Virginia Tech Professors Led AI Educator Workshops
Faculty trained teachers in Blacksburg on how to integrate generative AI tools into history and social studies curricula.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Virginia Tech professors Amy Allen and David Hicks have launched workshops to teach educators how to responsibly manage generative AI in the classroom. The training addresses AI capabilities, potential biases, and limitations to help teachers guide student use.
Why it matters
As students face increasing academic pressure, many have turned to AI as a shortcut for assignments. Teachers need these skills to manage the technology and ensure students utilize it to support critical thinking rather than to automate their work.
Virginia Tech completed a technical review of the ChatGPT Edu platform and utilizes AI for specialized research on hemorrhagic fever viruses. The program aims to address algorithmic issues after an Anne Frank-themed chatbot previously produced inappropriate responses.
The players
Amy Allen
Amy Allen is a Virginia Tech professor who co-leads workshops focused on the integration of generative AI tools in educational settings.
David Hicks
David Hicks is a Virginia Tech professor who works with educators to manage AI capabilities and limitations in the classroom.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public research university that facilitates educational workshops and conducts advanced scientific research using artificial intelligence.
The details
Professors teach educators effective prompting techniques and how to leverage primary sources to expand student engagement. The curriculum emphasizes the identification of biases in AI models while discouraging the use of these tools for task automation.
Timeline
Professors began sharing AI strategies with educators in the summer of 2026.
Teachers attended an AI workshop at Virginia Tech in October 2026.
Workshop sessions in Blacksburg and Abingdon will conclude by mid-November 2026.
The Tech Race
This program aligns with the national effort to standardize AI literacy through the Library of Congress' Teaching with Primary Sources Partner Program. It represents a shift from reactive AI bans to proactive integration within institutional academic environments.
Local teachers in Blacksburg will gain new methods to incorporate AI into their daily lesson plans, potentially changing how students approach history and social studies assignments. Educators must adapt their workflows to manage the technology's inherent biases.
The takeaway
Educators can effectively manage AI by shifting the focus from automation to critical analysis. Teachers are encouraged to evaluate AI outputs for bias regularly to maintain academic integrity in their classrooms.
Further reading
For more information on current developments, visit Artificial Intelligence.
Live Poll
Do you believe artificial intelligence helps students develop better critical thinking skills in the classroom?
