The latest monthly Third Thursday Zoom was nothing short of a global knowledge fest! Drawing together 16 talented counselors from the corners of the world — spanning Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, England, Costa Rica, the USA, Switzerland, Bolivia, Korea, and Tanzania — this session encapsulated the passion and dedication these professionals pour into the world of education.
Graded's AI Enhanced Senior Project: A deep-dive share on the AI-enhanced Senior Project at Graded was a hit. Introduced to the group after an overview from one of the attendees, the project surely has the potential to pave the way for AI in college counseling. The depth of this project was beautifully visualized through the shared presentation.
AI Integration: Another central discussion was on the role of AI in catalyzing self-reflection. While it might sound futuristic, AI’s inclusion in the educational landscape is not just about automation, but also about helping students gain deeper insights into their learning journeys. The revelation about student ambassadors liaising on AI projects was particularly riveting.
Cialfo Power & Presence: A segment labeled 'Ciaflo Power,' was intriguing. Notably, the mention of Cialfo schools in attendance was an affirmation of the platform's increasing reach and effectiveness in the counseling realm.
A Fresh Take on Policies & Procedures: A discourse on the more technical side of counseling — policies and procedures in the College Counseling realm — was extremely practical. From the nuances of asking for recommendation letters to hosting events, this deep dive was invaluable. Additionally, the idea of turning a blog into a dynamic, ever-evolving handbook holds the promise of revolutionizing resource management. The pivotal debate on the usage of GPA further enriched the discussion, prompting reflections on its relevance.
Involving University Representatives: A pertinent point introduced was: should university admissions professionals be allowed to join the Third Thursdays? This stirred an engaging dialogue about the potential benefits and pitfalls. The consensus leaned toward a limited involvement, possibly once a quarter.
Predicted IB Grades in North American Admissions: An inquiry about how US and Canadian institutions factor in predicted IB grades in their admissions decisions had many counselors nodding in shared curiosity. The consensus was that while some institutions have specific considerations, it’s pivotal for schools to remain transparent and firm in their policies.
Tools and Resources: A highlight of the session was the gesture of sharing valuable documents. This emphasis on collaborative resource-sharing underscores the spirit of these monthly meets: collective growth.
This Third Thursday session was an epitome of the evolving nature of education. With technology being a recurrent theme and AI's integration making ripples, one thing is clear: the world of education is on the brink of a transformative journey. But with committed counselors like the ones present in this session, students are in safe and forward-thinking hands.