Proposal for Presentation ASLA 2025

Speaker: Alexis Wagner (She/Her), Learning Hub Manager at Thebarton Senior College – Department for Education, South Australia

I was born, raised, and educated on the Gold Coast, spending a considerable amount of time living and working in Shanghai before moving to Adelaide in 2018. I hold a Bachelor of Asian and International Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Master of Education. Throughout my career, I have worked in state, private, and international schools across the Gold Coast, Shanghai, and Adelaide, as well as in the university sector in alumni and development.

As a Library Manager and New Arrival Program Teacher with the Department for Education, South Australia, I am passionate about making school libraries safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces. I explore how generative AI can support students and staff, helping students manage workloads, reduce stress, and develop critical thinking skills, while also streamlining tasks like writing procedures and strategies. At the same time, I am committed to ensuring students learn how to use AI responsibly and ethically.

Beyond books, I believe the library should be a space where students can access practical support, whether that’s borrowing sporting equipment, finding financial literacy resources, or learning about healthy relationships. My goal is to ensure students have the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions, build resilience, and shape their own futures. For many students, especially those in the New Arrival Program, the library is their first safe space in a new country, and I am dedicated to making it a place where they feel welcome, supported, and empowered.

Title: Energise, Empower, Explore: Enhancing Student Support and Library Operations with Generative AI

Event Details: Australian School Libraries Association (ASLA) National Conference 2025 in Geelong. The conference theme - Energise, Empower, Explore.

Overview: This presentation will explore how Thebarton Senior College is utilising EdChat, a generative AI ChatBot developed by the Department for Education, to energise library operations, empower students, and explore new educational initiatives. I will delve into innovative applications of EdChat in managing resources, promoting ethical AI use, and enhancing educational experiences.

Objectives:

• To demonstrate how EdChat energises library operations by streamlining resource management and accessibility.
• To highlight the role of EdChat in empowering students to critically evaluate information and use AI ethically.
• To explore the operational efficiencies gained through EdChat, allowing staff to focus on educational and community engagement initiatives.

Key Topics:

1. Our School Context:
   • Thebarton Senior College serves approximately 1,300 students from diverse cultural backgrounds, with many arriving on refugee and humanitarian visas.
   • As a United Nations Global Peace School, we foster a culture of peace underpinned by values of excellence, respect, innovation, and sustainability.
   • The college offers diverse programs, including the South Australian Certificate of Education, the New Arrivals Program, and vocational training, ensuring meaningful educational pathways for all students.
2. My AI Journey:
   • Sharing my personal journey with AI, exploring how it has energised my approach to education and library management.
   • From initial curiosity to integrating AI into daily operations, witnessing its potential to empower students and staff, streamline tasks, and enhance learning experiences.
3. EdChat Features:
   • An overview of EdChat's capabilities, including its integration with departmental resources, professional tone, and adherence to local educational standards.
   • How EdChat provides accurate and reliable information, supporting educators and staff in their daily tasks.
4. Resource Management and Accessibility:
   • Utilising EdChat to create comprehensive resource lists by taking pictures of book covers and spines. Also how to generate detailed lists for events like Refugee Week, aligned with UNSDGs.
   • Developing personalised reading profiles for students by analysing their borrowing history, streaming habits, and interests. This allows EdChat to recommend books tailored to individual preferences, enhancing the reading experience.
5. Creating Tailored Educational Content:
   • Using EdChat to generate texts for students at their reading level, complete with comprehension questions and topics of interest.
   • Enhancing student engagement by aligning educational materials with their individual needs and interests.
6. Promoting Ethical AI Use:
   • Addressing the issue of fake news by teaching students to discern credible sources.
   • Role modelling ethical AI use and critical thinking in research and information evaluation.
7. Operational Efficiencies:
   • Streamlining library tasks such as editing, procedure development, and proposal preparation.
   • Ensuring compliance with guidelines and policies, enhancing the planning and execution of educational events.

Conclusion: The presentation will conclude with insights into the future potential of generative AI chat bots in educational settings, emphasising its role in energising library operations, empowering students, and exploring new educational possibilities. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI can be effectively integrated into library operations to support both students and staff.

For the workshop: I am happy to demonstrate and work with participants to do these things using generative AI. 

This proposal was edited by EdChat.