Exploring the Future of AI in Education

1/31/2025

On Thursday, St. Andrew’s College and St. Anne’s School faculty and staff had the opportunity to hear Eric Hudson, a leader in generative AI in the education landscape across North America. Using Eric’s recommendation to test the waters of AI, I took my handwritten notes from the day and uploaded them to ChatGPT as photos. I asked the bot to write this story for me. Here are the results – pretty remarkable!

- Nicolette Fleming, Director of Communications

This week, we had the privilege of hosting Eric Hudson, an expert in educational technology, for an engaging discussion on the benefits and challenges of generative AI in education. Faculty and staff gathered to explore the implications of AI literacy, ethical considerations, and the evolving role of technology in teaching and learning.

Hudson emphasized that AI is not a replacement for educators but a tool that can enhance teaching practices. By integrating AI thoughtfully, teachers can create more personalized learning experiences, automate administrative tasks, and encourage critical thinking. Some of the key AI tools discussed included:

NotebookLM – An AI-powered research assistant
Gemini – A conversational AI tool
Copilot for Office 365 – A productivity-enhancing assistant
HeyGen – A tool for creating AI-generated videos

These tools, Hudson explained, can help educators streamline workflows, provide more effective feedback, and support student learning in new and engaging ways.

A major focus of the session was the importance of AI literacy, not just for teachers but for students as well. Hudson encouraged educators to:

Use AI tools firsthand to develop a deeper understanding of their capabilities.
Critically evaluate AI-generated content, fostering analytical thinking in students.
Promote ethical AI use, ensuring students understand the potential biases and limitations of these technologies.

Beyond functionality, Hudson addressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI, including issues of misinformation, plagiarism, and cognitive offloading (the tendency to rely too heavily on AI for thinking and decision-making). He also raised environmental concerns, such as the significant energy and water consumption required to power AI models, prompting educators to consider sustainable approaches to AI integration.

Hudson’s visit left the faculty with a call to action:

Build AI literacy among both educators and students.
Use AI responsibly and critically to enhance learning rather than replace human engagement.
Foster discussions around ethics, environmental impact, and best practices in AI use.

As AI continues to evolve, St. Anne’s and St. Andrew’s remain committed to preparing students for a future where technology and critical thinking go hand in hand. Hudson’s insights provided an invaluable foundation for the school’s ongoing exploration of AI’s role in education.

Eric spent the remainder of the day meeting with smaller groups of faculty, staff, and students and finished with a round of applause following his presentation to our Board of Governors.

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