Against Them
- Set ground rules together for healthy phone use instead of an outright ban.
- Leverage technology to create an engaging, relevant learning experience.
- Partner with students to unlock the academic potential of cell phones.
Featured Content
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, staying ahead of the curve is essential to prepare students for the future. This episode features a captivating conversation with Dr. Robert Zwicki, a seasoned superintendent of schools, Stanley Buchesky, the CEO of Pi-Top, and Dr. Richard Tomko, another accomplished superintendent (Belleville, NJ). Together, they explore the potential of AI in education and discuss its transformative impact.
In this conversation, we discussed:
- The Urgency of Embracing AI
- Unlocking the Power of AI
- Overcoming Resistance and Promoting Innovation
- Predicting the Future
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Richard Tomko
Superintendent of Schools
Richard D. Tomko, Ph.D., M.B.A., M.J.
Dr. Richard Tomko has had numerous administrative responsibilities during his 23-year career in educational administration. He has been a building administrator at the middle and secondary levels and responsible for district-wide curriculum, assessment, innovative program initiatives, technology, and professional development while in central office positions. Prior to his arrival in the Belleville N.J. Public Schools District, Dr. Tomko held the positions of Director of Athletics; Assistant Principal; Principal; Assistant Superintendent; and Superintendent of Schools in several public school districts in multiple counties. He also began to research the achievement gaps between learners and the transition of students from 8th to 9th grade, making changes to programs and personnel to help students be successful in their classes.
Dr. Tomko obtained his principal license and School Administrator certificate after earning his Master's Degree in Educational Administration (M.A.E.), and he has attained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a concentration in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University. Dr. Tomko has also earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from The Johns Hopkins University; a Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) Degree in Children’s Law and Policy from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law; a Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership (CAEL) from Harvard University; a Graduate Certificate in Community and Economic Development from The Pennsylva… Read More
Dr. Robert R Zywicki
Professional Development Coordinator Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices
Dr. Robert R. Zywicki served the New Jersey public schools for two decades in a variety of roles including two tours as PK-12 Superintendent of Schools in both urban and suburban school districts. Increasing graduation rates to over 95%, implementing MTSS for at-risk learners, establishing full-day kindergarten, institutionalizing special education inclusion, increasing access to Advanced Placement, and overseeing $60MM in innovative capital improvements were hallmark accomplishments in Dr. Zywicki’s career. In 2018, Dr. Zywicki was named a District Thought Leader by Future Ready Schools. In 2020, the National School Public Relations Association named Dr. Zywicki a "Superintendent to Watch" for "modeling and leading effective communication technology efforts with both internal and external stakeholders." In 2021, the NJEA presented Dr. Zywicki the “Friend of Education” award for his “extraordinary contributions to education."
Dr. Zywicki was tapped to serve on several state-wide initiatives by the NJDOE, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Advisory Committee (2013-2015), Model Curriculum Committee (2011), NJSLS ELA Standards Review Committee (2015-16), and Computer Science Advisory Committee (2019-2023). In 2020, Dr. Zywicki was a key contributor to Governor Murphy’s COVID19 school reopening plans and the NJDOE’s Road Back health and safety manual. From 2018 until 2023 Dr. Zywicki was the Chair of the NJASA Government Relations Committee and served on the Executive Board of the Seton Hall University School Study Council.Read More
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