While Artificial Intelligence remains a dizzying concept for many educators, others have learned the ropes and are using it to lift everything from student engagement and outcomes to improved performance tracking and assessment.
In most cases, the difference between this technology helping educators thrive and causing others a headache comes down to the quality and clarity of training that they get.
A 2024 national survey found that 38% of Australian teachers felt apprehensive about the use of AI in classrooms, with concerns ranging from academic integrity and accuracy to student privacy.
In response, the Federal Government announced the National AI in Schools Taskforce, which developed the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools to provide schools with clear guidance on the safe and responsible use of AI.
While the framework flagged key concerns around privacy and academic integrity, it also recognised the potential for AI to enhance teacher effectiveness and foster critical thinking and creativity in students.
Indeed, as more schools familiarise themselves with AI, education service providers are leveraging their own expertise with this technology to help upskill teachers and alleviate their fears about this technology so they can join their more AI-capable peers in using this technology for impact in the classroom.
Demystifying AI
On June 16-19, a virtual event will bring together more than 5,000 school leaders, educators, and innovators across Australia and New Zealand to explore how AI is revolutionising education in and how school leaders can harness these technologies to enhance learning, improve operations, and prepare students for the future.
The ‘AI in Action: Future-Ready Schools’ event will hear from keynote speakers including Jan Owen, Chair and Founder of Learning Creates Australia; 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 a decade of experience in Melbourne.
The event’s key themes include:
- AI in Education: Explore how AI is transforming curriculum design, personalised learning, and administrative efficiency.
- Student Agency & Empowerment: Understand how AI enables personalised learning, student autonomy and engagement.
- Ethics & Responsibility: Unpack the ethical challenges of AI in schools.
- Practical Implementation: Gain actionable strategies for integrating AI in schools, from teacher training to classroom adoption.
Bold thinking and practical strategies
Kirsten Hood, Learning and Engagement Director at Toddle, said AI in Action: Future-Ready Schools brings together bold thinking and practical strategies to help school leaders navigate AI with clarity.
“Each day begins with an inspiring keynote by either Toby Walsh, Jan Owens, Nici Sweaney, or Adrian Cotterell who will explore AI’s role in education, followed by expert-led panels and workshops packed with real-world, ready-to-implement ideas,” Hood told The Educator.
“The event cuts through the hype, showing how AI is empowering teaching and learning, reducing administration, and streamlining operations. You’ll leave with the tools, insights and confidence to take your next step. Plus, it’s free and designed especially for Australian and New Zealand schools.”
Hood said while school leaders will continue to play a vital role in shaping how AI is used in their schools, this doesn’t mean becoming experts in the technology.
“Many schools already have early adopters leading the way, so harnessing their momentum is key,” she said. “Leaders must guide the vision and values behind AI use, build staff confidence, and provide a safe, purpose-built environment for experimentation.”
Hood said leaders are also responsible for ensuring ethical, student-centred approaches that lead to better outcomes, greater consistency, and reduced risk.
“AI can save time and surface insights, but it’s leaders who ensure it truly supports teaching and learning.”
Designed by teachers for teachers
When asked about her advice to educators who feel overwhelmed by the idea of using AI in the classroom, Hood said it’s completely understandable and common to be unsure.
“The space is quickly evolving and we work with school leaders and educators at every stage of AI implementation,” she said. “For anyone starting out, our PD events like AI in Action are a great way to start and you could follow our keynote speakers on LinkedIn for inspiration.”
Hood recommends that educators and leaders start slowly and look for one or two small ways AI could support their existing practice, like feedback or planning support.
“Tools like Toddle are designed by teachers, for teachers to enhance what you already do [and hopefully save you 10 hours per week!].”
Looking ahead, Hood said she hopes that the AI in Action: Future-Ready Schools event builds momentum for schools to start using AI more intentionally and confidently.
“If we can help leaders and teachers feel more informed and empowered, they’ll be in a much better position to shape how AI can be best used in their context with their community, teachers and students in mind,” she said.
“Our goal is for school leaders and educators to leave the event with a clear sense of what’s possible, and the practical next steps to bring that vision to life.”