The Three Phases of AI Adoption in Schools

Using technology to support the human work of inclusive education, with Caroline White

In this episode, Caroline White, relieving Principal at Sir Eric Woodward School in NSW, shares her insights on the complexities of school leadership and how AI can be used to support inclusive education. Caroline and Trudy discuss balancing multiple roles as a school principal and how AI can reduce cognitive load and administrative stress. Caroline shares how Sir Eric Woodward School is using technology to support inclusive learning environments, increase accessibility of communication tools for students, and foster collaboration and shared learning amongst educators.  Connect with Caroline via the school website https://sirericwoo-s.schools.nsw.gov.au/ [https://sirericwoo-s.schools.nsw.gov.au/] Resources: Find out more about the Trailblazing Schools Partnership here: https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/]  Find out more about the Leaders Learning Circle here https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/]  Get your copy of AI in Action: Field Notes from School Leaders. It's free, practical, and designed to prompt your own next step. Download today at trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes [http://trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes]  If this conversation resonated and you're exploring how to strengthen leadership in your school network or system, visit trudygraham.com.au/connect [http://trudygraham.com.au/connect]  to explore working together. Credits The Trailblazing Schools Podcast is hosted by Trudy Graham - https://www.trudygraham.com.au/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/] This podcast is edited and produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene from PERK Digital - https://perkdigital.com.au/ [https://perkdigital.com.au/] The theme music is Dusty Road by Indiebox Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Caroline White and Her Role 03:42 Leading into Uncharted Territory 06:49 The Unique Context of Sir Eric Woodward School 09:39 Complexities of School Leadership 12:38 The Role of AI in Education 16:21 Professional Learning and AI Implementation 19:01 Impact of AI on Teaching and Learning 22:00 Creating a Culture of Shared Learning 24:58 Advice for Principals on AI Integration 27:37 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections AI in education, inclusive education, school leadership, professional development, educational technology

My Greatest Fear about AI in Education

In this episode, Trudy explores the impact of AI on workload and productivity, highlighting the paradoxes and challenges that come with technological advancements in education and work. Trudy begins by mentioning the usual fears people share about AI, and outlines her own fears around AI causing an unintentional increase in workload for educators and school leaders.  Trudy explores the research about AI and work intensification, explaining the way it can blur boundaries between work and non-work, and lead to inefficient multitasking and attention switching. This episode is a powerful reminder to reflect on how AI is changing your work habits and workload. Resources: Find out more about the Trailblazing Schools Partnership here: https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/]  Find out more about the Leaders Learning Circle here https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/]  Get your copy of AI in Action: Field Notes from School Leaders. It's free, practical, and designed to prompt your own next step. Download today at trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes [http://trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes]  If this conversation resonated and you're exploring how to strengthen leadership in your school network or system, visit trudygraham.com.au/connect [http://trudygraham.com.au/connect]  to explore working together. Credits The Trailblazing Schools Podcast is hosted by Trudy Graham - https://www.trudygraham.com.au/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/] This podcast is edited and produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene from PERK Digital - https://perkdigital.com.au/ [https://perkdigital.com.au/] The theme music is Dusty Road by Indiebox Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Fear of AI in Education 04:30 The Workload Paradox: AI's Double-Edged Sword 08:46 Task Expansion and Blurred Boundaries 12:53 The Human Bottleneck: Follow-Through Challenges AI, workload, productivity paradox, education, work habits, generative AI, work intensification, boundaries, multitasking

The Question Effect for Less Stress and More Impact in Leadership, with Paul McGregor

