Artificial Intelligence (AI) is both an exhilarating and daunting topic to introduce to staff or students. It’s a topic that needs to be experienced not just talked about, so what could be more engaging than an AI Playground. Even the name sets the tone for fun and excitement. I have set up this type of environment to deliver PD for several different audiences and teachers have customized it to make it work for their classroom. To set up an Artificial Intelligence Playground, I created a letter sized poster for each of the AI tools I wanted to introduce. Most of the posters had 2 QR codes on them, one labeled “Learn It” and one labeled “Get It”.

The “Learn It” QR code brings up a video or instruction page introducing the tools and on how to use it. Some of these videos I was able to find while others, I had to create myself, but always the videos were short- around 3 minutes so the we could hold everyone’s interest. The “Get It” QR code brings people to the AI website or app so they can try it out for themselves.

I start the session by giving everyone what I call a “Cover Sheet” with all the AI tools listed, enough room for them to jot down some notes.

Before people start exploring on their own, I cover some basic info about using AI – be sure you don’t share any personal identifiable information and review anything created with AI for bias and inaccuracies. Then I do a super quick overview of each of the tools- just a sentence or two at the most about what each tool does so that people can prioritize which tools they want to check out. Then I let them loose to explore the playground. If you have enough time, it’s meaningful to come back together as a large group at the end and have people share what they discovered and how they see themselves using their favorite tool in the classroom.

Create your own AI Playground by customizing this Canva presentation. If you don’t have a Canva account, sign up for free (and be sure you get verified as an educator so you can use all the great educator tools). Let me know how your AI playground goes!