In this blog she shares ways to support your AI planning for the year ahead.
The landscape is evolving rapidly, and AI is no longer a distant possibility: it's here, reshaping how we teach and learn. Rather than racing to implement every new tool, schools need thoughtful planning that balances innovation with educational purpose.
Here are ten practical ways to incorporate AI planning into your school's year ahead.
1. Start with strategy, not tools
Before exploring any AI application, establish your educational goals. What challenges are you trying to solve? Are you looking to reduce teacher workload, provide more personalised feedback, or support students with additional needs? Your purpose should drive your AI choices, not the other way around.
2. Develop your AI policy collaboratively
Every school needs an AI policy, and this isn't a task for leadership alone. Create a working group that includes teachers, IT staff, safeguarding leads, and data protection experts. Your policy should address not just what AI tools are approved, but how they align with your safeguarding responsibilities and educational values.
3. Remember to apply the Three-Lens Framework
When evaluating any AI initiative, consider it through three essential lenses:
- Technical understanding (how does this AI work and what are its limitations?)
- Ethical awareness (who benefits and who might be harmed?)
- Practical application (how will this be used responsibly in our context?)
4. Build AI literacy across your staff
Invest in professional development that goes beyond tool training. Help your colleagues understand fundamental AI concepts, recognise bias and limitations, and think critically about AI-generated content. This foundation will serve your school far better than training on specific platforms that may change.
5. Be clear what you are setting out to achieve
For each AI use case you're considering, clearly define your theory of change. You should be able to state: 'If we implement this AI tool in this way, we expect these specific outcomes for our students and staff'. Be explicit about your assumptions and outline how success will be measured.
6. Map out your goals and outcomes for each AI tool
Map out the resources you'll need, the activities you'll undertake, the outputs you expect, and the outcomes you're targeting. Include plans for data collection to evaluate whether your assumptions hold true.
7. Focus on human intelligence development
Remember that AI should enhance, not replace, human thinking. As you plan AI integration, simultaneously plan how you'll develop the uniquely human capabilities your students will need: metacognition, social intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking about AI-generated content.
8. Plan for purpose-driven implementation
Resist the temptation to adopt AI tools simply because they're available. Instead, identify specific educational challenges, whether it's providing timely feedback, generating differentiated resources, or supporting professional development, and then find AI solutions that address these needs.
9. Establish evaluation and review cycles
Build regular review points into your AI planning. Technology evolves rapidly, and what works today may not be optimal tomorrow. Plan quarterly reviews of your AI implementations, examining both their educational impact and any emerging risks or opportunities.
10. Connect with the broader community
Join networks of educators exploring AI thoughtfully. The challenges you are facing aren't unique, and collaborative learning will strengthen your approach.
As you plan for the year ahead, remember that the most sophisticated intelligence tool available to you is the collective intelligence of you and your teaching community. Use it wisely and let it guide your journey into an AI-augmented educational future.
