Artificial intelligence remains an eye-opening concept for many educators, while others learn ropes and use it from student engagement and outcomes to improving performance tracking and evaluation.
In most cases, this technology difference helps educators thrive and cause headaches for others.
A 2024 national survey found that 38% of Australian teachers were worried about the use of AI in their classrooms. This is concerns ranging from academic integrity and accuracy to student privacy.
In response, the federal government has announced school AI that develops an Australian framework for generative artificial intelligence in schools and provides schools with clear guidance on the safe and responsible use of AI.
While this framework flagged important concerns about privacy and academic integrity, it was also recognized that AI could enhance teacher effectiveness and promote critical thinking and creativity among students.
In fact, as more schools become familiar with AI, education service providers can leverage their unique expertise with this technology to enhance teachers and reduce fear of this technology, allowing them to use it for impact in the classroom.
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On June 16-19, the virtual event brings together over 5,000 school leaders, educators and innovators across Australia and New Zealand to explore how AI will revolutionize education and school leaders can leverage these technologies to enhance learning, improve operations and prepare for the future.
The “AI in Action: Future-Ready-Ready Schools” event will hear from keynote speakers, including Jan Owen, deliberations, including Australian founder Jan Owen. Dr. Nici Sweaney, founder of AI Her Way. Adrian Cotterell, director of AI & Assessment Solutions. and Chris Bush, a Churchill Fellow, AI consultant and secondary school leader with over 10 years of experience in Melbourne.
Key themes for the event include:
- Education AI: Explore how AI is transforming curriculum design, personalized learning, and management efficiency.
- Student Agency and Empowerment: Understand how AI enables personalized learning, student autonomy and engagement.
- Ethics and Responsibility: Unlocking the ethical challenges of AI in schools.
- Practical Implementation: From teacher training to classroom recruitment, acquire practical strategies for integrating AI into schools.
Bold thinking and practical strategies
Kirsten Hood, Toddle's Director of Learning and Engagement, said AI is actually acting. Ready for the future brings together bold thinking and practical strategies to help school leaders navigate AI clearly.
“Every day begins with an exciting keynote address by Toby Walsh, Jan Owens, Nici Sweaney, or Adrian Cotterell, exploring the role of AI in education.
“This event surviving the hype and showing how AI is enhancing teaching and learning, reducing management and streamlining operations. Leave the tools, insights and confidence to take the next step.
Hood said that while school leaders continue to play an important role in shaping how AI is used in schools, this does not mean becoming technology experts.
“It's important to take advantage of momentum as many schools have already led by early recruits,” she said. “Leaders need to guide the vision and value behind AI use, build trust in their staff, and provide a safe, dedicated environment for experimentation.”
According to Hood, the leaders also said they have a responsibility to ensure an ethical, student-centric approach that leads to better outcomes, greater consistency and lower risk.
“AI can save time and surface insights, but it's the leaders who truly support teaching and learning.”
Designed by teachers for teachers
When asked about advice for educators who find themselves overwhelmed by the idea of using AI in their classrooms, Hood said it was totally understandable.
“The space is evolving rapidly and we are working with school leaders and educators at every stage of AI implementation,” she said. “For those who start, PD events like AI are the best way to start, and you can follow LinkedIn keynote speakers for inspiration.”
Hood recommends that educators and leaders start slowly and look for one or two small ways that AI can support existing practices such as feedback and planning support.
“Toddles like Toddle are designed by teachers to enhance what you already do [and hopefully save you 10 hours per week!]. ”
Hood said he hopes that AI is in fact active: The Future-Ready Schools event builds momentum for schools to begin using AI more intentionally and confidently.
“If we can help leaders and teachers feel more informed and empowered, they will be in a much better position to shape how AI can be used in their own context, with the community, teachers and students in mind,” she said.
“Our goal is for school leaders and educators to feel clearly what is possible and leave the event with a practical next step to realizing that vision.”
