This is a repeat of  the PD session run on 2 October 2024

In the last year, there has been a huge interest in the profound potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the realm of Further Education and Training. This presentation will cover the basics of AI, demystifying its core concepts and exploring its real-world applications. We will focus on BingChat, an advanced AI language model through the lens of a FET teacher or tutor. AI can  assist educators, administrators, and students alike, providing personalized support, generating educational content, and promoting engagement. But AI in education is not just about convenience; it's also about the opportunities and challenges it presents to educators. Explore the vast potential for AI to streamline administrative tasks, enhance teaching materials, and adapt learning experiences to individual student needs. We will discuss the challenges and potential threats AI poses to educators in the FET sector, addressing concerns about job displacement and the changing role of teachers/tutors/trainers. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of education where AI and human educators collaborate to create more effective and personalized learning environments. Discover how you can harness the power of AI to elevate your teaching practices and unlock new possibilities in Further Education and Training.

Facilitation: John Heffernan (Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB) and Susan Dunne (Tipperary ETB)

John Heffernan is the Professional Development Co-ordinator for Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB. John's career, prior to teaching was in IT, working for a number of start-up companies. He has taught or worked in education technology for more than twenty years, including two years as a PLC teacher. He has been involved in AI in Education with a number of organisations for a number of years. He is on the executive of CESI (Computers in Education Society of Ireland) which is the Subject Association for Computer Science and technology in education. He was previously TEL coordinator with Tipperary ETB. He was recently awarded one of the ISTE 20 to watch for 2024.

Susan Dunne brings 13 years of experience as an educator in post-primary education, teaching Business, Accountancy, and IT. During her time in post-primary education, she was a coordinator for programs such as LCA, LCVP, TY, and IT. She was part of one of the first schools to achieve recognition as a Microsoft School of Excellence in Ireland.
Over the past five years, Susan ventured into Further Education, where she teaches QQI Level 4 and 5 courses. Within her teaching, she uses OneNote E-portfolio extensively for teaching and assessment purposes. Alongside her practical teaching experience, she holds a postgraduate qualification in Special Educational Needs. Her enthusiasm for technology is constant and she continually explores innovative ways to incorporate it into her teaching practices. 
Throughout her career, she has dedicated time to enhancing her pedagogical skills, delving into various teaching methodologies, including Assessment for Learning and becoming a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) facilitator. Currently, she is actively involved in the development team for the new Leaving Certificate Business Studies course with the NCCA.