How to Balance AI and Human Skills in Education

Anthropic launched three new AI fluency courses alongside research analyzing 74k educator conversations. The data provides concrete insights into how AI is being used in higher education, while the courses address some of the challenges and opportunities these findings reveal. Key findings from the research: • 57% of faculty chats with Claude focus on curriculum development and instructional design • Faculty show a preference for using Claude to augment not automate their work • While faculty rate grading as AI’s least effective application in their practice, nearly half of grading conversations were fully automated • Faculty expressed concerns about "cognitive offload" and students becoming overly dependent on AI, emphasizing the need for students to develop foundational AI literacy skills The newly released courses demonstrate a commitment to higher education and begin to bridge the gap between current practices and effective AI integration. Here are some of the course highlights: • Created three courses—for students, for teachers, and for teaching AI fluency • Strong "human in the loop" approach that aligns with the augmentation patterns educators prefer • 4D framework (Delegate, Describe, Discern, Diligence) offers structured decision-making for when to collaborate vs. automate • Focus on responsible collaboration and academic integrity, particularly relevant given the grading automation concerns • Content designed for college-level learners, though not suitable for K-12 audiences The alignment between the research findings and course principles is encouraging. However, the data also reveals why targeted training matters—educators are innovating in curriculum development, but may need additional support around assessment practices. It's promising to see how these frameworks align with approaches like our SEE model (Safe, Ethical, Effective AI use), pointing toward more consistent standards across the field. Link to the courses and the research in the comments. AI for Education #AIfluency #AILiteracy #AIeducation #K12

Schools need to focus on AI life skills in teaching and learning. Teaching artificial intelligence in education largely centers around making sure students and teachers know about AI—what it is, how it works, which tools to use, and how to fact-check responses. These AI-literacy skills are important, but if we only teach about AI we miss a critical opportunity to practice enhancing our human abilities with AI. In addition to just knowing about AI, students need to practice using AI to think deeper, create better, and solve problems more efficiently than they could on their own. Many schools have created portraits of a graduate - frameworks that articulate the durable skills students should have by the time they graduate (beyond the subject-area knowledge about math, science, history, etc). Adopting that approach, I’ve created a "Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate,” which was shared at the recent #ISTELive and #ASCDAnnual conference. It identifies six core roles students should be comfortable taking on–with AI–to maximize their human potential. ✴️ Learner Students know how to use AI to set learning goals, create plans for learning new skills, identify strategies to get unstuck, and seek targeted feedback to improve performance and understanding. ✴️ Researcher Students know how to use AI to investigate and analyze topics, evaluate claims, and compare sources of information. ✴️ Synthesizer Students know how to use AI to synthesize, remix, and refine information into formats and levels of complexity that best meet their unique needs and capabilities. ✴️ Ideator Students know how to use AI as a brainstorming partner to generate new ideas and explore a wide range of possibilities. ✴️ Connector Students know how to use AI to increase human collaboration, including overcoming language barriers, and finding common ground among divergent perspectives. ✴️ Storyteller Students know how to use AI to present and communicate complex ideas through text, image, audio, video, and other media. The Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate provides a roadmap for helping students learn to use AI to enhance and build on their uniquely human capabilities. By modeling and teaching the key roles students will be expected to take on, we can better prepare them for a world in which AI will be increasingly integrated into their lives. There is no question that students need to learn about AI. But to thrive (and survive) in a AI-powered world, they also need to know how to work with AI creatively, thoughtfully, and strategically. We must shift the conversation from one of basic theoretical understanding to one of in-depth practical and creative applicability. Anything less would be limiting their future success. ISTE ASCD Anthony Rebora Joseph South

Some thoughts on how we integrate AI into education: We first need to start by recognizing which skills are becoming more valuable and designing new ways to teach them. We all remember the effort it takes to write a paper—revising, structuring arguments, and refining our points. With AI, everyone will have a writing co-pilot to handle the mechanics, making the process more efficient. So, what if we redirected that effort into helping students develop higher-order skills like critical thinking, prompt design, and iterative analysis? A thought experiment: Imagine an assignment where students submit not just their essays but also the prompts they used to get AI-generated critiques. Their task wouldn’t be just to write and submit—it would be to argue, analyze, refine, and iterate. In less time than it takes to write a traditional paper, students could engage in deeper intellectual exercises—interrogating their own arguments, considering counterpoints, and strengthening their reasoning. For teachers, AI can streamline grading while amplifying feedback—providing broad insights that help shape targeted, meaningful commentary. This means students receive richer, more personalized guidance, making learning more interactive and impactful.

