AI for ELT: Week 2 with Dr. Doris Molero

#education #AI #ELT #aiforteachers #learning #teachertraining In week two of AI for ELT, we will focus on storytelling and the use of AI tools to create stories. Traditional storytelling has long been a part of language learning, and now we will explore how AI can enhance this process. The aim is to make storytelling accessible to everyone, as not all students have the ability to write stories or express their ideas verbally in English. AI tools can empower students to contribute to stories, allowing them to choose characters and plot developments, fostering their creativity and imagination. We will begin with an interactive session where participants can share their favorite stories and characters in the chat area. This exercise will help us connect and understand each other's preferences, setting the stage for our collaborative storytelling journey. Participants have shared a variety of stories that bring them joy, highlighting the importance of personal connections to storytelling. Following the introductions, we will move on to a survey designed to assess participants' experiences with creating, illustrating, and publishing stories. This survey will help us tailor our activities to better fit the group’s needs. The core focus for this week will be on co-creating short stories with AI, rather than solely relying on traditional writing methods. This approach allows us to learn from AI while discovering best practices in storytelling. Throughout the week, we will explore the power of storytelling and reflect on its role in language education. We will work together to create prompts that initiate stories and look at various ways to integrate AI into our storytelling practices. Participants will learn how to design lesson plans and create images to illustrate their stories, culminating in a collaborative book project that incorporates different tools and resources. AI tools such as story generators and illustration platforms will be utilized to enhance the storytelling experience. Participants are encouraged to experiment with various tools, including Red Sea prompts for advanced students, and share their findings with the group. Additionally, we will examine collections of resources that have been compiled since the rise of AI, which include examples of adapted stories like Romeo and Juliet in a modern context. The course emphasizes effective prompting techniques for AI-generated short stories. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to refine their skills in crafting prompts that yield richer storytelling results. This exploration of different AI tools will be key to enhancing creativity and language skills. As we progress, we will also address the use of character AI, emphasizing the importance of teaching students best practices for interacting with these tools. This includes understanding the implications of AI conversations and ensuring that students use these technologies safely and responsibly. The discussion will highlight the need for educators to guide students in exploring AI while maintaining ethical standards. Another important aspect covered this week will be the strategies for effective prompting and creating imagery that aligns with the stories. Participants will learn how to use descriptive language in prompts to generate high-quality images that complement their narratives. This not only enhances the visual aspect of storytelling but also aids in vocabulary development. The collaborative nature of the course will be reinforced through platforms like Padlet, where participants can share their stories, images, and prompts. Feedback and interaction will be encouraged, allowing everyone to learn from each other's experiences. The goal is to create a supportive community where educators can experiment with AI tools and share successful strategies. As we move toward the final project, the focus will shift to compiling stories and illustrations into a cohesive book. Participants will be instructed on how to use tools like Book Creator to publish their collaborative works online. This project will serve as a culmination of their efforts, showcasing their creativity and the integration of AI in storytelling. Throughout the course, there will be opportunities for participants to personalize their stories, making the experience more engaging and relevant to their students. The flexibility of AI tools allows for customization, enabling educators to adapt lessons to suit the interests and backgrounds of their students. Finally, we will discuss the educational benefits of using AI in writing instruction. While AI can generate story content, it also serves as a scaffold for students, providing models and vocabulary that assist them in developing their writing skills. The journey from co-creating stories with AI to independent writing is essential for building confidence and competence in language learning.