Reflecting on the Future: Speaking at the AI in Education Fair 2025

This past week, I had the distinct honor of speaking at the 2025 AI in Education Fair, hosted by the University of Florida’s College of Education in Gainesville. Held inside the iconic Norman Hall, the two-day event brought together leaders from education, government, and technology to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of PreK–12 learning.

The AI in Education Fair was more than just a conference. It was a gathering of stakeholders committed to a shared mission: ensuring that artificial intelligence enhances education in ethical, equitable, and impactful ways. Through hands-on technology demonstrations, keynote sessions, and expert panels, attendees immersed themselves in both the promise and the complexities of integrating AI in classrooms.

I had the privilege of speaking as part of a three-person panel titled AI in Education: Ethics, Policy, and Opportunity. Each panelist contributed a unique perspective, enriching a diverse and dynamic dialogue about how AI should be guided and governed.

The panel offered a range of viewpoints. Dr. Alan Gorman, Assistant Professor at Dublin City University and Chair of its EdD program, provided an international lens. He shared insights on AI adoption across European education systems, focusing on data governance, policy frameworks, and institutional ethics. Chris Sprowls, Chair of the Lastinger Center Advisory Board and former Speaker of the Florida House, presented a state-level perspective. His presence emphasized the importance of legislative leadership in initiatives such as the New Worlds Reading Initiative and the alignment of foundational skills like literacy with emerging technologies. Representing local governance, I shared insights from my work with the Florida K–12 AI Task Force and FSBA committees. I discussed how school boards are implementing AI while protecting student data, supporting educators, and promoting equity, highlighting the need to align district-level policies with broader state and federal frameworks.

Our panel engaged in a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education. We began by reviewing findings from the Lastinger Listening Tour, which uncovered a consistent message among stakeholders. While there is growing optimism about AI’s potential, student data privacy and security remain top concerns. The group stressed the importance of transparency, ethical vendor partnerships, and family-centered communication strategies to build trust and support responsible AI integration.

We explored the many benefits AI offers students, such as personalized learning pathways, adaptive tools, and educator support through increased workflow efficiency. AI’s capacity for data analysis and student planning introduces new possibilities for course mapping, scheduling, and real-time academic tracking, creating more responsive and individualized educational experiences.

Our conversation also examined AI’s broader impact beyond the classroom. As AI becomes integrated into every industry and transforms how work is performed, it is critical that students become proficient in these technologies. Educational delivery models must evolve accordingly, with AI becoming a foundational tool for teaching and learning.

Yet, amid these innovations, we must remain focused on what matters most: critical thinking skills, ethical standards, and sound human judgment. It is more important than ever to emphasize critical thinking, not just to prepare students to use AI, but to question it, guide it, and apply it responsibly.

The discussion also highlighted AI’s role in school safety and operational efficiency. From enhancing security reviews to supporting monitoring and detection systems, AI presents opportunities to create safer learning environments. Additionally, operational areas such as transportation, facility maintenance, and resource allocation can benefit from AI-driven insights.

Importantly, we discussed how AI can empower families by offering customized curriculum options and improving transparency in both academic and behavioral data, which may strengthen family engagement and collaboration.

During our policy conversation, we asked what practical steps can be taken at the local, state, and national levels to ensure that AI is implemented fairly and effectively. A central takeaway was the urgent need for digital literacy among students and ongoing professional development for educators. AI should enhance effective teaching rather than replace it.

Looking to the future, we recognized AI’s potential to help close achievement gaps, especially through adaptive tools that provide immediate feedback and personalized support. However, we also acknowledged the risk that, if not deployed thoughtfully, AI could reinforce existing inequities.

We concluded the session with an open Q&A where participants raised insightful questions about AI in special education, algorithmic bias, and the rapid pace of technological development relative to policy. A shared concern emerged: without proactive governance, AI may advance more quickly than our ability to regulate it.

We also reflected on one of the most common fears: that AI will replace people. In truth, the greater risk is that those who do not understand or use AI will be replaced by those who do. This highlights the need to be intentional and proactive in integrating AI across educational operations, instructional strategies, and academic standards.

The session served as a powerful reminder that while AI offers immense opportunities, realizing its full benefits will require thoughtful leadership, intentional design, and strong ethical oversight.

Participating in the AI in Education Fair was more than just a chance to share ideas. It was a meaningful contribution to a larger movement. The setting of Norman Hall itself carried symbolic weight. Once home to UF’s P.K. Yonge Laboratory School, the building served as a bridge between the past and the future of education, where tradition and innovation came together under one roof.

On a personal note, returning to Norman Hall was especially significant. It is where my wife began her journey as an educator nearly 35 years ago, and standing there as a speaker brought everything full circle. It was a poignant reminder that the work we do—locally and globally—has a lasting impact on real lives and futures.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, we share a collective responsibility to ensure it is used ethically, equitably, and always in service of student success. The conversations at the AI in Education Fair made one thing clear: real progress happens when innovation is guided by intention and grounded in humanity.

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