Thinking with AI: A Teammate, Tutor, Coach, and Mirror for Deeper Learning

Outline

1.Welcome & Framing (5 minutes)
Quick poll: How are participants currently using AI with students?
Introduce session purpose and Ethan Mollick’s four AI roles.

2. AI as a Thought Partner (10 minutes)
Showcase classroom examples of AI as teammate, coach, tutor, and mirror.
Discuss how these roles foster inquiry, feedback, and reflection.

3. Hands-On Exploration (20 minutes)
Participants experiment with sample AI “Spaces” (prompts and activities designed for students).
Small-group discussions on classroom applications.

4. Student Voice & Reflection (10 minutes)
Share student feedback/examples showing AI’s impact on writing, inquiry, and agency.
Debrief: What risks and opportunities do students see?

5. Collaborative Planning & Gallery Walk (10 minutes)
Groups brainstorm one classroom-ready strategy.
Post ideas, walk through peer strategies, and capture takeaways.

6. Closing & Action Steps (5 minutes)
Provide a takeaway list of three AI Spaces ready to launch tomorrow.
Share resources for continued exploration.

Outcomes

Apply Ethan Mollick’s framework (teammate, coach, tutor, mirror) to design AI-supported learning experiences.

Integrate AI strategies that promote student inquiry, writing, and self-reflection across content areas.

Facilitate responsible AI use that scaffolds independence while maintaining rigor and academic integrity.

Leverage AI to provide personalized, actionable feedback that builds student agency and metacognitive habits.

Adapt classroom-ready “AI Spaces” for whole-class, small-group, or individual learning.

Supporting research

Mollick, E., & Mollick, L. (2023). The Practical Guide to Using AI in the Classroom. University of Pennsylvania.

Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2019). Artificial Intelligence in Education: Promises and Implications for Teaching and Learning. Center for Curriculum Redesign.

Luckin, R. (2018). Machine Learning and Human Intelligence: The Future of Education for the 21st Century. UCL Institute of Education Press.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). ISTE Standards for Students & Educators.

OECD (2021). AI and the Future of Skills. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Reich, J., & Ito, M. (2017). From Good Intentions to Real Outcomes: Equity by Design in Learning Technologies. Digital Media and Learning Research Hub.

Darling-Hammond, L., et al. (2020). The Right to Learn: Supporting Student Agency and Engagement. Learning Policy Institute.

Williamson, B., & Piattoeva, N. (2022). “Education Governance and Datafication: Critical Studies of AI in Schools.” Learning, Media and Technology.

Danielson, C. (2013). The Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument. (Referenced for reflection and feedback cycles in learning).

Fullan, M., & Quinn, J. (2017). Deep Learning: Engage the World, Change the World. Corwin.