Thoughts from the first-ever Student AI Convening
Igniting Imagination, Empowering the Future, Building Hope
Dear Friends,
This past Thursday, we witnessed a groundbreaking event that will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. The Student AI Convening, the first of its kind in any county or district in the US, was a resounding success, filled with moments of pure magic and inspiration.
How you start the day is the way the day will go: Student Keynote Address
Imagine this: 600 students gathered in a room, having just been told to get their phones out to scan a QR code at the front of the room. They’re tasked with completing the sentence “A Joyful Future feels ____”.
My teacher heart began to pace quickly as the noise level went up. I had a pang of anxiety, and all the times I lost a class because I tried something different come crashing into my mind. Was this ok? Have we lost this room? We just asked 600 kids who none of us know to take their phones out.
We displayed real-time words they were entering on the screen and the noise started to turn into that positive energy you feel when that weird thing you attempted may actually be working. We entered the prompt, asking ChatGPT to create a story that was one of a joyful future, using the words and ideas from the noisy crowd.
Then something magical happened. As the student speakers began taking turns to read the live-scribing, co-created keynote, the kids’ eyes opened wide with anticipation, and a silence came over the room. The kids (and adults) in the room were completely, and fully engaged with the keynote as it was being read.
The co-created story was a beautiful one (which I’ll paste at the end of this newsletter), and one that the students wanted to build. That was the ask as I worked with Rylee, Zion, and Sophia. That they want to somehow co-create the keynote with everyone in the room. They weren’t about talking about themselves. They were about all their peers in the room. I think there’s a lesson in there somewhere for all of us.
But the magic didn't stop there. Throughout the day, students led 14 breakout sessions, showcasing their unique perspectives, and asking thought-provoking questions that left us all in awe. We can't wait to share the complete videos and highlight reels with you this week, so you can experience the brilliance of these young minds for yourself.
The Moment a Student Speaker Felt Something Different About Herself
One moment, in particular, stood out among the many. When a group of 5th graders approached two of our student keynote speakers, a sophomore and a junior in high school, to express their admiration for their speech and their overall coolness, something extraordinary happened. The junior speaker, Rylee, felt a sensation wash over her that she had never experienced before.
It's a feeling that we, as educators, know well—the reason we pour our hearts and souls into this impossible, yet incredibly rewarding job. It's the feeling that comes with knowing you've made a difference, that you've ignited a spark in a young mind, and that you've played a part in shaping the future.
This Student AI Convening was more than just an event; it was a testament to the transformative power of education and the limitless potential of our students when given the tools and the platform to shine. It was a reminder that, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, we can come together, harness the power of technology, and create something truly extraordinary.
So, as we move forward, I hope we can carry the spirit of this convening with us. Let us continue to empower our students, to nurture their curiosity, and to provide them with the opportunities they need to thrive in a world that is rapidly evolving. Together, we can build a future that is brighter, bolder, and more joyful than we ever thought possible.
Stay tuned for the videos, and until next time, keep dreaming, keep innovating, and keep inspiring.
Student Co-Created Keynote Address:
PROMPT:
We're co-constructing a keynote address for a Student Summit about AI. I'm with a large group of students to address the question "How can AI help us build a joyful future?". Below I've included words, phrases, and ideas from the group of students below. Construct a 3 minute Keynote address to capture these ideas. Write this keynote in the form of a beautiful, hopeful story.
Joyful Exciting Peaceful Hopeful Euphoric Sigma Free innovative Happy Safe Success Fun great Fantastic erm what the sigma Skibidi Creative freaky 😈 Needed Inclusive Fulfilling Beautiful Cool Amazing Reachable Good Freeing Slayyy Achievable collaborative Radical connected Empowering uncertain Awesome Comfortable Close Nice Unbelievable Successful
SPEECH/STORY:
Good morning, everyone! Today, I’m thrilled to share a vision—a vision of a future shaped and brightened by artificial intelligence, a vision painted with the vivid colors of joy, hope, and creativity.
Imagine a world where each morning greets you not just with the sun's rays but with countless possibilities for happiness and success—a world where AI isn't just a tool, but a companion in crafting a life filled with joy and peace.
In this world, a young girl in a small, remote village wakes up with a smile. Why? Because today, like every day, she has the world at her fingertips. Thanks to AI-driven education platforms that are as inclusive as they are innovative, she engages in a learning experience that is tailored just for her—exciting, engaging, and immensely fulfilling. No child is left behind; every child is seen, heard, and empowered.
As the day progresses, a city planner analyzes traffic flow data, his face lit by the soft glow of his monitor. With AI's help, he designs solutions that reduce congestion, minimize pollution, and maximize safety. His city is a peaceful, fun, and breathable space, where community and technology dance in a harmonious ballet of efficiency and happiness.
Across the ocean, a young artist finds her expression through AI-assisted design tools. Her creations are not just beautiful; they are radical, reaching out to touch the essence of her audience's emotions. Here, technology meets art, and together they tell stories of what it means to feel, dream, and be human—stories that are needed, creative, and unbelievably powerful.
As night falls, families gather—not around the warm glow of a fire, but the inviting display of a virtual game that teaches, entertains, and connects. Laughter fills the air, echoing the joy of shared experiences, crafted by AI that understands the value of fun, the importance of being close, and the strength found in being connected.
In each of these stories, AI acts not as a distant, cold machine, but as a catalyst for a future that is not only achievable but is also comfortable, successful, and truly radical. It breaks down barriers, making what once seemed impossible, reachable.
As we stand here today, at the crossroads of the present and this beautiful, AI-driven future, let us choose the path of innovation and inclusivity. Let us embrace the exciting, sometimes uncertain journey towards a world where technology doesn’t just exist to serve us but to enhance our human experience, making every aspect of our lives more fulfilling and joyful.
And in this future, as we harness AI to create, to solve, and to connect, we will find ourselves not just living but thriving in a society that is not only safe and successful but also sincerely beautiful—because we chose to build it together.
Thank you.