Future Classroom Designs Using Technology

A recent article in  The Chronicle of Higher Education, by Beth McMurtrie called “These Students Use AI a Lot — but Not to Cheat,” struck a chord with me. It mirrors what we’re seeing at the Miami University Farmer School of Business (some of which was recently captured in an article on “Flipped Thinking” at FSB, published by Poets&Quants, titled: “What Happens When the Real Learning Occurs Outside the Classroom?”). The Chronicle article highlights how students are embracing AI not as a shortcut, but as a tool to deepen their understanding. As someone trained in marketing and therefore consumer behavior, a few quotes in the Chronicle article caught my attention: “Cheating is, of course, a major problem in colleges. Professors report a dramatic rise in AI-generated writing and other forms of misuse. Yet another, equally profound, change is taking place under the radar: Increasingly, students are turning to artificial intelligence as an all-purpose study tool, recasting how they think about learning and reshaping their relationships with classmates and professors.” “No matter how smart AI becomes, empathy and intuition are human qualities that can’t be replicated. … AI [is] a supplement, not a replacement.” The future of education isn’t about lectures—it’s about agency, wherever it happens. From flipped thinking to AI-assisted learning: ✅ Authentic engagement: Whether it’s a high-stakes design sprint outside the classroom or students using ChatGPT to wrestle with ideas, the heart of learning is meaning-making - not memorization.  ✅ Student agency: Flipped classrooms shift control to learners - and AI amplifies that, offering personalized scaffolding and feedback in real time. ✅ Redefined instructor role: Instead of “sage on the stage,” we become “guide on the side,” facilitating critical thinking and creativity in spaces both physical and virtual. The challenge and opportunity ahead: ✅ Reimagine structures: Curricula must accommodate these richer learning moments - outside the classroom, in peer groups, and through digital tools. ✅ Build trust in AI: We need norms and pedagogy that encourage learners to use AI thoughtfully - for thinking, not cheating. ✅ Measure differently: Success isn’t a GPA spike - it’s better problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability. The articles in both the Chronicle and P&Q spotlight this shift. Make sure you read Beth's article in the Chronicle. I am deeply fascinated by AI and its impact on teaching and learning, and would love to hear from others.

This student is using OpenAI's GPT-4o to get real-time personalized audio explanations. He's speaking into an iPad to have this advanced AI tutor instantly break down complex topics. What AI can do is quite amazing. Do you think this is a glimpse into EdTech's future potential? Lecturing could be done differently, allowing educators to focus on facilitating rich discussions and applied learning. At the same time, AI reinforces core concepts through interactive practice. ➔ Or students mastering subjects at their own pace by simply asking GPT-4 for guided walkthroughs. ➔ The ability to personalize learning and provide on-demand tutoring at a massive scale is staring us in the face. But like any transformative technology, AI in education has some serious pros and cons. On the plus side, it could considerably enhance learning accessibility and quality. Supplementing human instruction with 24/7 virtual tutors could help bridge gaps where expertise or resources are limited. And honestly, routine knowledge transfer may be better suited for AI to free up educators to cultivate higher-order skills. The downsides, however, can't be ignored. There are huge hurdles around cost and equitable access to the required tech and internet infrastructure. A lack of human input could also hamper critical thinking development. We must also be vigilant about AI perpetuating societal biases through the data it's trained on. Ultimately, I believe EdTech like GPT-4 is too powerful an opportunity to ignore—but it would have to be implemented smartly with plenty of guard rails. We have a real opportunity to create a future of learning that allows greater access, more meaningful interactions between faculty and students, and a more efficient delivery model. However, we need to thoughtfully augment human expertise and pedagogy, not hand over learning to AI.

AI in the Classroom — and it actually works? Just watched the 60 MINUTES segment on Khan Academy’s new “Khanmigo” solution, and it might be one of the most grounded and exciting looks at AI in education I’ve seen so far. Sharing the full video below because if you’re in or around K–12, this is worth your time. At HP, we work closely with school districts across the country—and I’m constantly asking: Does this help educators in the real world? Will this work in an actual classroom? Khanmigo feels like a “yes.” A few things that stood out: -It’s not just delivering answers—it’s encouraging students to think. -It acts as a co-pilot for teachers, not a replacement. -And the potential to expand access to high-quality, individualized learning? Huge. What I appreciate most is that this isn’t just hype. Khan Academy and OpenAI are taking the long view: prioritizing pedagogy, safety, and equity. Full 60 Minutes segment is below. If you’re in the K–12 space—educator, tech provider, or parent—I’d love to hear your take. Are we ready for this next chapter in learning? https://lnkd.in/eESKjCrR

