I found the EDcamp model of inquiry-based learning to be super engaging, memorable, and rewarding. The process of having every class member nominate discussion topics and then vote for their favorites using stickers was genius. I could see this technique being utilized in high school classrooms as a way of making learning more meaningful. For example, this approach could be used when having students choose an array of options for essay topics. Linking this concept back to our discussion with Trevor Mackenzie during week 4, the principles of EDcamp align perfectly with the idea of honoring student agency.

My passion for this week’s activity prompted me to look for an inspiring image to illustrate the experience. I reflected back to one of the recommended websites (The Greats) from week 2 to find this openly licensed image (title: We Make The Stars) by artist Ivonne Navarro which I think visually represents the whole EDcamp event. 

https://thegreats.co/artworks/we-make-the-stars#

During our actual EDcamp conference, I was part of a group with the topic “AI as a therapist.” We discussed numerous questions and concerns regarding the ever-expanding uses of AI and shared many personal anecdotes which were particularly eye-opening. Below you will find a sort of story-board I created using Canva which offers insight into what was shared at my table. 

The most meaningful part of the discussion for me concerned the reasons people would even be driven to use AI as their therapist in the first place. Hearing everyone’s different perspectives helped me truly understand why this might be appealing after all. Here are a few of the ideas my group came up with:

• Teens might think conversations with real therapists are not actually confidential.
  • “Why are they writing things down?”
  • “Will they tell my parents what I’m saying?”
• Therapy is expensive, AI is free.
• There is shame associated with walking away from the counselor’s office.
  • “People will judge me.”
• By talking to a chatbot you can remain anonymous. 
• AI is impartial/unbiased so it can offer better advice.

This conversation served as a good reminder to remain vigilant about everything you put on the internet, including what you type as prompts into ChatGPT for example… because we really have no idea where all this information is going or how securely it is stored. It’s important to keep cyber-security at the front of our minds.