Hey, advocacy all-stars and educational leaders! 

Imagine you're snuggled in your favorite quilt, dreaming about revolutionizing the education system one IEP at a time. But then—BAM!—inspiration strikes and disrupts your sleep. You know you've got something good, something that can't wait till the rooster crows.
 

That was me this past Sunday morning. I grabbed my laptop, and leaned back in my recliner and started writing my idea down before I forgot it (not that that has ever happened to me).  The idea was too delicious to let percolate in my mind for even one second longer.
 

Ah, the exhilarating flashback to my classroom days: that joyous eureka moment when a student suddenly grasps a concept. I love that magical moment when you support the student to connect the dots, and suddenly, a light bulb goes off. 
 

Get ready to raise your hand, and your consciousness, because we're sharing a teaching strategy that educators use all the time. AND we can also use this strategy when we are working with AI tools.

If you've skimmed, sprinted, or strolled through my eGuide, Cooking Up Advocacy Strategies With AI, you know how vital it is to flavor your ChatGPT like a gourmet dish—sprinkling in your unique zest and spice.
 

Fasten your seatbelts, because we're hopping in the DeLorean and going back to my days of dusty chalkboards and overhead projectors. 

 

In the world of education, teachers understand the power of background knowledge and tapping into students' prior experiences to facilitate learning. 
 

Background Knowledge: The Key to Grasping New Concepts
 

In the classroom, background knowledge is the essential context that helps students make sense of new concepts. It's like providing a roadmap that guides them through the land of unfamiliar ideas. 

When it comes to AI, think of background knowledge as the critical information that allows the technology to understand and respond more effectively to your prompts.
 

Imagine introducing a complex topic to students without any context or foundation. It's like throwing them into the deep end without teaching them to swim. 

AND when we interact with AI tools, it's essential to provide them with the background information they need. Whether it's specifying requirements, or sharing relevant data, this context supports AI to serve you better.
 

Prior Knowledge: Bridging the Gap to New Learning
 

Just as teachers support their students' learning by building on what they know and are interested in – imagine using a student's love for superheroes to teach physics we can empower AI by providing it with the background and personal context it needs to be truly helpful. 

Give your AI the scoop—so it knows your voice, values, vision, what your advocacy goals are, even your favorite advocacy catchphrases.
 

Empowering AI with Context
 

With AI, sharing your personal context allows the technology to become your new ally in making the world a better, more inclusive place.
 

So, the next time you interact with AI tools, remember the valuable lesson from teaching: context matters. 

We're in the business of unlocking potential—in our kiddos and in our tech. So, you've got to feed your AI what it needs to truly be a game-changer.

By doing so, you'll unlock the full potential of this technology, making it a powerful ally in your advocacy.

Want to stay in the loop and be first to know what I'm cookin' up next for AI and Advocacy?  Just hit reply and type, "Heck Yes!"

Keep pushing boundaries and shattering ceilings, my friends. After all, if we don’t shake up the system, who will?