In this insightful interview, Paul McGregor shares the power of asking better questions, leading with curiosity, and thinking long-term about legacy and impact. Trudy and Paul discuss the origin of the word ‘trailblazing’ and its metaphorical meaning, the role of curiosity and silence in effective communication, as well as the impact of leadership experiences on personal growth. They discuss the influence of technology and AI on leadership and work, and the need for discernment around adoption. Paul and Trudy finish discussing practical strategies for leaders to reduce stress, foster deeper understanding, and create meaningful change in their organisations, and one very impactful visioning question: “What would a good ancestor do?’ Connect with Paul via his website https://paulmcgregor.co.nz [https://paulmcgregor.co.nz] Resources: Find out more about the Trailblazing Schools Partnership here: https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/]  Find out more about the Leaders Learning Circle here https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/]  Get your copy of AI in Action: Field Notes from School Leaders. It's free, practical, and designed to prompt your own next step. Download today at trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes [http://trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes]  If this conversation resonated and you're exploring how to strengthen leadership in your school network or system, visit trudygraham.com.au/connect [http://trudygraham.com.au/connect]  to explore working together. Credits The Trailblazing Schools Podcast is hosted by Trudy Graham - https://www.trudygraham.com.au/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/] This podcast is edited and produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene from PERK Digital - https://perkdigital.com.au/ [https://perkdigital.com.au/] The theme music is Dusty Road by Indiebox Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paul McGregor and His Work 06:01 The Importance of Trailblazing and Asking Questions 11:00 Personal Leadership Journey and Lessons Learned 15:45 The Power of Deeper Questions in Leadership 20:46 Shifting from Answers to Questions in Leadership 22:35 The Power of Questions and Visioning for Future Generations 28:03 Transforming Leadership Through Curiosity and Empowerment 31:06 Discernment in Leadership Amidst Technological Advancements 35:33 Taking Action: Small Steps for Big Impact in Leadership 37:19 Finding Joy and Comfort in Leadership Challenges leadership, questions, curiosity, education, legacy, impact, stress reduction, leadership development, future thinking

The Three Phases of AI Adoption in Schools

In this episode, Trudy explores how AI is transforming education through three distinct phases, from staff productivity to student learning multiplier. She shares the pathway from getting started and experimenting with the tools individually, through leveraging AI as a thinking partner to reduce workload and reclaim wellbeing, and finally to the ways AI can be used in to increase student engagement and impact academic achievement. Trudy shares real-world examples from small schools implementing AI, and explains why it makes sense that small schools are where the innovation is happening first. Trudy finishes the episode with some practical steps for teachers and leaders to leverage AI in their own life and work.  Resources: Find out more about the Trailblazing Schools Partnership here: https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/]  Find out more about the Leaders Learning Circle here https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/]  Get your copy of AI in Action: Field Notes from School Leaders. It's free, practical, and designed to prompt your own next step. Download today at trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes [http://trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes]  If this conversation resonated and you're exploring how to strengthen leadership in your school network or system, visit trudygraham.com.au/connect [http://trudygraham.com.au/connect]  to explore working together. Credits The Trailblazing Schools Podcast is hosted by Trudy Graham - https://www.trudygraham.com.au/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/] This podcast is edited and produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene from PERK Digital - https://perkdigital.com.au/ [https://perkdigital.com.au/] The theme music is Dusty Road by Indiebox Chapters 00:00 The Impact of AI on Education 04:56 Phases of AI Integration in Schools 10:07 The Learning Multiplier Effect of AI 14:07 Moving Towards Phase Three AI in education, school leadership, personalized learning, educational technology, small schools, professional development, learning multiplier, curriculum differentiation

AI Tools for Leadership in Complex School Environments, with Tim Prerau-Lorking, Cromehurst School

In this episode, Tim Prerau-Lorking from Cromehurst School shares insights on leading a School for Specific Purposes (SSP) , the role of AI in education, and building strong community connections. Tim shares the impact AI tools have had on his leadership, his staff’s workload and learnings he’s had about how to navigate complex school environments effectively. Trudy and Tim discuss the importance of clear communication, the power of collaboration between teaching staff and leadership team, and the wellbeing benefits of AI tools giving time back. Get in touch with Tim here https://cromehurst-s.schools.nsw.gov.au/ [https://cromehurst-s.schools.nsw.gov.au/]   Resources: Find out more about the Leaders Learning Circle here https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/]  Get your copy of AI in Action: Field Notes from School Leaders. It's free, practical, and designed to prompt your own next step. Download today at trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes [http://trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes]  If this conversation resonated and you're exploring how to strengthen leadership in your school network or system, visit trudygraham.com.au/connect [http://trudygraham.com.au/connect]  to explore working together. Credits The Trailblazing Schools Podcast is hosted by Trudy Graham - https://www.trudygraham.com.au/ [https://www.trudygraham.com.au/] This podcast is edited and produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene from PERK Digital - https://perkdigital.com.au/ [https://perkdigital.com.au/] The theme music is Dusty Road by Indiebox Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tim’s school context 05:48 The Role of AI in Leadership 10:46 Navigating Complex Challenges in Education 20:13 Leveraging Technology for Clarity and Efficiency 22:48 Advice for New Leaders 25:46 Personal Insights and Reflections Educational Leadership, AI in Schools, Inclusive Education, School Management, Leadership Strategies, Educational Technology