Foundational Impact

Summary

The conversation explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics, with a focus on the role of AI in education. The Good Future Foundation, a non-profit organisation, aims to address the disparity gap in access to technology in schools. The conversation delves into the importance of implementing AI appropriately and safely, with a listen-first approach. It emphasises the need for accountability, transparency, and the ability to explain system behaviour. The discussion also touches on the potential risks and benefits of AI, the role of government in regulation, and the importance of solid data privacy practices.

Takeaways

• The Good Future Foundation aims to address the disparity gap in access to technology in schools and takes a listen-first approach to implementing AI in education.
• Accountability and transparency are crucial in AI implementation, with a focus on being able to explain system behaviour.
• There is a need for solid data privacy practices and a cautious approach to the risks and benefits of AI.
• Government regulation can play a role in ensuring ethical and safe AI practices.
• School leaders should engage in experimentation and assess their own workflows to find the best use cases for AI in education.

Good Future Foundation

www.goodfuture.foundation

Summary

In this conversation, Daniel interviews Yom Fox, the high school principal at Georgetown Day School, about the role of technology, equity, and artificial intelligence in education. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology in the classroom, the importance of teaching digital citizenship, and the impact of AI on student learning. They also touch on the concerns of parents and the role of the school community in navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology.

Takeaways

• The role of technology in education is critically important for preparing students for the future.
• Finding time for conversations about technology and its implications can be challenging, but it is necessary for responsible use and effective teaching.
• Engaging students in discussions about AI and technology can provide valuable insights and help shape the direction of the school's approach.
• Addressing concerns about privacy, academic integrity, and the impact of technology on student well-being is essential for creating a safe and healthy learning environment.
• Creating working groups and involving stakeholders in the decision-making process can help drive conversations and initiatives related to technology in education.

Yom Fox Bio

Yom Odamtten Fox (she/her) is the High School Principal at Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C., and a dedicated mother of three. Her passion lies in fostering inclusive and empowering educational environments where every student feels a sense of belonging and can actively contribute to society.

Yom's decade-long career has been dedicated to facilitating conversations that lead to positive change and creating spaces where educators, parents, and students feel valued and heard. She believes in designing educational systems that prioritize skill development and lifelong learning, all grounded in kindness, care, and compassion. Her ultimate goal is to empower students to lead the way toward a more collaborative and equitable world.

Yom's journey in education began in Central New York, where she was raised by two educators who instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and intellectual curiosity. She furthered her education at Scripps College and Columbia University, earning two Master's degrees in Teaching Social Studies and Private School Leadership. Her teaching career has spanned schools in Colorado, Connecticut, and New York, where she has taught a range of subjects including World History, Civics, and Experiential and Service Learning.

Yom's impact extended beyond the classroom. She has actively contributed to Anti-Racist programming for students, faculty, and families. At the Dalton School, Yom reimagined their DEIB Office to meet the current moment(and beyond) and , collaborated with the Offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Office of Advancement, and the Parents Association to steer the program forward.

Yom currently resides in Maryland with her husband, a former NYC Public School Science teacher, and their three children. She also serves on the board of the Global Education Benchmarks Group.

Good Future Foundation

www.goodfuture.foundation

Summary

Debra Wilson, President of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), discusses the role of NAIS in supporting independent schools in the United States. She highlights the diverse membership of NAIS, which includes schools of various sizes and grade levels. Wilson explains the key areas of support provided by NAIS, such as serving as a trusted authority, providing a national and international network, and advocating for the independent school sector. She also discusses the importance of professional development for teachers, including the exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

Takeaways

• The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides support to independent schools in the United States, including serving as a trusted authority, providing a network, and advocating for the sector.
• NAIS offers resources and professional development opportunities for teachers, including exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
• School leaders should prioritise finding time for professional development and upskilling, even amidst other challenges, as AI and technology will shape the future of education.
• When considering AI tools and vendors, it is important to prioritise data privacy, security, and ethical considerations.
• Experimentation and incremental steps are key in integrating AI into schools, and school leaders should learn from early adopters and engage in thoughtful conversations about the implications of AI in education.

Debra Wilson Bio

In August 2023, Debra P. Wilson began her tenure as the ninth president of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). 

From 2019 until 2023, Wilson served as president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), where she led the organization through a period of growth and supported school leaders in her region through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her SAIS role followed 19 years at NAIS, first as assistant director of regulatory affairs and later as general counsel. In that capacity, she oversaw regulatory and advocacy work for the organization, supported schools in crises, advanced best practices in governance, and created dozens of legal advisories along with other informational resources. Before joining the NAIS staff, Debra was a tax litigator at the Department of Justice. 

In addition to serving on the boards of several schools, Debra’s board service includes The Enrollment Management Association (EMA), the Council for American Private Education (CAPE), International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), and serving on the advisory board of National Network of Schools in Partnership (NNSP), a division of Close Up.

Speaking frequently on topics such as trends impacting education, leadership and governance, school safety and risk, and community health and well-being, Wilson is also co-author of the NAIS Trustee Handbook (10th and 11th editions). 

Wilson received a B.A. in English from Sewanee: The University of the South and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. She is a graduate of the Williams School, an independent school located on the campus of Connecticut College. She is an avid reader, photographer, and cook who loves to be outdoors.

Good Future Foundation

www.goodfuture.foundation

Summary

In this episode, Nebahat Arslan discusses equality and ethics in AI and the mission of Women in AI. They also explore the impact of AI on law, education, and inclusivity. Nebs shares her background in law and technology and emphasizes the importance of building ethical AI tools that are inclusive and safe. They discuss the role of companies and the education system in promoting diversity and providing opportunities for women in STEM and AI.

Takeaways

• Building ethical AI tools is crucial for eliminating biases and ensuring inclusivity.
• The legal and regulatory landscape is still catching up with the advancements in AI technology.
• AI has the potential to bridge the education gap and provide equal opportunities for underprivileged students.
• Companies and the education system have a responsibility to create inclusive environments and provide opportunities for women in STEM and AI.
• Promoting diversity and representation in AI requires collaboration between policymakers, engineers, and leaders in the industry.

Good Future Foundation

www.goodfuture.foundation

In this conversation, Daniel Emmerson, the Academic Affairs Lead at Goodnotes and the Executive Director of Good Future Foundation, interviews Steven Chan, the founder of Goodnotes, and Dr. Minh Tran, VP of Operations at Goodnotes. They discuss the importance of preparing students for AI and new technologies, the role of the Good Future Foundation in bridging the gap between technology and education, and the potential impact of AI on the future of work. They also touch on the nature of nonprofits and what makes them successful.

Takeaways

• Schools need to focus on preparing students for AI and new technologies to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.
• Under-resourced schools require support and access to quality training on AI for educators.
• AI has the potential to change industries, learning, and work, but the exact impact is still uncertain.
• Successful nonprofits are those that have level-headed leaders, carefully consider their impact, and ensure that every dollar donated is well spent.

Good Future Foundation

www.goodfuture.foundation

Welcome to our new podcast. This is an exciting new venture and we're really looking forward to bringing you engaging content for you to hear. If you have any questions about what's coming up, or if you'd like to be a guest on a future episode, then do please just get in touch. But in the meantime, please click the option to follow or subscribe and the first episode will be delivered straight to you.

Links:

Website: www.goodfuture.foundation

This was produced by The Bonjour Agency.