This year’s ASU+GSV conference highlighted the rise of AI in EdTech circles. Everywhere you went, attendees were discussing the benefits and shortfalls of the technology, with recognition in most camps that this is a tool to be wielded and not a strategy to be deployed.
My first day in San Diego was spent at the newly created AIR Show which illuminated the transformative future of AI and Education. With over 17,000 registered attendees, it was an impressive event that provided an opportunity to immerse oneself into to opportunities AI can afford educators and providers alike. My wife (a teacher) enjoyed the day tremendously, and was enraptured by XQ’s ‘The First Class’ presentation which documented the role of educators and district leaders in transforming teaching and learning. This experience and others all highlighted possible pathways for leveraging technology to build better learning environments and experiences for our children. While many vendors there where extolling the power of AI in their myriad solutions, the underlying community vibe was that this was something that can provide meaningful value to schools and for students.
The main ASU+GSV conference had fewer vendors than in years previous (perhaps because of the AIR Show) but was just as chaotic, informative and exhausting. Managing a packed schedule brimming with sessions, meetings, and discovery, I found it refreshing to hear people having quality debates about topics such as AI in the classroom, the future of education, social emotional learning, and meeting the challenges of today head-on. While opinions varied, the debates were refreshingly civil and well-informed, unlike much of what we hear in today’s media. There was a terrific panel of experts from both sides of the aisle including Jane Swift, former Massachusetts Governor and President, Education at Work; David Son, Vice President, Strategic Engagements, Jobs for the Future; Jason Palmer, Founder & CEO, Together!; Seth Harris , Senior Advisor, Whiteboard Advisors; and Rosemary Lahasky, Government Affairs, Engage Group. They engaged each other and the room on the policies being discussed in Washington regarding AI in education, and more often than not there was agreement on the direction and tone being struck to keep our classrooms safe and provide value to teachers and students alike.
One thing I learned during EdWeek’s trends in education session was that for the most part, educators don’t care (and frankly don’t want us to talk about) the use of AI in our products. What they want to know is if our products are aligned to standards, have good case studies and efficacy, and meet all the stated criteria for acceptance in their classrooms. If you haven’t already — download EdGate’s Scorecard which outlines the main requirements districts and states and looking for in order for a product to gain traction and win contracts.
Other trending topics at ASU+GSV included skill based learning, apprenticeships. and building better pathways to careers. Once again there seemed to be agreement that we have over-emphasized ‘higher education for all’ to the detriment of many. A course correction that includes the above elements is gaining traction, as more and more students opt for alternate post-secondary training opportunities and career specific programming. It’s clear that the jobs of the future will evolve quickly, meaning providing students with the agency to self-advocate is essential for them to succeed in lives with many career shifts, in a rapidly evolving world.
I found the conference vibrant and valuable, and would love to hear about your experience if you were able to attend. Please send a note or leave us a comment below. Speaking of value, If you missed our webinar on how to ‘Make the K-12 Cut’ I highly recommend you take a look. Our panelists do a wonderful job of laying out the critical factors facing schools and districts today, and how providers like us can meet them where they are.
Wishing you much success as the school year begins to wind down