By: Hailey Fitch, Communications Manager, FlexPoint

On April 6-9, our FlexPoint team is attending, sponsoring, and presenting at the ASU+GSV Summit, the preeminent convening of global leaders across “Pre-K to Gray” education and skills. We’re thrilled to attend this event because their mission aligns with ours - to create a world in which ALL people have equal access to the future.

For 16 years, the conference has boasted world-class speakers like Barack Obama, George Bush, Richard Branson, Reid Hoffman, Matthew McConaughey, Bill Gates, Sam Altman, and more. 

We are excited to have our Senior Director of Curriculum Development, Martin Kelly, speaking on a panel about how to foster critical thinking within students in an era of artificial intelligence (AI) tutors on Monday, April 7, from 3:50-4:30 p.m.

To give you a sneak peek of what to expect at his panel, “Growing Minds in the Age of AI: What is Critical Thinking in the Age of AI Tutors,” I asked him a few compelling questions.

Me: Congratulations on your panel at ASU+GSV Summit. What role does human oversight play in ensuring that AI-driven education supports students’ critical thinking skills?

Marty: Thank you. I am very excited to attend and be part of this panel. While AI can enhance learning experiences, critical thinking skills are nurtured through intentional interactions designed by educators. Teachers play a vital role as guides throughout the process, ensuring accuracy and fairness, addressing potential biases, and upholding ethical standards - all while prioritizing students’ growth. This collaboration between educators and AI creates a balanced and thoughtful learning environment. 

Me: What strategies can educators use to design a curriculum that leverages AI to enhance creativity and adaptability? 

Marty: Some of the strategies educators can use include:

• Creating activities throughout courses that promote iteration on the part of the student. 
• Building in lesson requirements where students must reflect and analyze their work with the help of AI.
• Asking students to solve authentic problems using real-world data.

I will go more in-depth during the panel, but the key is that students shouldn’t simply use AI to get “answers.” Instead, AI should allow them to build upon their knowledge through activities that promote deeper thinking and analysis. 

Me: What are you most excited to discuss during your panel at ASU+GSV Summit? 

Marty: I am most excited to interact with other professionals who are passionate about AI being implemented in a way that enhances student achievement. AI provides a wealth of opportunities for students and their learning, and this panel is a great opportunity to share insights and learn even more ways educators can harness AI to achieve meaningful learning gains. 

Add this panel to your schedule on Monday, April 7 from 3:50-4:30 p.m. to dive even deeper into the topic of critical thinking and AI. Also, visit us at our booth in the Seaport Foyer of the Manchester Hyatt to meet the FlexPoint team and get a quick demo of a PreKindergarten-12th grade digital course. 

To receive up-to-date information during the conference, follow us on LinkedIn. 

About the Author: Hailey Fitch is the Communications Manager for FlexPoint, dedicated to telling the stories of our students, families, and the schools and districts we work with to showcase the positive impact of online learning. When she isn't busy writing, you can find her obsessing over superheroes and planning her next travel adventure.