The United States Exchange Alumni, through the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), has concluded a four-day training program for educators in Ebonyi State. The project, dubbed “AI for Educators,” aimed to equip teachers with the skills to effectively integrate artificial intelligence into their teaching practices.
The program, held at Hotel Geneza in Abakaliki, brought together educators from across the state, to learn the rudiments of Ai as it applies to teaching, were divided into groups to develop school AI policies.
These policies, presented on the final day of the program, provided a framework for schools to adopt AI-powered teaching methods.
Ibiam Ngozi Esther, a participant, noted that she had previously studied artificial intelligence at the undergraduate level, but the concept was purely theoretical. “This project has opened my eyes to appreciate the many things AI is capable of doing in my subject area and career as a whole,” she said.
Stephen Onyemechi, another participant, praised the “magic school” application, which he said had simplified teaching and added significant value. “The application simply summarized and simplified the art of teaching,” he said.
Udu Elizabeth Obasi, a participant, stated that her teaching methodology would change henceforth. “I will embrace student-centered learning rather than the teacher-centered learning I practiced before,” she said. “As a civic educator, my new knowledge of AI tools will help me create teaching aids for my students.”
Onwe Solomon Chinedu, a participant, said the project had revealed the many possibilities of technology. “I pledge to pass the knowledge down via workshops for fellow teachers,” he said.
Certificates were presented to participants by Project Lead Adanma Odefa, Media Lead Aniekeme Finbarr, and Facilitator Olalekan Adeeko. Odefa assured participants that the training would have a ripple effect and charged them to pass down the knowledge to their fellow teachers and never give up on volunteering.
Olalekan Adeeko, the Project Training Lead, took the participants through a thorough hands-on series of modules.
He also introduced the T.E.A program, another U.S. Government exchange program specifically for teachers that promotes teaching excellence.
Odefa supervised the group presentations after she had trained the participants on developing AI policy for schools.
Oluwafemi Boboye, who led various discussions and group activities, advised participants to embrace the new technology in their teaching and other aspects of life. “Don’t be left behind,” he said.
Chinwe Lilian Nwachukwu, SSA to the Governor on Education and project team member, charged the teachers to take full advantage of the program and pledged to further monitor their activities.
Speaking to newsmen, Media Lead, Aniekeme Finbarr hinted that the Project AI for Educators training in Ebonyi is a pilot program, with plans to expand to other states. He said the initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the education sector in Nigeria, promoting AI-powered teaching methods and improving learning outcomes.
@AI Education For Nigeria
