ECOESC to host AI professional learning cohort for educators

The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center, in partnership with Forward Edge, a technology education organization, is hosting a comprehensive artificial intelligence professional learning cohort designed to help educators confidently navigate AI technology in their classrooms and districts.

The Demystifying Artificial Intelligence cohort kicks off Feb. 27 with a full-day, in-person session at the ECO Center in St. Clairsville, followed by four one-hour virtual follow-up sessions. The program is limited to 60 participants.

The hands-on experience is designed to empower educators to lead confidently in a new era of education by helping participants understand what AI is and how it can enhance teaching and learning.

“Forward Edge AI cohorts transform how educators engage with technology, providing the knowledge and skills to lead with innovation and integrate AI safely into teaching practices,” said Alexandra Melin, Forward Edge instructional design coach. “Through this training, educators will learn about AI and develop the tools and strategies to enhance teaching and learning in their school or district.”

The cohort will cover foundational AI knowledge, essential prompting skills and high-impact tools that can streamline work and support instructional design. Participants will explore topics including AI’s impact on society and education, developing structured chain-of-thought workflows, and navigating academic integrity and data privacy concerns.

Interactive Playground sessions will allow educators to test classroom-aligned AI tools using real-world use cases. Participants also will learn how to apply AI through the Ohio Personalized Learning Framework to design learner-driven experiences and authentic challenges.

Educators will leave with practical tools, usable resources and digital artifacts that can be implemented immediately in districts or classrooms.

The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 27, with lunch provided. The cost is $250 per person, with one complimentary spot reserved for each professional development consortium member.

The ECO Center is located at 68332 Bannock Road, St. Clairsville. Registration is available online at events.ecoesc.org/#/event/1302120.