Lesson Objectives

• Reflect on the transformative AI developments of 2024

• Understand how educators can position themselves as creators rather than consumers

• Envision the role of AI agents in education for 2025

• Inspire action towards building solutions for social good

Do Now

Before we get started, take a moment to think about where you were at the start of 2024. Were you consuming content or creating it? Were you watching from the sidelines or actively participating in the AI revolution? Let's change that narrative together.

What We’re Reflecting on Today

Today we'll explore the journey from passive observation to active creation, and how 2024's AI developments have set the stage for educators to become innovators in 2025. We'll look at how the democratization of AI tools has made it possible for anyone—yes, even busy educators—to build meaningful solutions.

I Do, We Do, You Do

I Do: Here’s What I Did in 2024

This year marked a pivotal shift in my own journey. In July, I took a No Code x AI bootcamp that transformed my relationship with technology. I went from endless doomscrolling to actively learning and creating. The impact was immediate and profound—suddenly, I wasn't just watching videos about others' innovations; I was building my own solutions.

Tools I used:

• No Code platforms - I started with Bubble. With the innovation of strong AI coding platforms, much of what I was doing on Bubble is pointless now, but creating an MVP on my own was just a stepping stone for me towards embracing other platforms and tools.

• LLMs - I decided to invest in LLM subscriptions and as a trade-off, I canceled my cable. Best decision I ever made. I use both ChatGPT and Claude on a daily basis

• AI images and music - I LOVE Midjourney. Yes, I know there are other open source options that don’t require a subscription and technically have more customization options. I don’t care. I love Midjourney. I generate at minimum 120 images every day. And for AI music, while I am loyal to Udio, Suno really stepped up with its recent update.

• Automation workflows - Make.com and n8n. I love the look of Make and the focus on user experience. I used Make to automate so many processes, with several workflows currently running in the background, managing my email lists and welcome email series. I got into n8n and learned some low-code options to build more complex workflows and AI agents.

• Courses - I took countless courses in the second half of 2024. Everything I learned, I applied immediately to what I am building. The best course I took was the Category Newsletter Creator course because Nicolas Cole has such deep knowledge of how consumers and creators think.

We Do: Let’s Start Building Together Now

There no need to wait until January 1 to set your intentions for the new year. Follow this step-by-step guide to start your creator journey:

1. Audit Your Current Relationship with Technology

   • How much time do you spend consuming vs. creating?

   • What problems in your classroom need solving?

2. Identify Your First Build Project

   • Start small but meaningful

   • Focus on solving a specific pain point in your teaching workflow

3. Connect with Other Creator-Educators

   • Join education technology communities

   • Share your learning journey

   • Collaborate on solutions

4. Embrace the AI Evolution

   • Explore new AI models and capabilities

   • Test AI-powered tools for content creation, grading, and lesson planning

   • Stay informed about AI developments in education

You Do: Your Mini Task for the Week

Now it's your turn! As we close out 2024, choose one teaching challenge you want to solve in 2025. Draft a simple outline of how you might build a solution using AI and automation tools. Remember, you don't need to create the next viral app – focus on solving real problems for your classroom or school community.

Think-Pair-Share

• Think of 3 areas in your teaching practice where AI agents could make a significant impact

• Pair up with a colleague to discuss how you might build solutions together

• Share your ideas and initial plans with our community of educators and connect with other Edumators who are transforming their classrooms with AI and automation.

Exit Ticket

Ready to explore automation and take control of your processes? Join the FREE 30-Day AI & Automation Email Course for Educators to learn how to build solutions tailored to your needs.

Do you know a parent of a student with special needs that wants to learn how to better advocate for their child? Share our SPED Code Advocacy Guide blog with them!

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