Empowering Education

  This coming year’s NJASA TECHSPO ’24 conference schedule is a testament to the burgeoning role of AI in education. It's not just a topic of discussion; it's the heartbeat of the event. Each session, each presentation, seems to echo the sentiment that AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but a present reality shaping the way we teach, learn, and lead in educational settings. As I peruse the conference schedule, certain sessions catch my eye, promising insights into how AI is reshaping education: "AI for Education" - This general session seems like the perfect opener, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in education. "AI Didn’t Generate This, But It Could Have: An AI Toolkit for Educators" - I'm particularly excited about this one. It promises practical tools that educators can immediately integrate into their teaching methodologies. "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Tiered Instruction" - Pers...

  In a recent report by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, a compelling vision for the future of employment in the United States is painted. As a passionate advocate for integrating technology in education, I find these projections both illuminating and validating for our ongoing efforts at iLearn Schools Inc. By 2031, an estimated 72% of jobs in the U.S. will necessitate postsecondary education or training. This shift underscores the increasing complexity of professional roles and the crucial role of continuous learning. As a leader in educational technology, I have always championed the integration of advanced learning tools to prepare our students for this dynamic future. The report further reveals a labor market divided into two distinct realms: the managerial and professional economy, heavily reliant on postsecondary education, and the blue-collar and skilled-trades economy, more accessible to those with high school diplomas. In my career, which sp...

  Addressing the Achievement Gap: The Role of Advanced AI in Education The achievement gap in education, long-standing and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is a critical issue facing our educational systems. This gap is often rooted in foundational disparities in societal opportunities, particularly in literacy and math skills. The absence of these core competencies can significantly hinder a student's success, and the challenge of bridging these gaps later in life is considerable. At this pivotal moment in educational history, the emergence of advanced AI technology presents a unique and powerful opportunity. AI tools offer a practical solution to rapidly and effectively close these skill gaps. For instance, individuals with basic language abilities can use AI to produce well-crafted letters or high-quality documents, bypassing the steep learning curve traditionally associated with acquiring foundational literacy or math skills. These AI tools are more than just technological...

  Bridging Innovation: From Cybertruck to Classrooms Looking at Tesla's Cybertruck, a creation by Elon Musk, it's clear that innovation is reshaping industries, like automotive engineering, in big ways. The Cybertruck isn't just a new kind of vehicle; it's a sign of how far we can push the limits of creativity and engineering. What stands out about the Cybertruck is not just its unique look. It represents a major shift in car manufacturing, moving from the old 12V electrical systems to a newer, more efficient 48V system. This change isn’t just a small step; it’s a big leap. It means less wiring, more efficient production, and new possibilities like wire-based steering. This kind of innovation makes me wonder why traditional car manufacturers are slow to make such big changes. It's about more than just the complexity of supply chains or training staff. It's also about sticking to what's familiar, even if it's outdated. We see the same thing happening in e...

As the CEO of iLearn Schools, my journey with AI, particularly since the advent of ChatGPT and similar products, has been nothing short of transformative. With these technologies shaping the future of education, I embarked on a mission to harness their potential both personally and for our organization. My quest began with self-education about language models and the architecture behind ChatGPT. Twitter (X) proved an invaluable resource, keeping me abreast of updates and practical uses of AI. Following YouTubers who delve into AI advancements daily accelerated my learning curve. Equipped with this newfound knowledge, I decided to apply AI to a specific project – revamping iLearn Schools' Administrative Evaluation System. This process, vital yet time-intensive, involved collecting and analyzing feedback from parents, students, and staff through structured focus groups. First, we utilized ChatGPT to redesign our focus group questionnaire, aligning it with our evaluation standards. Th...

  My journey to becoming the CEO of iLearn Schools Inc. has been a remarkable blend of resilience, learning, and leadership. As an immigrant, I arrived in the United States with dreams and determination. Education was both my passion and my pathway. I pursued higher education rigorously, earning a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. This academic journey wasn't just about degrees; it was about embracing a vision for transformative education. In the early days of my career, I realized the immense potential of technology in enhancing instruction. This realization wasn't just theoretical; it became the backbone of my leadership at iLearn Schools, especially in the dynamic and demanding realm of charter schools. Here, I learned to harness technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for effective and innovative leadership. A defining moment in my leadership journey was navigating the rapid expansion of iLearn Schools. This challenge was a crucible, testing and refining my lead...