AI Tools for Teaching, Learning & Assessment: Mastering Magic School and Brisk, Renfrow, Spring 2025

Course Number:	EDU 5710 S02
Instructor:	Clarena Renfrow, M.Ed.
Location:	Online
Dates and Times:	January 25– April 27, 2025. January 25 at 10 am using Zoom. Other video meeting times will be agreed upon with the class
Credits:	3 Credits
Tuition:	$1,195

Course Description

This 3-credit graduate course provides an in-depth exploration of AI-driven platforms—Magic School, and Brisk (free versions available)—designed to revolutionize teaching, learning, and assessment. Participants will learn how to leverage these powerful tools to create learning experiences, streamline assessments, and enhance student engagement. The course combines theoretical understanding with practical application, equipping educators with the skills to effectively integrate AI into their instructional practices.

Audience: All Educators with an earned bachelor’s degree

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals:

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Navigate and utilize the core features of Magic School, and Brisk.
Design and implement learning activities and assessments using these AI tools.
Analyze and interpret data generated by these platforms to inform instructional decisions.
Develop comprehensive lesson plans and instructional units that integrate AI tools to enhance teaching and learning.
Address ethical and practical challenges associated with AI in education.

Course Objectives: ISTE Standards for Educators:

ISTE Standards for Educators:

Learner: Educators continually improve their practice by learning from and with others and exploring proven and promising practices that leverage technology to improve student learning.
Designer: Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability.
Facilitator: Educators facilitate learning with technology to support student achievement of the ISTE Standards for Students.

Instructor

Clarena M. Renfrow, M.Ed., has been teaching Educational Technologies courses at the VTSU Center for Schools for 12 years and high school for 23 years. She also serves as a consultant/trainer for different school districts. She holds an AS in Business, BA in Education, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. She has also received certification as a Technology Integration Specialist through courses at the University of Vermont. In addition, she is a licensed teacher in the following areas: Business Education, Technology Integration, Online Teaching, and Work Based Learning. Ms. Renfrow has received several awards for her contributions in moving educational technologies forward to assist teachers and students: 2019 International Society of Technology in Education Recipient of the Making IT Happen Award, 2017 Goethe Institute STEM Transatlantic Outreach Fellow, and 2012 VITA Learn Project Ignite Teacher Award.

Required Texts

Required Texts are not included in the course tuition.

Khan, Richard R. The AI Glossary: Demystifying 101 Essential Artificial Intelligence Terms for Everyone. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2024.

Reese, Juliet. AI Simplified for Teachers. 2024.

For more information or the full course syllabus

Clarena Renfrow
(802) 770-8478

For additional registration information

Center for Schools Team

(802) 468-1325