Spark Joy in PD with Edge•U AI Microcredentials

Outline

Presentation Outline: Sparking Joy in PD

This poster session utilizes the Edge•U 4-Step Learning Loop to guide participants through a personalized professional development experience.

I. The PD Reality & The Microcredential Solution (15 Minutes)
Content: We will address common professional development "pain points," such as the "Time Crunch" and "Sit and Get" nature of traditional training.

Engagement: Attendees will participate in a "Pain Point Polling" activity, using their devices to select which PD barriers (e.g., irrelevant content or lack of implementation time) impact them most.

Process: Peer-to-peer discussion based on poll results to validate shared experiences.

II. Exploring the Learning Loop & ISTE Alignment (20 Minutes)
Content: Detailed walkthrough of the 4-Step Learning Loop: Choose (meeting classroom needs), Learn (self-paced exploration), Implement (direct classroom impact), and Earn (contact hours or graduate credit).

Engagement: "Badge Matchmaker" activity. Participants will use a QR code to access the Edge•U dashboard and filter 300+ badges by ISTE Educator Standards (e.g., Learner, Leader, Designer) to find a microcredential that fits their current role.

Process: Device-based activity where participants browse "Curated Collections" like AI in Education or Accessibility.

III. Deep Dive: AI & Evidence-Based Impact (15 Minutes)
Content: Showcasing specific AI microcredentials like AI Adept, AI Engineer, and Gemini Genie, and explaining the evidence-based review process that provides feedback within 1–3 business days.

Engagement: "Evidence Brainstorm." Participants will work in small groups to identify what "evidence of implementation" looks like for a specific AI tool in their unique grade level.

Process: Peer interaction focused on practical classroom application and the "redo" culture of coaching support.

IV. Action Plan & Incentives (10 Minutes)
Content: Explaining the point-to-hour conversion (4 points = 1 hour) and the partnership with Ashland University for graduate credit.

Engagement: "Credit Calculator" challenge. Participants determine how many badges they need to reach their specific certification or salary advancement goals.

Process: Q&A session focused on the logistics of implementing microcredentials at the district or individual level.

Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to:Design a personalized professional development plan using the four-step learning loop: Choose, Learn, Implement, and Earn.Identify specific microcredentials—such as AI Adept or Accessibility—that align with ISTE Educator Standards to bridge implementation gaps.Convert earned badge points into tangible rewards, including contact hours or graduate credits.

Supporting research

The following resources support the shift toward competency-based microcredentials, the integration of AI in education, and the need for evidence-based professional development:

ISTE Educator Standards : The foundational framework for the Edge•U badges, ensuring learning aligns with recognized standards for learners, leaders, and designers.

Kappan Online (2023 Article) : Highlights the necessity for timely professional learning that integrates into instructional practices without causing teacher burnout.

Forward Edge: Restart Recharge Podcast : Specifically Season 4, Episode 6, which discusses the practical application of AI in teaching and learning.

Ashland University Partnership Documentation : Validates the academic rigor of the microcredentialing process by allowing the conversion of points into graduate credits.

ISTE Seal of Alignment (2025–2027) : Documentation confirming that Edge•U meets the high-quality instructional standards required by the International Society for Technology in Education.

Edge•U Badge Submission Guidelines : Outlines the evidence-based requirements for demonstrating competency rather than just attendance.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework : Core principles used in the "Advancing Education Through Accessibility" badge to ensure inclusive learning environments.

Generative AI for Educators (Google Course Reference) : Supporting documentation for the "AI Adept" and "AI Engineer" badges focused on streamlining lesson planning and content creation.

MagicSchool AI Documentation : External platform integration that supports teacher efficiency in classroom management and lesson design.

2024-2025 Classroom Impact Data : Internal data documenting over 15,000 badges earned and 5,200+ contact hours, demonstrating the scale and efficacy of the microcredentialing model.