Welcome to episode 16 of the Zero Breach Zone. In this episode, hosts Phil Hintz and Andy Lombardo are joined by Dr. Adam Phyall, Director of Professional Learning and Leadership at All4Ed and a board member of ISTE. With a career that began as a high school science teacher, Dr. Phyall has served as a Chief Technology Officer and brings a wide breadth of experience in educational leadership and technology integration.

He discusses his journey from the classroom to becoming a leader in educational technology, emphasizing the importance of integrating tech in education while ensuring student safety and inclusivity. Dr. Phyall shares insights on the role of diverse voices in ed tech policy-making and the significance of collaboration among educators. He also highlights the Future Ready Schools initiative and the impact of AI in education, advocating for thoughtful governance and community engagement.

In this conversation, Phil, Andy, and Adam delve into the evolving landscape of AI in education, stressing the importance of understanding and integrating technology in schools rather than simply banning or blindly embracing new trends. They explore the challenges posed by legislative impacts on technology use, the necessity of including student voices in policy-making, and the implications of AI as a co-pilot in learning. The discussion underscores the need for curiosity and innovation in educational practices to prepare students for a technology-driven future.

Key Takeaways

• Integrating technology in classrooms requires understanding both instructional and information systems
• Safety and privacy in education technology are paramount for student protection
• Diverse voices in policy-making lead to more inclusive and effective educational practices
• Future Ready Schools aim to provide equitable resources for all students, regardless of background
• AI governance is essential for responsible implementation in educational settings
• Collaboration among educators and stakeholders enhances the effectiveness of technology integration
• Professional development should focus on equipping teachers with the right tools and knowledge
• Community engagement is crucial for understanding the needs of students and families
• The educational landscape is evolving, and districts must adapt to new technologies and methodologies but blocking all AI tools in schools is impractical however guidelines for wearable AI in schools are needed
• Student voices are crucial in policy discussions.
• Parting Tool: Socrat Ai an Ai tool built for teaching and leanring 

Resources Mentioned:

• Future Ready Schools aim to provide equitable resources for all students, regardless of background
• UnDisrupted Podcast hosted by Dr. Adam Phyall
• Plaud.Ai professional Ai note taker on you pin to your shirt  
• Socrat Ai an Ai tool built for teaching and leanring 

Chapter
02:59 Dr. Phyall's Journey into EdTech
06:00 Navigating Technology and Safety in Education
09:03 The Importance of Diverse Voices in Education
12:07 Transitioning to National Level Advocacy
14:58 Future Ready Schools and Cybersecurity
17:52 AI in Education: Governance and Implementation
21:02 Resources for Schools and Community Engagement
28:49 Navigating the AI Landscape in Education
31:35 The Challenges of AI Integration in Schools
34:14 Legislative Impacts on Technology Use
38:11 The Role of Student Voices in Policy Making
41:45 Understanding AI: Definitions and Implications
45:53 Embracing AI as a Co-Pilot in Learning
51:15 Curiosity and Innovation in Education