Amanda Sinnott, Founder & Private Tutor, hello Edu

Amanda Sinnott has been a prominent figure in online education since 2012, focusing on developing effective student engagement strategies. She has gained recognition as an expert, with many educators, administrators, and students praising her insights on virtual learning environments. Amanda has been invited to speak at numerous events and has conducted professional development training and workshops on various aspects of online education and student engagement. Amanda is also the founder of Hello Edu Tutoring, based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in providing highly personalized student support through remote and in-person services. 

 

“Does AI threaten our jobs? Can students simply cheat with ChatGPT? What lies ahead for education and AI integration?” These are common questions that arise when we think about the future of education as new AI technology comes to light. Instead of succumbing to fear, as educators, we must embrace curiosity and teach students how to utilize AI as a tool for learning rather than a replacement. We possess a rare chance to wholeheartedly embrace AI and foster curiosity in our students, empowering them to harness this transformative technology in remarkable ways.

From my own experience tutoring at Hello Edu during the growing popularity of AI, I have witnessed the extreme interest students have in discovering new ways to utilize these tools. The majority of students I work with have ChatGPT banned on their school-issued laptops, as well as being told by teachers to not use AI for schoolwork. By having AI be “forbidden” it generates even more interest in students to want to use it, and they may not have the proper guidance if it is treated like something negative in relation to learning. I often tell my students that it’s like “a calculator, but for words!” This mindset helps us use it in a way that adds value to our learning and treats it like any other educational resource. 

I have found that ChatGPT enhances the learning experience, positioning itself as a collaborative partner that enriches education in ways, we never thought possible. By blending our own minds with the structured support of AI, we have the exciting opportunity to co-create mesmerizing worlds and captivating characters for vibrant comic books, stories, and writing prompts. These imaginative ventures foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in our students, encouraging their unique expressions and creating learning activities curated to their special interests. 

In our tutoring lessons, AI became an ally in our pursuit of knowledge. We have the ability to create personalized lesson plans that incorporate students’ interests like Stranger Things, Giant Squids, or even their favorite musical artist. This approach transformed learning into an immersive experience, generating endless ideas for interactive activities and games to make even the most challenging topics engaging. The technology, coupled with the relationship between student and educator fosters active participation and deepens the connection between the material and the student’s personal experiences. This collaborative partnership between AI and our tutoring sessions sparked curiosity and empowers our students to embrace learning with enthusiasm.

I’ve discovered an exciting way to engage pre-K students in writing short stories tailored to their experiences and interests. By incorporating their names, personal challenges they have overcome, and even their beloved pets and hobbies into the stories, we create a captivating narrative that speaks directly to their hearts. These special touches foster a strong sense of connection and engagement, while also serving as a powerful tool for students with ADHD, helping them stay focused and actively involved during storytime. Through the harmonious integration of AI and personalization, we create an immersive storytelling experience that sparks imagination and ignites a lifelong love for reading and learning in our young learners.

I believe that it is crucial to embrace the potential of AI and ChatGPT rather than succumb to apprehension or fear. Educators can champion AI as an electrifying force that amplifies human potential, viewing it as a potent ally instead of a threat to our roles. By talking about the proper use of AI tools with our students we can foster an environment where students navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education with confidence, adaptability, and an insatiable thirst for lifelong learning.

As we explore these uncharted territories, we need to remember that we have hardly scratched the surface of using these tools. The realm of AI holds countless untapped possibilities, eagerly awaiting the creative minds of educators and students to unlock its true potential. 

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