Module 1: Why AI, Why Now – and Why Through a PLC?
IN THIS LESSON
Before facilitating your PLC, use this framework to audit your school’s current reality. AI adoption often stalls not because teachers are unwilling, but because one of these four pillars is leaning
1. Skill (The "How-To")
The Gap: Teachers feel overwhelmed by the interface or don't understand how to prompt effectively.
The Sign: You hear, "I opened it, but I didn't know what to do next."
2. Will (The "Want-To")
The Gap: Fear of job replacement, concerns about student cheating, or general burnout.
The Sign: You hear, "Is this just one more thing we have to do? Is this even good for kids?"
3. System (The "Permission")
The Gap: Lack of clear "safe-to-fail" zones, no dedicated PLC time, or unclear data privacy guidelines.
The Sign: You hear, "Am I allowed to put student data in here? When am I supposed to find time for this?"
4. Resources (The "Tools")
The Gap: No access to paid versions, lack of high-quality sample notebooks, or poor hardware/connectivity.
The Sign: You hear, "I'd try it, but the site is blocked," or "I don't have any materials to upload."
Strategic Insight for Leaders
Identifying the primary barrier allows you to "right-size" your facilitation. If your staff has high Will but low Skill, your PLC should be a high-energy workshop. If they have high Skill but low Will, your PLC should be a collaborative discussion about ethics and impact.
Reflection Prompt
Which of the four areas—Skill, Will, System, or Resources—needs the most attention in your school right now? How might your PLC structure in Lesson 6 be adjusted to bridge that specific gap?
