DCPS Students Engaged and Create with AI Tools
SWOOP WORKSHOP
William and Aida Jackson, Certified AI, VR, VRE and
STEAM Educators held a powerful workshop with
the students from the SWOOP Program at University
of North Florida. The University of North Florida
hosted an engaging AI workshop for 25 Swoop students
from across Jacksonville. Welcoming high schoolers
from Duval County Public Schools Raines HS and Ribault HS
to explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence
in Education and Business.
Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5vmKInrykdnbxIRMeXsZc0?si=fZl9oi_pRQuSdTtYYw9Wow
Video
Using their international teaching experiences, the hands-on
session introduced students to leading AI tools, Perplexity,
ChatGPT, PI.ai, and NotebookLM.
Demonstrating how these tools can be leveraged in academics
and business. The Jackson’s, global business owners, leadership
in global speaking at international conferences shared their
journey from classroom educators to international influencers.
Mr. Jackson, a volunteer on the African American History Task
Force and a 30 year educator with DCPS understands that need
for students to participate in professional development sessions.
The students ranging from 9th to 12th grade were
introduced to AI Safety, the value of critical thinking
and creative questioning when using AI. Rather than
simply accepting AI generated answers, participants
learned to treat these tools as partners in the
learning process comparing them with trusted sources,
and iteratively refining their work.
The students learned how to apply AI tools to
business development, ecommerce and even
in financial sectors can use these digital tools.
students demonstrated in projects how they
will be using AI to plan their academic
journeys to graduation, help them select higher
educational options, vocational options in
education, military service and even how AI
can help them move into non-traditional career
opportunities based on their skills, talents,
abilities, strengths and even weaknesses.
A key focus of the workshop was the
importance of proper citation when writing
papers for research and development.
Students explored citing sources for academic
integrity and transparency when working with
Perplexity.com . They practiced using AI to locate
credible references and learned how this habit
strengthens their writing and research skills.
Students understood how AI can help them become
not only successful learners but also critical thinkers
and thought leaders. Students particularly in marginalized,
communities are sometimes challenged with access and
exposure. William and his wife Aida are both people of
color and culture, understanding that students of diverse
backgrounds need more workshops like these.
William a past CTE / STEAM educator at Twin Lakes Academy
Middle regularly taught using immersive technologies and
even allowing students to speak at international conferences
online, using Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite as instructional
tools. Some of their work can be seen here:
Business Card Project – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX7F9YUuFRs
Foot Orthosis Project – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acb4IcYkym4
Dr. Martin Luther King – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRHrziwpgI
What Do Business Cards Do – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vTaUMTPSEQ&t=5s
Designing the Future of Flight – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU7q500O6lM&t=1s
Rance Adams of Channel 4 Talks Broadcasting and Podcasting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KwkMRiKcyg
As one participant noted, “AI doesn’t replace our
thinking, it challenges us to ask better questions
and dig deeper. Learning how to apply LLM is a
game changer for my learning at Ribault High
when school starts back.” Another student from
Raines stated, “AI is a needed tool for me to help
me become not just a great athlete, but sets me
on a path of school success like never before.
Mr. Jackson and his wife need to be teaching this
in all the high school in Jacksonville.”
This workshop marks a step forward in preparing
Jacksonville’s youth for a future where technology
and human comprehension go hand in hand, empowering
them to lead, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly
changing world.
For more information see the web site https://myquesttoteach.com/swoopworkshop
TLAM Podcast with Rance Adams and William Jackson