TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District hosted teachers from across Central Texas to share information on staying ahead of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom during an AI Literacy Conference Friday (June 6) in Temple.
Nearly 120 educators representing six Central Texas school districts attended the AI Literacy Arcade: Push to Start Conference hosted by Temple ISD’s digital learning department. The conference focused on teachers and the use of AI in the classroom and featured sessions focused on guidance, learning, and innovation in artificial intelligence literacy. Those breakout sessions included ways to breathe life into lessons with AI, empowering student voices with responsible generative AI, an AI starter pack for teachers, and specific sessions highlighting different AI resources and tools available to classroom teachers. The conference also gave those in attendance ideas on proactive ways to incorporate AI instead of reacting to the use of the new technology.
“We are thrilled to bring together educators for the AI Literacy Arcade, offering a unique opportunity to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the classroom,” said Ashley Jones, director of digital learning for Temple schools. “This event is designed to equip teachers with practical strategies, innovative tools, and a deeper understanding of how AI can enhance learning experiences, foster student creativity, and streamline their own work, ultimately shaping the future of education in our community.”
The event also featured a keynote address from Lori Roberts of FriED Technology and vendor booths where educators could learn more about the technology available from companies like MagicSchool, PowerSchool, and Edmentum. Temple ISD has made it a focus to educate its teaching staff on the rapidly evolving technology in AI, and this conference was another platform for the district to share information not only with its own classroom staff, but with a larger audience of educators. Temple ISD also hosted a parent meeting on AI in Education in April. That meeting introduced the district’s AI Framework, Guiding Principles, and Implementation Overview. The meeting also included sessions on student monitoring, AI awareness, content generation, and personal and educational tools available to parents and families.
“Developments with artificial intelligence are happening faster than the average human can keep up with,” said Dr. Renota Rogers, chief academic officer for Temple schools. “It’s exciting that Temple ISD is able to host this conference to equip and empower educators and leaders from across our region. As a district, we are committed to being forward-thinking and leading the way as we prepare our teachers and students to navigate the changes and opportunities that AI brings to the teaching and learning landscape.”
The districts represented at the conference included Temple ISD, Belton ISD, Copperas Cove ISD, Killeen ISD, Troy ISD, and Goldthwaite ISD. The event featured a retro theme based on video games, leading to the AI Literacy Arcade name. Several of the Temple ISD presenters will also participate when Education Service Center Region 12 hosts an AI conference later of its own later this month.