“Using Artificial Intelligence to Strengthen Student Research: Building Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Responsible Digital Citizenship”

Artificial Intelligence is quickly changing how students ask questions, gather information, and share what they learn. This Spark Talk will explore how AI can be used as a powerful research partner to strengthen student thinking rather than replace it. Participants will learn how AI tools can support students in developing research questions, organizing sources, summarizing complex information, analyzing data, and preparing presentations. The session will also highlight the importance of responsible AI use, including academic honesty, source evaluation, citation practices, bias awareness, and digital citizenship. Through practical examples, educators will consider how to guide students in using AI to deepen curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. This talk is designed to help teachers move beyond fear of AI and toward meaningful classroom strategies that prepare students to research, think, and communicate responsibly in a technology-rich world.