Leading the Way with Innovative AI Integration in Educational Practices.
The ORT Israel Network is embarking on an exciting journey of AI education, marking a significant step towards the future of learning. To celebrate this milestone, ORT organized a congress that brought together school principals and teachers from across its extensive network. The event showcased ORT’s commitment to staying at the forefront of educational innovation.
In recent times, the ORT Israel Network hosted a groundbreaking conference on AI, drawing participation from school principals and management teams across the country. The conference unfolded over two sessions: one at the Mushinsky R&D Center in Tel Aviv and the other at the Ort Brauda College in Karmiel, northern Israel. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Administration for R&D and Training in the ORT Network and the Administration for Education and Network Operations.
The pervasive influence of artificial intelligence on our lives is undeniable, and experts predict its transformative impact across various domains. Beyond speculation or science fiction, we are witnessing a historical shift unfolding before us. The effects of AI are already discernible in sectors such as the economy, medicine, and the arts, with education also undergoing a profound revolution. Recognizing the imminent change AI will bring to the educational landscape, the ORT Israel network embarked on a mission to explore the profound implications of AI for education. Their goal is to integrate AI tools into the daily routines of educators and students alike.
This progressive approach to AI integration is led by the Administration for R&D and Training in the ORT network, under the leadership of Sharon Greenberg. Collaborating closely is the Administration for Education and Operations, headed by Timora Shiri, VP and Head of the administration. This dynamic partnership positions the ORT Israel network as a trailblazer, becoming the first in Israel to incorporate AI into the curriculum. The network aims to transition from traditional content-centric teaching to a more personalized, skill-oriented approach, a transformation that will redefine the learning experience.
Timora Shiri, VP and Head of the Administration for Education & Operations
ORT’s vision extends beyond merely incorporating AI into education; it encompasses the preparation of educators and students for the profound changes AI will usher in. This preparation includes addressing questions about the ethical use of AI, copyright concerns, privacy, and general well-being. Greenberg emphasized this comprehensive approach in a recent radio interview to Koby Oz, stating, “At ORT Network, we confront the challenges presented by AI head-on. We recognize that human intelligence is inherently superior to artificial intelligence. Our focus remains on fostering personal connections, dialogue, and unique expression among students and teachers.”
Sharon Greenberg, Head of Administration for R&D and Training
Recent developments reflect the network’s commitment to its AI education initiative. ORT AI-focused events garnered remarkable enthusiasm and praise. Merav Elkan, a project leader and the organizer of the conferences, highlighted the urgency of addressing AI’s impact on education. These events preceded a school year poised to integrate technology in unprecedented ways. The goal was to equip educational teams to navigate this transformation and cultivate an environment conducive to innovation.
ORT Schools Principals, Sharon Greenberg and Merav Elkan on the left.
Timora Shiri, who inaugurated the conference, pointed out the intersection of ORT AI congress with other ongoing conferences in the country that address public discourse and democracy. Nevertheless, ORT recognized the importance of focusing on the AI revolution. Timora emphasized the need to tackle the personal dimension intensified by AI, and called for the establishment of an emotional education infrastructure. She also took the opportunity to commend ORT’s principals for their exceptional accomplishments in education. Dozens of ORT schools achieved a high level of excellence recognized by the Ministry of Education in Israel during the past academic year. Among them, 12 are at the top of the list.
During the conference, Dr. Yuval Dror, a renowned sociologist of technology, delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “How to be human in the age of artificial intelligence.” Dror delved into the existential questions posed by AI’s ascent and highlighted the enduring advantages that humans possess—creativity, decision-making, consciousness, and the ability to envision the future.
Dr. Yuval Dror
Sharon Greenberg, presented the network’s AI strategy, emphasizing the integration of AI across all layers of the organization. He highlighted the role of AI as a supportive platform for educators, managers, and students.
The conference also featured workshops that showcased the practical application of AI, utilizing the “prompts” model. These workshops, led by ORT’s R&D and Contents team in collaboration with Methodica company representatives, underscored AI’s potential in diverse educational roles.
The event culminated in round table discussions, where pedagogic managers and “Good ORT” (ORTOV) team representatives explored challenges and strategies for integrating AI into school routines. Greenberg concluded by emphasizing that while AI’s capabilities expand, it cannot replace the essence of human learning. He underscored the importance of focusing on higher-order thinking, personal experiences, creativity, and real-time interactions to ensure the continued growth of students.
By adopting AI with a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach, the ORT Israel Network is paving a path toward an educational system that readies students not only for an AI-driven future but also cultivates distinctive strengths in both students and educators and shaping qualities that inherently define our humanity.