Introduction
At ACP, we're usually writing blog posts to offer free ideas, strategies, tips, and resources to support teachers in their work- just like our blog post from last week. However, we are excited to share a new development that has been in the works behind the scenes, and we are both nervous and thrilled to do so.
An Idea That Inspired Me
In early February 2023, I published a blog post highlighting the great potential of pairing PBL and ChatGPT. I was excited about this possibility, but I recognized that using ChatGPT to build a project was complex and time-consuming. I realized I was becoming a “prompt engineer,” a term not yet widely used.
Although I loved the projects I created using ChatGPT, I realized that artificial intelligence will never replace human reasoning, judgment, and imagination. My expertise in project-based learning helped make that happen. I still had to make choices and develop ideas personalized to my students that ChatGPT couldn’t know. Ultimately, ChatGPT was only a tool to make my life a little easier. Instead of focusing on artificial intelligence, I believe we should strive for augmented intelligence. Augmented intelligence utilizes technology like AI to enhance human capabilities and aid decision-making processes, ultimately amplifying human creativity. ChatGPT is a helpful tool in this regard, which can help in education, but one needs to invest time and effort to use it effectively.
Instead of focusing on artificial intelligence, we should strive for augmented intelligence. Augmented intelligence utilizes technology like AI to enhance human capabilities and aid decision-making processes, ultimately amplifying human creativity.
I was concerned that teachers with numerous responsibilities would not have the time to use ChatGPT to generate projects. I noticed that more AI-based lesson planning platforms, such as Co-Pilot and Magic School, were becoming popular. Although I found them helpful, they did not generate the projects I desired because they relied solely on AI instead of augmented intelligence. As a result, I kept thinking that I needed to create my own platform. Eventually, I did just that.
ACP’s Project Builder
In May 2023, I hired a computer programmer to help ACP develop a platform for teachers that would enable them to enter relevant information and create projects based on their choices. I see this program as an artist’s brush, assisting teachers in painting their canvas to create something meaningful and beautiful for their students.
I see this program as an artist’s brush, assisting teachers in painting their canvas to create something meaningful and beautiful for their students.
It took much time and effort to develop suitable prompts and make the program user-friendly. My computer programmer was fantastic at bringing my ideas to life. However, it was a significant financial risk. Employing a programmer is pricey, and I was taking money out of my own pocket for this dream. Meanwhile, my colleagues and friends were nervous about the investment. For example, my colleague Kristy at ACP is often one of my biggest supporters and thought partners, but this project had her on edge. She wasn’t sure it would pay off.
When I finally had a version I could show Kristy, she gave me the most significant vote of confidence. She confessed, “Alicia, to be honest, I kept thinking all along that it was a huge investment, and what if it isn’t that different? But it really is. Like I said, I’m sold. There’s nothing else like it, and it’s going to be so helpful to teachers!” Kristy recommended that we demonstrate the tool to others rather than simply telling them about it. Therefore, we created a video to showcase the platform’s features and capabilities.
How to Access ACP’s Project Builder
I strongly support the idea of augmented intelligence, which is why we've made a strategic decision as a company regarding the availability of ACP's Project Builder. The tool's effectiveness depends on the end-user's proficiency, so we are not offering it for individual purchase as of yet. Instead, we are focusing on creating a more comprehensive learning environment.
To achieve this, we are organizing online and in-person workshops designed for individuals, schools, and districts. Our workshops will tap into human creativity and insight to educate participants on project-based learning and our platform’s intricacies. This will enable the development of projects that are executed with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
However, we recognize that there is often a significant challenge in the post-workshop phase - the implementation of projects. Teachers often need help planning the day-to-day tasks required to bring their ideas to fruition and can not get to that in a regular PBL workshop. This gap often results in many innovative project ideas being shelved alongside other unimplemented plans and becomes just another workshop they attended.
To address this issue, our new workshop will provide educators with the tools and practical skills necessary to see their projects through from conception to completion by using our platform to design higher-quality projects faster. This approach will ensure that valuable ideas are not just concepts but are transformed into impactful educational experiences.
We are excited to announce our first workshop, and we look forward to working with educators to enhance their teaching practices and create more meaningful educational experiences for their students. For more information and future dates, please visit the link provided HERE.
If you cannot attend virtually on the day but are interested in a workshop for your school or district, please contact us. We'd be delighted to work directly with you!
Conclusion
Join ACP in one of our workshops and discover how our Project Builder can enhance your project-based teaching experience with the help of augmented intelligence. Our community offers a rich pool of ideas, strategies, and resources to help you create innovative and impactful teaching experiences. Let's embark on this journey together and create a brighter educational future for all!