The boundaries of traditional education are being redefined! 🎓 As universities and colleges increasingly adopt virtual reality (VR), Meta is stepping up, providing VR equipment and resources to 15 U.S. universities. Their aim? To make classroom education more immersive and interactive. 🔍 What I observed: ◽️Hands-on learning. Experts believe VR and the metaverse could revolutionize hands-on learning, though there are challenges to overcome. ◽️Diverse applications. From teaching "soft skills" at Stanford to language immersion at Arizona State University, the potential applications are vast. ◽️Equity in education. VR can offer underprivileged students experiences previously out of reach - imagine a virtual trip to the Louvre or NASA! ◽️Research & development. While the adoption of VR in classrooms is still in its infancy, research supporting its efficacy is growing. Meta, for instance, is investing in understanding the benefits and risks of these technologies. However, it's not just about technology. It's about equipping educators with the right tools and ensuring students remain engaged. As Nick Clegg from Meta puts it, VR can't replace teachers but can provide them with innovative tools to enhance the learning experience. As we look ahead, the convergence of VR and AI promises a personalized education experience, tailored to each student's needs. The classroom of the future is not just a physical space but a blend of reality and virtual realms. Are you excited about this educational evolution? Let's embrace the future of learning! - #Education #VirtualReality #Metaverse #Innovation

The biggest barrier in education isn't kids 'cheating' with AI - it's helping teachers learn to teach with it. 🍎 This summer, I've been working alongside students and teachers, listening and learning. Many conversations focus on "preventing cheating," but I think we're approaching this wrong. Students are naturally curious and resourceful - that's a strength we can build on. The real opportunity lies with educators: helping them feel confident and supported as they explore new ways to engage students through AI integration. This transition is crucial because it removes the stigma around AI use and transforms it into educational opportunity to work with AI as a thought partner - a skill that will be essential for graduating students. 🎯 That's why Eric Howe and I created "The AI Lesson Architect," a Custom GPT designed to help teachers create lesson plans that thoughtfully integrate AI. Here's an example that excited us: We developed a lesson on Immigration, Industrialization, and Social Movements (1870–1900). Instead of a traditional approach, students step into the shoes of people their own age from that era - new immigrants, young factory workers, teen labor activists. They create diaries from the perspective of factory workers, developing empathy and making personal connections to history. (this is one of a million examples that can come alive with a thoughtful creative approach to working with AI as new tool) When teachers feel supported and equipped, incredible learning happens. The future of education is about empowering educators to create experiences that inspire deeper understanding and connection. 🏫 I'm curious: What support would be most helpful as you explore AI in your teaching or learning environment? If this resonates with you, I'd love your help sharing this with the educators, parents, and administrators in your network. You can find The AI Lesson Architect GPT link in the comments below - feel free to try it out and pass it along. #EdTech #TeachingWithAI #Education #Teachers #AI #LessonPlanning #StudentEngagement

AI Educator Levels Over the past six months, I’ve trained thousands and thousands of educators around the world on how to integrate AI into their classrooms. Not just for saving time. Not just for shortcutting tasks. But to reimagine what teaching and learning can look like in this new era. Through surveys, collaborative design sessions, and watching teachers create in real time, a clear pattern has emerged. Many educators aren’t asking, “How do I prompt better?” They’re asking: How do I use AI to give students better feedback? How do I make learning more inclusive, more human, more student-driven? How do I design lessons that use AI to deepen and not distract from thinking? So I created this to think about and illustrate what I am seeing at these schools, many of which I have been working with over time. It’s not about who's tech-savvy or who’s “behind.” It’s about where we are in the journey to using AI as a teaching partner, one that supports curiosity, equity, creativity, and voice. From empowered lesson designers to thoughtful skeptics, every stage on this continuum is valid. But the goal isn’t to stay still, it’s to grow. Because the future of education isn’t AI-powered. It’s educator-powered and AI infused. I’d love to hear: where do you see yourself, or your colleagues, on this continuum? Have you noticed other patterns in how educators are approaching AI tools? I definitely have but these were the ones that showed themselves over and over. This continuum might not include you perfectly but I can tell you its a pretty researched product from my trainings. #AIinEducation #TeacherLeadership #ChatGPT #AIEducation #AIforGood #AITraining #Gemini #Claude

🧠💡 You Can’t Equip Metaverse Minds with Chalkboard Tools. 👩🏾🏫 Why 22nd Century Learning Demands a Radical Rethink—Right Now. We’re raising a generation who are creating their own worlds on Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft. They will live in smart cities built collectively by them, build businesses in the metaverse, manage AI agents, and potentially work from the moon…or Mars! Yet we are still teaching our learners through worksheets, rigid pacing guides, and outdated assessments. Make it make sense! Let me say this clearly: 📎 Content mastery is not enough. Our kids are outpacing the instructors in digital tools. 💡 We need to build future fluency—the ability to adapt, lead, and co-create in a rapidly evolving digital world. Here’s what 22nd Century-ready learners will actually need: 🔹 Metacognitive Mastery – Learn how to learn, not just what to learn 🔹 AI + Spatial Literacy – Not just how to use tech, but how to build and ethically shape it 🔹 Empathic Intelligence (EmQ) – Leading with compassion in a digital-first world 🔹 Blockchain & Digital Sovereignty – Own your data, your narrative, your innovation 🔹 Bio-Digital Convergence – Understand the body + tech as one ecosystem 🔹 Quantum & Systems Thinking – Solve problems before they become crises 🔹 Purpose-Driven Innovation – Build with legacy and justice in mind 🚫 Chalkboard tools won’t cut it. ✅ XR, AI, Web3, and inclusive design are the new learning terrains. 👩🏽🏫 Educators: Are your classrooms preparing students for their future—or just repeating our past? 💬 Drop a 🔥 or your favorite future skill in the comments. Let’s push this conversation beyond pedagogy and into possibility. #MetaverseMinds #FutureFluency #LearningFutures #Metaversity #XRinEducation #AIforGood #Web3Learning #NeurodiverseInnovation #STEMLeadership #DigitalCitizenship #WomenInTech #MolderOfMinds #DrMOM #1000EDU