The schools that lead with AI aren’t just trying tools. They’re building teams and cultures where AI works with people, instead of replacing them. That’s not just a mindset shift. It’s a strategic advantage. Here’s how some of the boldest school systems we're working with are setting the standard: ➡️ Desert Sands USD created the first AI guidance framework focused on human decision-making, shifting AI from a compliance concern to a powerful tool for human agency, balancing innovation and integrity. ➡️ Santa Ana Unified launched the Innovation Catalyst Collective, a cross-functional team ensuring AI enhances every aspect of the organization, from classrooms to operations. ➡️ Orange County Department of Education appointed two dedicated AI leaders and hosts monthly strategy sessions where district leaders collaborate, align, and co-design AI’s role across the region. ➡️ San Gabriel Valley USD launched a human-centered leadership cohort bringing teams together to work on passion projects that can be accelerated using AI to design new ways of working and learning. Different approaches. One common theme: ✅ They started with clarity: avoiding the hype and panic to focus on real, strategic action. ✅ They built with empathy: listening deeply to the needs of students, teachers, administrators, and community members. ✅ They prioritized agency: ensuring AI amplifies human judgment rather than replacing it. This is the real roadmap cycle to AI integration: Explore → Navigate → Strategize → Repeat. We call this creating your AI Power Circle, a six-month hybrid program designed to help school leaders build a future-ready strategy that’s grounded in people, purpose, and trust. Let’s design a future where AI works for you, helping your organization thrive in ways you never imagined. And this week I'm taking you behind the scenes into a workshop over on Substack. Tag a fellow school leader who’s ready to explore what’s possible! #AIinEducation #Leadership #FutureofLearning #AILiteracy #AGI #innovation #management #humanresources

If you’ve found yourself caught in the swirl of catastrophic headlines — “AI will kill critical thinking.” “Screens are ruining childhood.” “Teachers will be replaced by 2030.” Take a breath. Get above the silo. The truth is: education isn’t ruined, it’s being rewritten. And the best way to shape what’s next isn’t panic. Its purpose. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. But you do need to start taking intentional steps now. Here are five actions you can take today to design for balance, equity, and human connection before reaction becomes policy. Problem → Purpose → Solution: Don’t Let Curiosity Be Collateral Problem: We’re fast-tracking AI into schools without asking: Whose dreams are we designing for? Too often, we focus on teaching how to use tools before we've given the space to imagine why they might need them. Purpose: To ensure that the tools we adopt amplify curiosity, not replace it. To remember that the spark begins with a question, not an answer. Solution: Actions That Protect Curiosity and Build Capacity 1. 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐬 → Identify where students are being asked to consume vs. create. → Integrate inquiry-based learning models where students investigate real-world careers and questions before applying AI tools. 2. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 “𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦-𝐭𝐨-𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥” 𝐦𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 → Have students first identify a career or passion, then explore how AI might enhance their journey. → Reinforces purpose-first learning rather than tool-first exposure. 3. 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 → Move beyond “how to use AI” to “how to use AI with intention.” → Frame tech skills within a context of self-awareness, ethics, and ambition. 4. 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭-𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 → Let students present how they’d use AI in the job of their dreams, whether it’s an astronaut, artist, or activist. → Support them with mentorship and interdisciplinary exploration. 5. 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 → Involve students in reviewing and giving feedback on AI tools your school is considering. → Teach civic engagement that ensures AI decisions are grounded in lived experience. Protect open-ended inquiry in curriculum design. Center student voice in AI adoption strategies. #EducationalLeadership #AIinEducation #EthicalAI #FutureofEducation #Superintendents #Teachers #Edtech #Strategy #Implementation #Purpose #BrightMinds

The Future of Education: AI and Teachers - A Powerful Partnership 🚀 The Bertrand Education Group (B.E.G)'s experience with PrepAI has shown us that the question isn't whether AI should replace teachers—it's how AI can enhance the teaching experience. Here's what we've learned from implementing AI in education: AI's Strengths: - 23% improvement in academic performance through personalized learning - Real-time feedback mechanisms that optimize skill development - Data-driven insights that align training with market demands - Advanced simulations for practical experience The Human Element: - Cultural adaptability and emotional intelligence - Trust-building and mentorship - Motivational guidance through challenges - The irreplaceable power of human connection The Winning Formula: PrepAI demonstrates that when AI handles routine tasks, educators can focus on what matters most—mentorship, inspiration, and personalized guidance. This synergy has led to 79% efficiency gains for educators while maintaining the human element that makes learning meaningful. The future of education isn't about replacement—it's about empowerment. Through strategic partnerships with educators worldwide, we're creating a balanced ecosystem where technology enhances rather than replaces human potential. What role do you see AI playing in the future of education? Share your thoughts below. #AI #Education #EdTech #Innovation #FutureOfLearning #PrepAI #Teaching #VocationalTraining #AIinEducation