Course Description
This course is designed for educators who are ready to move beyond the basics of generative AI and emerging technologies. Participants will explore how to design innovative, ethical, and impactful learning experiences that leverage AI tools to support teaching and elevate student learning. Through hands-on exploration using a variety of strategies, tools, and real-world applications, educators will deepen their understanding of AI’s role in education, develop classroom-ready strategies, and build leadership capacity for guiding others in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Mode: Synchronous/online in Google Meet with additional asynchronous assignments specified in syllabus.
Dates: October 27; Nov. 3 and Nov. 10, 2025
Synchronous session dates:
- October 27, 4 - 6 p.m.
- November 3, 4 - 6 p.m.
- November 10, 4 - 6 p.m.
Synchronous: 6 hours Asynchronous: 9 hours Total contact hours: 15 hours
PDPs
This course contains content needed to fulfill the DESE Individual Professional Development plan requirement of at least 15 PDPs in a content area of training related to renewal of licensure. Fitchburg State University’s Center for Professional Studies is a DESE-approved PDP provider.
Cost: 15 PDPs: $275
Course Number: PRDV 6292P CRN: 13900 (15 PDPs)
Cost: 1 graduate credit: $347 (additional work required)
Course Number: PRDV 6292 CRN: 13899 (1 Grad Credit)
Registration
*IMPORTANT*: The CRN and Course Number will be needed when you register so please make sure to write down this information. Follow the directions listed on the registration site.
Registration deadline is Oct. 17, 2025
Please Note:
- Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to pay for your course. The registration may take 24-48 hours to process.
- You are required to pay within 48 hours of receiving your course payment email. Not paying for a course does not constitute a withdrawal from the course. You may withdraw prior to the start of a course. Once a course starts, you are not eligible for a refund.
Additional Information
By the end of this course, participants will be able to do the following - aligned to the ISTE Standards for Educators:
- Critically evaluate current and emerging generative AI tools to determine their instructional relevance, ethical implications, and potential for educational equity. (Learner, Citizen, Analyst)
- Design and implement innovative, AI-enhanced learning experiences that foster creativity, deeper thinking, and personalized student pathways. (Designer, Facilitator)
- Apply AI tools to differentiate instruction, offer formative feedback, and address the needs of diverse learners. (Facilitator; Analyst)
- Learn how generative AI can be used as a coach to help solve real-world problems. (Facilitator, Collaborator)
- Model ethical and responsible use of AI technologies, including considerations around algorithmic bias, data privacy, and digital citizenship. (Citizen)
- Reflect on instructional practice and create a personalized action plan for the meaningful integration of AI and emerging technologies. (Learner, Leader)
- Best practices in working with AI chatbots and making sure all experiences have human intelligence at the forefront. (Learner)
- Learn how generative AI is rapidly transforming our lives, driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and reshaping learning. (Learner, Leader)
Emailed out on October 20.
Mary Marrotta and Craig Scheil
Mary Marrotta is an Educational Technology Consultant and Instructional Technologist. Mary is also a Google Certified Trainer, as well as an adjunct instructor for Fitchburg State University. She has been working for the Nashoba Regional School District for 24 years. Mary has degrees from Fitchburg State in Science, Elementary and Special Education, as well as an M.Ed. from Lesley University in Technology Education and a Certificate in Distance Learning from Northeastern.
Craig Sheil is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, is a Digital Learning Specialist at a public high school in New Hampshire. He has been in the education field for a total of 18 years, with the first 8 years teaching high school mathematics. He has helped integrate Google Workspace for Education and a 1-to-1 Chromebook program at his high school. Craig can be found presenting at conferences, giving professional development to school districts and co-teaching Google Workspace for Education graduate courses. Craig loves teaching and more importantly, loves learning. He has a bachelor’s degree from Keene State in Mathematics and an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Fitchburg State University.