Sharpening Minds with AI: Critical Thinking in Action
- Certificate of completion
- 60 minutes, self-paced
- Access on mobile or laptop
- 1,000+ more courses included
Sharpen critical thinking with AI tools. Help students evaluate sources, detect misinformation, and refine reasoning through debate and problem-solving.
Description
How can artificial intelligence be used to sharpen students’ critical thinking skills? Integrating AI into the classroom can enhance student engagement through debate, argument analysis, and structured problem-solving, fostering logical and evidence-based thinking. Join Lauren Boucher for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we explore how AI tools can guide students in evaluating sources, detecting misinformation, and refining their reasoning skills. You will also discover strategies for implementing AI-powered activities that promote inquiry, skepticism, and logical thinking while aligning with instructional goals. Get ready to unlock AI’s potential in sharpening students’ minds and strengthening their analytical skills! Lauren’s expertise in digital teaching and learning will provide you with practical strategies to help students think critically in the digital age and become more discerning consumers and creators of information.
This is workshop one of four for the series titled “AI Meets the 4Cs: Practical Strategies for K-12 Classrooms.”
Objectives
- Identify key AI tools that support critical thinking in the classroom.
- Explain how AI can enhance students’ ability to evaluate arguments and detect misinformation.
- Implement AI-powered activities that promote logical reasoning and problem-solving.
- Compare the effectiveness of various AI-driven strategies in developing students’ critical thinking.
- Assess student progress in argument analysis and evidence-based reasoning using AI tools.
- Design a lesson plan that incorporates AI to enhance inquiry-based learning and critical thinking.
Key Take Aways
- Discover free AI tools that support argument analysis, misinformation detection, and deep problem-solving.
- Explore AI-driven activities that promote inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and structured classroom debates.
- Learn instructional strategies to help students refine their logical thinking and evaluate digital content critically.
- Gain practical approaches to integrating AI in ways that strengthen students' analytical and decision-making skills.
Workshop Details
While we recommend that you attend all sessions of the workshop series to meet the learning objectives, each workshop can be attended as a standalone. Full members will also have access to view the recordings on demand and earn up to four continuing education credits.
Special Technology Instructions
Attendees will need access to an internet-enabled device and a personal Google account (not affiliated with their school). SimpleK12’s Google Classroom will be utilized for the interactive and hands-on components of this workshop.
Assessment
Participants will have communication and collaboration and opportunities throughout the training to demonstrate their understanding of the workshop objectives and reflect on their learning.
Course Content
- Sharpening Minds with AI: Critical Thinking in Action
Lauren Boucher
Lauren Boucher is a Regional Consultant for Digital Teaching and Learning with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She holds a master's degree in elementary education and boasts a rich teaching background, including third-grade instruction and gifted education at both elementary and middle school levels. Her expertise also extends to serving as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools and she shares her insights through both in-person and online presentations at conferences across the nation.
Specializes In: Digital Teaching & Learning Consultant
Ready to grow?
Unlock new strategies and skills—wherever you are in your teaching journey.
Get started free