AI Insights #16
Matthew Wemyss
Bestselling Author on AI in Education | International School Leader | Co-host of Ctrl+Alt+Teach Podcast | Edufuturists Awards - A.I. Pioneer 2024 | ISC Research - Edruptor 2024
?? Welcome to the final newsletter of 2024!
As 2024 comes to a close, what a whirlwind it’s been – especially these last few weeks in the AI world. I think I’ll need the entire holiday break just to catch up on all the announcements.
At my school It's been amazing to see how AI tools have become such a natural part of the learning landscape. This week, I'm sharing some thoughts on how we got there, some exciting highlights from my year, and a sneak peek at what's coming up in 2025, including AIDUCATION'25!
Plus, Since it's winter, I thought it was the perfect time to wrap ourselves in SCARF, I will unpack the SCARF model and why it's so important to consider when integrating AI in education.
As we head into the holiday season, I’m planning to unplug a little (or at least try to!). The newsletter will take a short break and return in early 2025, but next week’s usual slot will be filled by something special: a feedback form. It’s your chance to have your say on how this newsletter can grow and improve in the new year. I’m always keen to hear your thoughts, so please do share your ideas.
Here’s to 2025 and all the possibilities it holds.
AI at School: Just Getting On With It
One of the things I really like about how AI is used at my school is how hands-off my role has become.
The staff just use it.
They are confident, they know what they are doing, and have all the support they need. When people talk to me about AI these days, they're not asking how to use it anymore. Instead, they're sharing their experiences and telling me about what they've tried.
This was always the plan.
Do not shove the tech at people. Show them how it is useful, give them a bit of training, set up some guidelines, and let them crack on. Tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and DALL-E have just blended into the day-to-day, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
Of course, I still do workshops now and then to introduce new things like NotebookLM and Napkin etc., but these are more about staff seeing a quick demo and then working with the tool to figure out how it will work for them.
That is why having an AI policy matters. People like knowing where the lines are and that they have leadership backing them up. It is not about rules for the sake of it, it is about giving people the confidence to experiment and figure out what works for them.
And honestly, that is what has made AI a natural part of how we work.
It is not a big deal anymore.
It is just part of the job.
Man(AI)festing
What a year it's been! Looking back at 2024, I'm honestly so grateful for everything that's happened. Being recognised as an AI Pioneer by the Edufuturists was a real honour, and I've absolutely loved working with organisations like ISC Research and Pearson . I've had some brilliant opportunities to connect with people – from running webinars with Computing At School and Mindjoy , to speaking at events like BRILLIANT and the COBIS - Council of British International Schools annual conference, and even launching a podcast with the super-talented Aaron Patching (search for CTRL ALT Teach on YouTube, Spotify etc.).
Taking on the role of event organiser for AIDUCATION'24 was a bit more than I expected, but it turned out to be a fantastic event. Getting everyone together to discuss the future of AI in education was such a buzz, and I'm already excited that the 2025 event is coming up soon.
It's been great chatting about AI and education on other podcasts too. I always come away from those conversations feeling energised. Honestly, being a podcast guest is better than 5 coffees!
Looking ahead to 2025, I've got a few exciting goals in mind. I'd love to speak at Bett Global (that would be massive) so if anyone has connections there, it would be great hear from you. I'm also planning to release my third book (with a collab), continuing to explore how AI can make a real difference in education, but this time with a focus on supporting parents to navigate AI.
I'm really keen to talk more about "The AI in Education Handbook Series." If you're running a podcast or event and want to chat about AI in education, I'd love to join you.
This newsletter and the connections I've made through LinkedIn have been incredibly rewarding parts of my year. Almost all of it has been 90% self-funded and done in my personal time (alongside my two full-time jobs - school leader and father). I'd love to collaborate more and see what possibilities we can create together, so please reach out.
Also, speaking of 2025...
AIDUCATION’25
Ever wondered how to effectively bring AI into your school? Join us for AIDUCATION'25 on February 15th, 2025! We've put together a fantastic event to equip schools with the know-how and confidence to integrate AI in a way that truly enhances learning and prepares students for what's next.
So, what is AIDUCATION’25 About?
This is not just another conference. It is an opportunity to connect with leading experts, engage in hands-on workshops, and gain practical strategies for making AI a valuable asset in your school.
What’s Included?
Why Should You Attend? AIDUCATION’25 is all about empowering your staff, enriching learning for students, and future-proofing your school.
It is a day filled with ideas, insights, and practical solutions to set you up for success.
领英推荐
Make 2025 the year your school takes the leap with AI in education!
AI Handbook Highlights
The AI in Education handbook series has hit bestseller status on a few Amazon lists, which is absolutely brilliant! If you’re still on the hunt for a Christmas gift, there’s time to grab a copy if you order now (please excuse my very dodgy Photoshop skills below - it's the end of term and I am beyond tired).
I’ve had some fantastic feedback so far, and I’ve now heard from three schools that have bought copies of the teacher handbook for their ENTIRE teaching staff! It means so much to know the books are supporting people and making a difference.
If you’ve bought a copy and haven’t left a review yet, I’d love to hear what you think.
In the new year, I’ll have some exciting updates about the next book in the series. Including a collaboration I’m really looking forward to sharing.
Click here to get a hold of your copies: AI in Education: Handbook Series (2 book series) Paperback edition
SCARF: Wrapping Up AI in Education
In the chilly winter air, nothing beats a cozy scarf to keep you warm. But today, we’re wrapping ourselves in a different kind of SCARF, the one that helps us understand human behaviour and navigate the complexities of change.
The SCARF model, developed by neuroscientist David Rock, identifies five key drivers of social interactions: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness. These elements either draw us into positive engagement or push us away in fear and resistance.
Let’s unravel how SCARF can help us smooth this transition, keeping everyone comfortable and (metaphorically) warm.
Tackling the “Threat” Responses
1. Fear of Replacement (Status and Autonomy)
Let’s face it: no one likes feeling overshadowed. Teachers worry they’ll be sidelined, and students fear that AI will make the workplace more competitive for them in the future.
For Teachers: Focus on practical, hands-on workshops that show how AI can support their workflow rather than replace them.
For Students: Encourage using AI as a learning companion, not a replacement. Here are five levels of AI use:
2. Data Privacy Jitters (Certainty and Fairness)
Let’s tackle the thorny issue of data privacy and bias. It’s critical to be careful about the data we use, what we share, and what is shared with us when we use AI systems.
3. One-Size-Fits-All? No Thanks (Relatedness)
You wouldn’t buy a scarf without trying it on first, seeing if it's the right length and looks good on you. The same goes for AI tools in education. Rather than dropping them into classrooms like mysterious packages:
4. Baby Steps to Big Changes (Certainty)
Remember learning to ride a bike? You didn’t start with the Tour de France! Similarly, let’s take it slow with AI:
Keeping the Human Touch
Generative AI is a great tool, but its success depends on how it’s introduced. Continuous feedback from students and teachers will make sure that AI evolves alongside what we need as a profession. Professional development and practical application is critical to turn apprehension into confidence.
At its best, generative AI can have a positive impact on staff and students. But this only happens when it’s wrapped in the warmth of SCARF’s principles: supporting Status, providing Certainty, promoting Autonomy, building Relatedness, and upholding Fairness.
Ta-ra Duck
Thank you again for support my journey in 2024. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year.
See you in 2025!
??Edufuturists A.I. Pioneer 2024