Event Information
1. Welcome and Overview - Brief overview of the need for critical thinking, reading, and writing in the age of AI. Share connections to ISTE Standards (Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Learner, Designer).
Essential Question: How can we ensure human-centered thinking thrives in AI-rich classrooms?
2. Engagement - Quick digital poll or word cloud on “What critical thinking looks like today.”
Pair-share reflection: “Where do your students show authentic thinking — and where does AI help or hinder?”
3. Mini-Demonstration - Share examples of AI tools used to support (not replace) student reasoning and writing. Incorporate discussion of classroom strategies that prompt questioning, analysis, and synthesis. Introduce a “Critical Thinking Framework” that includes habits like curiosity, evidence-checking, and reflection.
4. Active Engagement - Participate have time to design, share in a gallery walk, and get feedback.
5. Reflection & Closing - Revisit essential question: What does it mean to think critically in the age of AI? Participants share one insight or next step in the chat or aloud (“One thing I’ll try next week…”). Distribute digital toolkit and action plan template for continued application.
Attendees will leave with a classroom-ready action plan and digital toolkit that includes adaptable lesson templates, prompts, and activities designed to cultivate critical thinking, reading, and writing alongside AI use. Each participant will design a mini “Critical Thinking Lab” for their students—an actionable framework integrating human-centered inquiry with responsible AI collaboration.
Warner, John. (2025). More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI
Volgelsinger, B. (2025). Artful AI in Writing Instruction: A Human-Centered Approach to Using Artificial Intelligence in Grades 6–12
Abrams, E. (2025). Teaching Literature with Artificial Intelligence.
Burns, M. (2024). EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI