ABOUT THIS EPISODE
☕ Steeped in Research: Knowledge Constructors in the Age of AI
When answers are just a click or prompt away, how do we help students move beyond finding information to constructing knowledge? 🤔
In Episode 3 of Common Grounds, Lindsey Douglas and Dr. Jessica Preisig sit down with middle school librarians: Tracy Brady, Amy McGuinn, and Emily Curry to explore how research, inquiry, and information literacy are evolving in the age of AI.
With information more accessible than ever, the challenge isn't simply helping students find answers. It's teaching them to ask meaningful questions, evaluate sources, think critically, and use information to develop new understanding.
Together, they explore the important role educators and school librarians play in helping students become thoughtful, curious, and responsible knowledge constructors.
When information is everywhere and answers are instant, how do we ensure students are still doing the thinking? 💭
🎧 In This Episode
- What it means to be a knowledge constructor in the age of AI
- How AI is changing research and information literacy
- Evaluating the accuracy, validity, bias, origin, and relevance of information
- Moving students beyond finding facts to synthesizing ideas
- The importance of curiosity, questioning, and meaningful inquiry
- How school librarians support critical thinking and research
- Why human judgment and evidence-based reasoning matter more than ever
🔗 Resources
ISTE Standards for Students — Explore the Knowledge Constructor standard and its emphasis on evaluating information, curating resources, and building knowledge.
AASL National School Library Standards — A framework for inquiry, information literacy, and knowledge creation.
Digital Inquiry Group: Civic Online Reasoning — Research-based resources for teaching students to evaluate online information.
ISTE+ASCD: AI in Education — Resources for responsible, purposeful AI integration in teaching and learning.
🎙️ About Common Grounds
Common Grounds is a podcast from the School District of Pickens County Instructional Technology where conversation creates community.
Each episode brings educators, students, leaders, and community members around the table to explore ideas shaping teaching and learning today.
Follow us on Instagram: @sdpctechsavvy
🧡 Special Thanks
This episode was fueled by Coyote Coffee, proudly serving communities across Pickens County, South Carolina. ☕
Thank you to our guest librarians for sharing their expertise and passion for empowering students as researchers and critical thinkers.
Pour yourself a cup, and join us as we find some common ground.
