Educator Badge - Dimension 1

AICE Certified Educator Badge

Dimension 1
Functional: Operational Proficiency

F1 = I know how to drive the car.
F2 = I know when to take the car, the bus, or walk depending on the destination.

Dimension	F1. Tool Fluency	F2. Purposeful Application
Primary Focus	Confidently operating AI-enabled tools and their features.	Choosing the right AI tool/feature for a specific instructional or professional task.
Core Skill	How to use the tool.	When and why to use the tool.
Key Actions	Navigating the interface, using features, inputting prompts, saving outputs, troubleshooting.	Aligning tool choice with task goals, context, standards, and professional and student needs.
When It Happens	Anytime the educator is working with an AI platform or related tool.	Before starting a task, during planning, or when selecting a workflow.
Decision Basis	Based on knowledge of the tool’s functions and capabilities.	Based on instructional objectives, professional goals, and desired outcomes.
Example in Practice	Knowing how to use an AI lesson generator to produce a lesson plan.	Deciding to use the AI lesson generator (instead of AI Chat or manual planning) because it best supports standards-aligned unit design for this specific lesson.
Indicators of Success	Uses fundamental features fluidly without step-by-step guidance; can troubleshoot and demonstrate for others.	Consistently selects tools that yield efficient, relevant, and high-quality results for the intended purpose.
End Product	Smooth, efficient use of the AI tool.	High-impact, context-appropriate application of AI for the task at hand.

To achieve F1. Tool Fluency, educators must develop practical prompting techniques and consistent operational skills with AI-enabled tools, enabling them to work confidently with the AI platform (e.g., Colleague AI) and any complementary tools used in their instructional context.

1. Foundational Technical Skills

Navigate core features: Log in, access, and move between tool functions (e.g., Brainstorm Ideas, Generate Lessons, assessment tools) with ease.
Understand tool capabilities: Know what the AI can and cannot do, and which features best match specific instructional or professional tasks.
Use across devices: Operate the tool effectively on desktop and tablet, as needed.

2. Prompting and Input Mastery

Formulate effective prompts: Write clear, specific, and context-rich instructions to get quality AI outputs.
Leverage tool-specific syntax: Use any available templates, structured inputs, or special commands to optimize output.
Iterate for improvement: Adjust prompts based on results to get closer to the desired output.

3. Workflow Integration

Combine with other tools: Use AI outputs in LMS platforms, slide decks, grading tools, and collaborative documents.
Sequence use logically: Integrate AI into the right stage of planning, teaching, or assessment without breaking workflow.
Save and reuse outputs: Store and organize AI results for repeated use and adaptation.

4. Troubleshooting and Adaptability

Resolve common issues: Handle login errors, slow responses, or formatting glitches without major disruption.
Work around tool limits: Find alternative methods when AI tools cannot deliver the exact output needed.
Stay up-to-date: Keep current with new features, updates, and best practices.

5. Confidence Indicators

Rarely needs step-by-step guidance or external support to use the AI tool.
Demonstrates persistence and problem-solving by completing the planned task during the session without discontinuing due to technical difficulties.
Can demonstrate to others basic and intermediate functions.

To achieve F2. Purposeful Application, educators must be able to choose the right AI tool or feature for the right job, aligning use with the task’s goals, context, desired outcomes and formats, and subsequent steps rather than using AI generically.

1. Clarify the Task Purpose

Define the goal first: Identify whether the task is instructional (e.g., lesson planning, activity design, assessment) or professional (e.g., PD documentation, evaluation prep, data analysis).
Pinpoint success criteria: Clearly defines the desired high-quality outcome, in both content and format, before choosing an AI feature.

2. Match Tool/Feature to Task

Understand feature strengths: Know which AI tools/features are best for brainstorming, content creation, feedback, analytics, or planning.
Select for fit: Choose AI features that align with the complexity, format, and scope of the task (e.g., using an AI rubric generator for grading vs. AI Chat for idea refinement).

3. Apply with Context Awareness

Consider instructional context: Account for subject area, grade level, class size, and delivery mode.
Integrate with curriculum alignment: Ensure selected features support standards, scope, and sequence.
Adapt for student needs: Match tool choices to differentiation requirements (ELL, IEP/504, gifted).

4. Evaluate Fit and Adjust

Test feature effectiveness: Pilot the selected feature for a small part of the task and adjust if needed.
Compare to alternatives: Consider whether a different AI tool, a manual approach, or a blended method might yield better results.
Refine selection habits: Build a mental “feature map” of what works best for recurring tasks.

5. Indicators of Mastery

Consistently selects AI tools that produce efficient, relevant, and high-quality outcomes.
Can justify tool choice based on the task’s instructional or professional goals.
Establishes a routine incorporating the most effective tools to recurring tasks.