Troubling the Narrative with Ken Shelton
Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Ken Shelton, a prominent educator and EdTech expert.
Ken shares his journey in education, his concerns about the hype surrounding AI, and his advocacy for a more equitable and inclusive approach to teaching and learning. They emphasize the importance of critical thinking and human oversight in the use of AI in education. Ken also stresses the need for educators to be aware of the biases embedded in AI systems and to use them ethically and responsibly.
Ken's book, The Promises and the Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered the Chat, provides valuable insights for educators seeking to navigate the complexities of AI in their classrooms. Ken shares, “The question I always ask folks is, as you're working your way through the book, please share with me. Indeed, I want to know what most resonates with you. For me, I think the right question is not whether you like it or not. The bigger question is, what components are resonating with you? What is it getting you to think and based upon that, what might it get you to do?"
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Ethics of using AI in education: AI has the potential to be a valuable tool in education, but it's crucial to consider the ethical implications and ensure these systems are used equitably. Ken states, "We need to be looking at the whole picture. It’s like baking a cake. I don't want to just eat the cake. I want to know what ingredients are in it. I want to know what was the process to make it."
Empower educators as decision-makers: Educators need to be empowered to critically evaluate and implement technology effectively. These are highly-educated individuals that are often disempowered by sweeping decisions made at the district level.
We need to keep an eye on educator retention: Fostering educator well-being and a collaborative learning environment is essential for student success.
Throughout the interview, Ken highlights the significance of educator well-being and a community-centered approach to learning. He emphasizes the need to move away from performative solutions and focus on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Ken encourages educators to prioritize their own well-being and to seek collaboration and support from their colleagues.
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
How can educators effectively incorporate AI into their classrooms while addressing ethical concerns and biases?
What role can educators play in promoting educator well-being and fostering a supportive learning environment?
How can educators navigate the challenges of balancing standardized testing requirements with a focus on student-centered learning and personalized instruction?
Our Host
Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.
Our Guests
Ken Shelton
Ken (He/Him/His) is a highly distinguished, multi-award-winning professional and best-selling author in the field of education. He holds a Master’s degree in Education with a specific focus on Educational Technology and New Media Design and Production. His academic background is complemented by over two decades of teaching experience, with a significant part of his career devoted to shaping young minds at the Middle School level. Ken is an esteemed and highly sought-after thought leader in education, particularly in the areas of educational technology, learning experience design, and leadership development. Ken’s expertise also extends to the sphere of policy-making/policy advisement, including being a notable figure on a California State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Education Technology Task Force. A committed advocate for equitable learning opportunities, he regularly imparts knowledge, inspiration, and insights through keynote speeches, personalized consulting, organizational culture/change, school/district transformation, and hands-on workshops. His range of expertise covers an array of topics, including but not limited to, Organizational Leadership, Policy Analysis, Policy Development, School/District Transformation, Inclusive Learning Environments, Antibias/Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Media Literacy, Cultural Intelligence, Design, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and in the emerging technology field of Artificial Intelligence. His most recent impact in the area of AI includes supporting the development of school/district/system policy, advisement, professional development planning, and leading workshops for educators across all levels of responsibility. He is the co-author of a best-selling book on the topic of artificial intelligence titled, “The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered the Chat.”
Ken has garnered many awards within education and educational technology. He has been recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education with two awards. Ken was the proud recipient of the Digital Equity Professional Learning Network Excellence Award in 2018 and the Making IT Happen Award in 2022 due to his extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage, and persistence in improving digital learning opportunities for students. His unyielding dedication to enhancing digital learning opportunities for students led him to be acknowledged as an influencer to follow by EdTech Magazine. In 2024, Ken was awarded the CUE (Computer Using Educators) Platinum Disc Award in recognition of his significant ongoing contributions to the advancement of technology in education and an outstanding career-long commitment to CUE, its affiliates, and its mission. His work has also been recognized with accolades from leading global tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Certified Innovator, and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, signifying his active and influential role in advancing educational technology and digital learning experiences.
Ken’s influence transcends borders. He has been invited to speak at numerous global conferences, international schools, NGOs, and education-related gatherings. His wealth of practical experience, knowledge, and perspectives provide invaluable support to various organizations, including State Departments of Education, Ministries of Education, and non-profits.
Currently, among many things, Ken provides insightful guidance and advisement as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board and Advisory Board for several technological companies, start-ups, and non-profit organizations that focus on education. His responsibilities extend beyond advisory roles to include policy analysis, platform evaluation, and community outreach, alongside aiding in the creation of equitable and inclusive recruitment and retention programs. His endeavors aim to build a more equitable, inclusive future in the world of technology and education. He also serves in an advisory role for several technology companies as they look to develop their Artificial Intelligence platforms in an equitable, accessible, responsible, and impactful way.
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