Moving Slow... to Move Fast in the Age of AI in Education: Five Insights

In an age dominated by rapidly advancing AI technologies, it's easy to feel like the future of education is racing ahead at breakneck speed.

However, as the photo taken at the University of Toronto Mississauga following the #SeriousPlay24 conference last week reminds us, sometimes it pays to slow down, reflect, and take deliberate steps forward. This principle was further reinforced when I attended the ClassLink AI Summit in New Jersey two weeks ago, where key insights were garnered on AI’s role in education and as we prepare to launch a C21 Canada National AI Use Case project in K12 School Districts in partnership with Dell Technologies.

Here are five powerful insights on how to navigate the complexities of AI in education while moving thoughtfully and purposefully:

1. Demystify AI by Engaging Your Community Stakeholders AI is often seen as complex and inaccessible. To bridge this gap, educational leaders need to foster open conversations and create a shared understanding of AI's impact. Involve community stakeholders—students, parents, faculty, and administrators—in these discussions to foster trust and dispel myths. Transparency is key to adoption and meaningful integration of AI tools.
2. Develop an Implementation Plan Tapping Into Your Organization’s Innovators AI’s potential will only be realized if there is a clear strategy for its implementation. Engage the innovators within your institution—those who are passionate about technology and education—and collaborate to develop a step-by-step plan. Remember, doing nothing is not a strategy. The world is changing, and education must evolve with it, but thoughtful, deliberate planning is crucial to avoid missteps.
3. Engage Your PR Team in Storytelling to Share Innovative Projects Your institution's innovative work with AI needs to be communicated effectively. Engage your PR team to tell the stories of AI's impact on learning, teaching, and student success. Share these stories widely—internally and externally. When others see the tangible results of AI-driven projects, they are more likely to embrace new technologies.
4. Host a Symposium with an External Inspirational AI Expert Sometimes, the spark needed for transformative change comes from outside your organization. Hosting a symposium featuring an external AI expert can provide fresh perspectives and inspire your community to think bigger and bolder. It’s also an opportunity to build networks and share knowledge with industry leaders who are shaping the future of AI in education.
5. Tap Into the Smartest Person as ‘in the Room’ to Develop Guiding Principles. In every organization, there are individuals with deep insights into both AI and education. These individuals, when brought together, can develop guiding principles that ensure AI is implemented ethically and equitably. Make sure to consider diversity, equity, and inclusion in all AI initiatives. Launch small, pilot use case projects that can be refined over time to shape your institution’s future direction in AI.

As educational institutions move forward with AI, strategic partnerships with the EdTech industry will be critical. Emerging models of service will enable schools, colleges, and universities to develop sustainable approaches to AI integration that enhance learning experiences and create lasting impact.

By moving slow to move fast, you can thoughtfully guide your organization through this exciting and transformative time in education. With the right planning, collaboration, and vision, AI will not only change how we teach and learn but also create new opportunities for growth and success. This article reflects insights garnered from the Serious Play Conference , where MindShare Learning was a proud media partner, the ClassLink AI Summit in New Jersey and the C21 Canada AI Initiative .

In closing, I'm honoured to be co-chair of the 15th Canadian EdTech Summit, 'Navigating the Future of Education in an AI Inspired World,' in partnership with UofT, October 31-November 2, where we will take a deeper dive into the future of AI in education featuring global experts.

I hope you will consider joining us to learn, share & connect! Until next time, keep the digital learning curve steep!