This is not my last post of the year, but as we move through the middle December I wanted to pull together various threads and posts from this year on AI, and a few thoughts about what comes next. I find myself reflecting on what has been a transformative year for me as an educator, leader, and writer. Few technologies in my career have reshaped the way I think, work, and innovate as rapidly as AI has over the past twelve months.

This year, I have explored the opportunities and challenges of AI in education in a series of blog posts. It has been a journey of enthusiasm, curiosity, and learning, punctuated by moments of skepticism and concern. Now, as we approach 2025, I sense that we may be entering what the Gartner Hype Cycle calls the Trough of Disillusionment. And yet, I believe this is where the real work begins.

Here is my best effort at pulling together various posts I have written, presentations I have participated in and other learnings from this year:

Blog Posts

Gen AI – Governments, Districts, and Schools (May) Examining how British Columbia’s education system addresses generative AI, detailing the roles of the provincial government in providing guidance and resources, and individual school districts in implementing specific tools and fostering community engagement.

Leveraging Generative AI for Elementary Learners at Home (Sept) Offering parents practical advice on integrating generative AI into their children’s home learning, suggesting activities like using AI for writing assistance, personalized learning paths, and creative projects, while emphasizing the importance of safety and balance.

Exploring the Role of Generative AI in Supporting Governance (Sept) Exploring how generative AI can enhance school district governance by aiding in communication, professional development, policy drafting, strategic planning, and scenario analysis, advocating for a learning mindset among leaders.

Gen AI and the High School Sports Coach (Oct) This piece discusses the potential of generative AI to support high school sports coaches in areas such as creating training plans, simulating game strategies, preventing injuries, providing performance feedback, and developing skills, while acknowledging the importance of human judgment.

The Stages of Gen AI Adoption in Schools (Oct) Outlining a three-stage process for integrating generative AI in education: personal use by staff, professional use for tasks like lesson planning, and direct application with students, emphasizing gradual adoption to build confidence.

Leading the AI Charge:  Strategies for Forward Thinking Districts (Oct) Sharing strategies for school districts to effectively integrate AI, including designating leadership roles, forming cross-functional teams, creating clear guidelines, focusing on key applications, engaging the community, modeling AI use, consulting external experts, and participating in networks.

When AI Meets Education:  The Power of Diffusion Over Replication (Nov) A reflection  on the organic adoption of AI in education, advocating for trust in educators to adapt AI tools to their unique contexts, and promoting the diffusion of innovation through professional dialogue and shared experiences.

Video Presentations

The West Vancouver Story (Sept) – Cari Wilson, Megan Roughley and I share perspectives from our different vantage points on the use of AI in West Vancouver.  

AI Unlocked (Oct) – Presentation specifically for support staff in West Vancouver with an overview of AI and ways it could be incorporated into work that support staff do.  

Generative AI in K-12 (Oct) – Cari Wilson and I along with grade 12 student Jadyn Mithani shared our current work in AI and advice as part of a UBC speakers series.

Alec Couros Presentation (Oct) – West Vancouver has worked with Alec Couros from the University of Regina as we grow AI understanding in our community.  This video is a presentation he did for parents in the community.

Where I am Learning

On social media, I am finding LinkedIn to be my go to place for AI learning.  If I identified a couple people to add to your network they would be Adam Garry and Leon Furze.  Adam works with school districts across North American, including West Vancouver, as we look to thoughtfully plan for AI use in our systems and Leon is out of Australia and digs deep into both practical and ethical considerations around AI.

I also find podcasts super helpful.  There are lots of good ones, but the one I listen to every week is the TED AI Show with Bilawal Sidhu.

Of course, much of AI is just about playing.  I find myself going to AI first before Google, and regularly thinking if AI could add value – either efficiency or quality to the work I am doing.  

Reflections on the Year

As I look back, I’m struck by how much my thinking has evolved. At the start of the year, AI felt like an exciting frontier—a tool to experiment with and explore. By mid-year, it became clear that AI is no longer optional for educators. It’s a fundamental shift that requires us to rethink everything from pedagogy to policy.

Now, I see the cracks emerging—the Trough of Disillusionment. Educators are grappling with questions about bias, misinformation, and the ethical use of AI. Some are even questioning whether the promises of AI can be fulfilled. These doubts are natural. They are a sign that we’re moving beyond the initial hype and beginning to confront the complexities and possible outcomes.

Moving Forward with Hope

What gives me hope is that education has always been about people, not technology. AI is a powerful agent—but it’s our creativity, empathy, and leadership that will determine its impact. As we move into 2025, I am committed to continuing to push this dialogue and think about the impact of AI on our system today and into the future.

I am so appreciative of my network –  thank you for engaging with these ideas this year.  As I have regularly noted, it is the power of the network that is crucial in our AI work. Whether you’ve agreed, challenged, or simply reflected, widespread engagement has made the conversation richer and is crucial as we look ahead.

My “Top 3” Post will come next week, but for all wrapping up in schools this week before the break – Happy Holidays!

Ironically, I did not use a lot of AI in this week’s post.  The image at the top is generated in Magic School AI.