AI and Assessment
Episode description
In today's episode Alex interviews three incredible educators on a panel. We chat about a hot topic in the education world at the moment-- AI and assessment. The team discusses their personal and professional backgrounds, roles, and expertise in relation to AI and assessment, with a focus on the need for a shift from traditional teaching methods to more student-centered approaches. They also critiqued external standardized tests and emphasized the importance of developing durable skills that are transferable and relevant in the modern world. The conversation ended with plans for future communication and collaboration, including the possibility of a follow-up session and the inclusion of a creative writing project in the podcast.
Jennifer DeLashmutt has over 25 years of teaching and leadership experience in the United States and Asia. For the last ten years, she has served as an elementary principal and PK-12 Director of Curriculum and Professional Learning in Hong Kong ( HKIS) and Bangkok (ISB). Her background in curriculum, instructional practices, and assessment spans both primary and secondary years. She is devoted to ensuring that all learners are empowered members of their learning communities and they feel safe and valued. Jennifer is a design thinking leader who is future driven and diligently stays curious! She is an educational consultant with Novak Education. In our episode she mentions:
Dr. Shannon Doak is an Edtech and Innovation Leader. Speaker, Author, Lucky Father and husband, #AI Enthusiast, #PoeCreator #CoffeeLover, and #HomeBarista | He is currently the Director of Technology at Nanjing International School. Some helpful links from Shannon are:
This Grade School Offers AI-Only Classes, No Teachers Involved
How a new Arizona school will use AI to teach students in 2-hour models
Walk into many schools today and you'll find a system as outdated as a sundial at NASA - not because educators aren't innovating, but because the system itself needs reimagining. John Nash partners with school leaders to close the gap between where education is and where it needs to be. John doesn’t treat school transformation like making microwave popcorn - push a button and pray. John’s approach is more like brewing the perfect cup of coffee: methodical, intentional, and guaranteed to wake people up. Drawing from 30 years in the trenches of education reform, he shows school leaders how to use design thinking to fundamentally rethink how schools work. As founding director of the University of Kentucky's Laboratory on Design Thinking, he helps transform traditional institutions into dynamic learning environments where students drive their own education. His approach on design thinking and generative AI has caught the attention of everyone from the U.S. State Department, to district superintendents, to international schools. His book "Design Thinking in Schools" (Harvard Education Press) gives leaders a tested blueprint for turning bold ideas into meaningful change.
Host, Alex McMillan is a High School Tech Coach at Shanghai American School, Puxi, with over 15 years of experience in education and a background in commercial photography and advertising. As the co-author of Designing for Understanding, Saigon Artbook, and The AI Guide (with Holly Clark), Alex loves integrating design and technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Having lived in Asia for 18 years, Alex embraces the evolving nature of his role—from technology integration to coaching, from online learning to generative AI—emphasizing the importance of staying flexible in the 21st century. He designs educational materials to help educators teach with generative AI in ways that encourage deep and critical thinking. Check out withTAPE.com for some great AI-related designs you can use immediately.
His passions include digital music, generative AI, photography, drones, and volcano hunting. Alex is also an organizer for the AIFE conference and frequently speaks at events such as 21st Century Learning HK, ISTE, and the Vietnam Tech Conference.
Connect with Alex on BlueSky: @MrAlexEdTech or visit www.AlexMcMillan.co.