What if your students could step inside a leaf or stand in the middle of a chemical reaction? In this new Edtech Insiders podcast episode, I talk with Vijay Thakkar, CEO and Co-founder of fotonVR, and Nisha Panchal, Head of Global Business Development, about how their immersive science simulations are reshaping classrooms in over 15 countries. We cover: - How FotonVR builds 900+ curriculum-aligned VR science modules - Localizing content for schools from India to South Africa to the UK - Teaching electricity and photosynthesis inside the circuit or cell - Smart tutors, adaptive learning, and cross-border virtual labs #VirtualRealityInEducation #ImmersiveLearning #EdTech Ben Kornell Sarah M. Jen Lapaz

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐧 2024 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝? 🤓 Staying on top of AI news is no easy task. Using tools like Google Alerts or automated news platforms like Newslit News have been important for keeping me informed and up to date. An article came across my feed today I had to geek out on. It’s how teachers are increasingly using generative AI tools like MagicSchool, powered by OpenAI, to make lesson planning more engaging and relevant for students. Tools like these are even restoring the work-life balance for teachers, allowing them to spend more quality time with their families and come to work refreshed. While its potential to streamline processes and create personalized experiences is unmatched, its application requires caution. Teachers have also been keenly aware of this and understand the need for a human touch when reviewing AI-generated content for bias or errors. These challenges are not unique to teaching. All industries adopting AI into their workflows will need to have a plan in place to filter challenges like this. As the AI Education Project and other initiatives train educators in AI applications, there's hope for a future where teachers harness AI's potential while staying grounded in human ethics and judgment. It’s crucial that as we move forward, we strike a balance between automation and human intuition. Ensuring that AI augments the teaching experience rather than replacing it. As education continues to evolve, it's heartening to see educators, AI developers, and the wider community engaging in collaborative conversations to shape a better future for our students. Do you think AI will be a requirement in our classrooms like the internet is now in 5 years? Or even sooner? Let me know in the comments below 👇 and check out this great article from Wired. https://lnkd.in/gbtrjru4  #AI #Education #AIteachers #Future #AIineducation #Yobi

Envisioning Education's Role in Sustainable Futures 📚 (Community Storybook 2024) A future -2035 I've been thinking about how AI is going to affect education; not only will teaching & evaluation methods change but also the purpose of learning. Learning spheres will also change for greater sustainability. I envision the future of education integrating the use of AI & Robots and also creating facilities allowing indoor & outdoor interractions with natural environments. To achieve this, schools may create various hubs including: Learning, Tech, Eco and Social hubs. Curriculum Integration For Educators & Schools: 1. Project-Based Learning: Introduce sustainability through real-world projects. For instance, students could design water conservation systems for their school, or create efficient waste management plans that can be implemented locally. 2. Interdisciplinary Approach: Subjects like mathematics, science & geography can be taught through the lens of sustainability. E.g math problems can involve calculations related to carbon footprints & science classes can focus on the biodiversity of local ecosystems. For Parents: 1. Educational Choices: Encourage enrollment in schools & programs that prioritize environmental education and sustainability. 2. Home Learning: Engage children in sustainability practices at home, e.g recycling, composting or maintaining a small vegetable garden Technology & Innovation For Businesses & Technologists: 1. Support Educational Technology: Invest in or develop technologies that aid in teaching sustainability. e.g virtual reality experiences that simulate environmental changes or apps that track & teach about local flora & fauna 2. Green Tech Solutions: Encourage the integration of green technology in schools, such as solar panels or smart systems that optimize energy use Nature & Community Engagement For Community Leaders: 1. Community Gardens & Green Spaces: Develop community gardens & green spaces that schools can use as learning environments (local plants & sustainable agriculture) 2. Partnerships: between schools & local environmental groups or businesses to provide students with hands-on learning experiences Building Sustainable Communities 1. Local Seminars & Workshops: workshops on sustainability topics to educate both children & adults. Covering topics like sustainable living, renewable energy solutions & biodiversity. 2. Volunteer Programs: Encourage participation in local initiatives promoting environmental stewardship Leveraging Technology for Sustainability Technologists & Innovators: 1. Digital Platforms for Collaboration: knowledge & ideas sharing 2. Data-Driven Decisions: Utilize technology to collect & analyze data on local environmental conditions, helping schools make informed decisions on sustainability practices #dsfuturesstory Joseph Press Ar. June Chow #sustainability #education #ai