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Empowering Ohio Educators: AI Literacy Training by Ashland University and Ed3

In a significant move for education in Ohio, Ashland University has teamed up with Ed3 to roll out a new suite of AI literacy and professional development courses specifically tailored for K-12 educators. This partnership stands to revolutionize how teachers engage with artificial intelligence in their classrooms, emphasizing a pedagogy-first approach to integrating AI into educational practices.

The collaboration aims to provide Ohio educators with the skills they need to effectively incorporate AI tools into their teaching strategies. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly prevalent in educational settings, this initiative seeks to ensure that educators are not only aware of the technology but are also prepared to use it in ways that enhance student learning outcomes.

The courses offered will blend graduate credit and continuing education units, allowing teachers to build credentials progressively over time. Custom-developed in conjunction with Ed3, a leader in AI education for teachers, these classes are crafted to align with Ohio's AI in Education Coalition Strategy and adhere to established model policy guidelines. This structured approach aims to transfer educators from merely understanding policy to actively applying it in their classrooms, thereby fostering a deeper and more confident integration of AI into their pedagogy.

A New Era of Learning

Dr. James Powell, Executive Director of Professional Learning Services at Ashland University, noted the necessity of this pedagogical shift. He stated, “Most of the time, the approach to AI literacy has been very tool-based, focused on things like helping students edit their writing. The shift to a pedagogy-first mindset is what's most critical right now.”

This innovative program is poised to leverage Ashland University’s extensive network of school districts and educational service centers across Ohio, aiming to reach thousands of educators statewide. With the growing demand for high-quality professional learning in AI education, this partnership's objective is to expand Ashland’s online enrollment and support districts that previously lacked access to such resources.

Vriti Saraf, Founder and CEO of Ed3, echoed Dr. Powell's sentiments by emphasizing the importance of a student-centered approach in AI training. She remarked, “Teachers need AI professional development that starts with their students and their classrooms - not with the technology.” According to her, this partnership is pivotal in equipping educators with the confidence and tools needed to lead effectively in an AI-integrated environment.

Course Availability

The course offerings will officially launch statewide in June 2026, and they will consist of stackable pathways that allow educators to progressively develop their expertise within the realm of AI literacy. Interested educators can find more information or enroll through Ashland University's website, specifically under the professional learning services section.

About Ashland University and Ed3

Ashland University is a well-established mid-sized private institution located in Ashland, Ohio, known for its strong educator preparation programs and partnerships that extend beyond state lines. It offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs designed to meet the needs of all students.

Ed3 is a recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing educators for the age of AI. By focusing on professional learning that prioritizes effective teaching methods, it ensures that technology adoption will enhance, rather than detract from, educational success. Since its inception, Ed3 has facilitated the enrollment of over 20,000 educators in AI courses across the nation, validating its mission to foster a globally aware and pedagogically sound approach to AI education.

In conclusion, the partnership between Ashland University and Ed3 marks a pivotal milestone for K-12 education in Ohio, ensuring that teachers are not only beneficiaries of technology but skilled navigators capable of enriching their students' educational journeys with effective AI integration.