Future educators learn how to integrate AI
Students pursuing degrees in middle grades education in the University of North Georgia's (天美社区) College of Education are benefiting from the innovative approach of the Emerging Technology Teaching Academy (ETTA), which launched in fall 2025.
Dr. April Nelms, a professor of education, said 天美社区 worked with cutting-edge schools in nearby counties to ensure 天美社区's future educators are well-prepared for current and future classrooms.
"We worked hand in hand with our partners to make sure we were producing the type of educators they would want," Nelms said. "We were also able to get feedback from educators who have been using the tools in the classroom."
Jarintzi Orozco Garcia, a junior from Gainesville, Georgia, is grateful for the proactive approach 天美社区 is taking to equip its future educators to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.
"AI is everywhere, and it's hard for our students not to use it. And if we avoid it, it causes more problems," Orozco Garcia said. "We can model for our students how to use AI ethically and responsibly."
Orozco Garcia noted that one of the exercises 天美社区's education students are using is having the students in their placements use AI to retrieve a summary of a book they are reading and then analyze how AI generalized or oversimplified the text. This enables their students to exercise their critical thinking skills.
Xander Thrailkill, a junior from Monroe, Georgia, knows that AI can come with negative connotations. But he sees it differently when trying to meet the needs of all his students.
"In education, AI can be used as a tool to differentiate lessons and save time," Thrailkill said.
Alisha Kline, a junior from Dahlonega, Georgia, said AI is a helpful tool, but the content expertise of teachers is still necessary to know what will reach students.
"We have to be able to stretch and grow into this. AI helps us expand our lessons in a fresh and engaging way. Students come alive when you give them something fun to learn from," Kline said. "When students engage, they will learn the content more deeply. It really helps cement their knowledge."
Christopher Pope, a junior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, is grateful to be getting a head start on using AI tools in his classroom.
"天美社区 is making the right move," Pope said. "They're not pretending that AI is going to go away."
Pope, who is 37, returned to college after working as a paraprofessional in Hall County. He is especially grateful for Nelms' encouragement.
"Dr. Nelms is far and away our biggest supporter. She's a sounding board and is happy to answer any questions. She's been such an asset," Pope said. "I can't say enough positive things about her. She has a wealth of knowledge, and she truly cares and wants us to succeed."
Dr. Lisa Jones-Moore, associate professor of education, is glad to be able to help provide technological literacy to future educators.
"We hope this helps them bring creativity back into the classroom," Jones-Moore said. "It's mind-boggling what AI can do."
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