At the Learning Futures & Tech Media Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, Luke Allpress, Director of Innovative Solutions at Agua Fria Union High School District, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
With enthusiasm and a visionary mindset, Allpress shared how his district is embracing AI to enhance teaching and learning, pushing the boundaries of traditional education systems.
Allpress began by explaining his role in innovative solutions, leading a team of coders and data analysts to explore cutting-edge educational technology. At Agua Fria Union High School District, they immediately embraced AI, recognizing its potential to revolutionize the educational landscape.
"We jumped on the AI train immediately and are trying to figure out the best way to do this for our staff and students," Allpress stated.
This proactive approach has led to several initiatives:
- Hosting an AI Summit to educate and engage educators and stakeholders.
- Collaborating on the Arizona AI Guidance for K-12 Schools to provide a framework for responsible and effective AI integration.
- Participating in a growing AI alliance in Arizona, connecting with thought leaders to explore how AI is influencing education at state, national, and global levels.
Allpress emphasized the importance of learning from others, noting that seeing how other districts are leveraging AI has expanded his own perspective.
"Being around smart people with great ideas about how AI is changing education has pushed my own thinking. Hopefully, I can gather all those ideas and put them into cool solutions for our district."
Addressing the rise of generative AI, Allpress aimed to nudge the audience into new ways of thinking, acknowledging that the topic itself is not new but the possibilities are ever-expanding.
"I know my niche. This is not a brand-new topic, but I hope to be somewhat novel by poking at the future and exploring where AI could take us," he said.
His goal was not just to educate but to inspire creative and reflective thinking about the future of AI in education. He outlined three main objectives:
- Exploring Future Possibilities: Where is AI heading, and how will it impact society and education?
- Practical Applications: Sharing effective strategies for using AI to transform educators’ workflows and enhance productivity.
- Long-term Implications for Schooling: Considering how AI might reshape the very fabric of educational systems.
One of the most compelling ideas Allpress introduced was the concept of AI as a “time shifter.” He borrowed the term from a colleague to describe how AI can streamline routine tasks, allowing educators to focus on more meaningful aspects of teaching.
"AI can take some of the work off our plates, giving us more time for human connection, strategic planning, and big-picture thinking," he explained.
This approach not only increases productivity but also enhances the educational experience, enabling teachers to engage more deeply with students.
Reflecting on his own journey, Allpress shared that his fascination with AI began over a decade ago. He first encountered the concept in an article published ten years and two weeks ago, which described an impending AI revolution:
"We are standing on the edge of exponential growth with a vertex—an inflection point—that is artificial intelligence. That was 2015."
Since then, Allpress has been simmering in this space, discussing AI's potential with his students long before generative AI tools became mainstream.
However, he noted that not everyone sees the change unfolding:
"There are still people who think we are standing at the starting line, unaware of how rapidly things are evolving. But AI is coming, and it’s really fascinating."
Allpress challenged the audience to think outside the box about AI’s role in education. He emphasized that being innovative isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about changing mindsets and rethinking how education is delivered.
His vision extends beyond his own district:
"This isn’t just about Agua Fria. It’s about influencing Arizona education, national education, and global education. We need to see beyond our own walls."
Luke Allpress’s presentation was a call to action for educators and school leaders to embrace AI as a transformative tool, not just a technological trend. By doing so, schools can:
- Empower educators with time-shifting tools, allowing them to focus on strategic and human-centered tasks.
- Prepare students for a rapidly changing world, equipping them with the skills needed for future careers.
- Foster a culture of continuous innovation, where education evolves alongside technological advancements.
As AI continues to reshape society and education, Allpress’s insights serve as a blueprint for the future, urging educators to embrace change, think creatively, and lead with vision.
Tune in below to see the whole presentation.
