Mike Kentz’s presentation, Demystifying AI: Introducing LLM Literacy, was an engaging and enlightening session at ITC’s Annual eLearning Conference in Charleston, SC. He skillfully communicated with the audience emphasizing that true success with AI comes from durable skills like adaptability and creativity. By guiding the audience through practical applications, he built our confidence and provided us with scaffolded strategies for integrating AI. The audience left feeling better equipped to navigate this ‘Brave New World’ with human intelligence.

Mike's groundbreaking work in evaluating student interactions with artificial intelligence is revolutionizing educational practices. He is transforming our understanding of working with Large Language Models, offering valuable insights that enable educators to navigate the evolving landscape with clarity and practicality. There is a lack of clarity and relevance in today's Al practices. Mike understands how to thread the needle between Al education potential and practice.

Mike's presentation on Al in language learning at the University of Montana was enlightening and inspiring. It highlighted the growing desire for Al-driven feedback, the potential for personalized learning paths, and the need for innovative assessment techniques. It struck the perfect balance-not too abstract, yet not too basic-offering just the right depth. Overall, the most informative, and applicable presentation on Al I have attended.

We worked with Mike to lead a series of three interactive workshops for our faculty and staff.  This was a wonderful way to launch an institutional conversation about the purposes and challenges of AI in the context of education, knowing our faculty had different levels of foundational knowledge.  The three series model allowed teachers to plug into workshops that recognized their prior knowledge.  Additionally, all of our faculty and staff appreciated Mike’s nuanced understanding that AI holds tremendous potential, but only when we teach students to be thoughtful, reflective, and knowledgeable in their engagement with it.  His background as a practitioner allowed him to share insightful approaches to instilling these skills in students as a part of their learning in any classroom.