When AI can produce a polished assignment in seconds, how do teachers know what students actually understand?

In Season 1, Episode 10 of The Kitchen Think, Dr Tim Kitchen speaks with Adrian Cotterell, co-founder and Managing Director of Thinking Mode and Managing Director of AI & Assessment Solutions.

Recorded at the 2026 National Education Summit in Melbourne, this conversation explores how schools can rethink assessment while keeping students accountable for their own thinking. Adrian shares why he champions “verification over detection” and explains how Thinking Mode uses AI-powered conversations to help students demonstrate their understanding of the work they submit.

Through questions that adapt to each student’s responses, teachers can gather evidence of learning beyond the polished final product.We discuss the limitations of traditional assignments, the continuing value of essay writing, and why forming opinions, evaluating arguments and explaining ideas remain essential human skills.A practical conversation for teachers and school leaders asking: how can we use AI while preserving the thinking students need to do for themselves?

Explore Thinking Mode: https://thinkingmode.com

More episodes of The Kitchen Think: https://timkitchen.net/podcast/

Subscribe and share this episode with a colleague interested in assessment, critical thinking and the future of learning.

Dr Kitchen's CTL - Creative Teaching & Learning site - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/ctl ⁠is also worth a look if you for more resources and support around the safe & ethical use of AI and digital creativity.

You can book Dr Kitchen to engage with your school in-person or online via - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/book-tim/⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking assessment in the age of AI

01:57 What is Adrian’s teaching background?

04:58 What is Thinking Mode, and how does it work?

14:17 What weaknesses has AI exposed in traditional assessment?

19:07 If the final product isn’t enough, what should teachers assess?

28:41 How can teachers access Thinking Mode?

30:38 Closing reflections: Evidence of student understanding

In this episode of The Kitchen Think, I’m joined by Alwyn Hunt, co-founder of The Rookies, a global community helping emerging creatives explore pathways into games, filmmaking, animation, design and other creative industries.

We explore what happens when a young person loves playing games and wants to learn how to make one? Or watches a film and wonders what it would be like to create its characters and visual effects?

Alwyn explains how The Rookies connects students with learning resources, a community of peers and feedback from industry professionals. We discuss what teachers can do when a student’s interest in 3D art or game development goes beyond their own expertise, and how parents can better understand the careers available in these fields.

We also talk about Alwyn’s work in visual effects, the creative opportunities available here in Australia, and how AI is changing industry workflows. Throughout the conversation, Alwyn makes a compelling case for staying curious and developing the creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking that young people will need as these industries evolve.

With the first Rookies Schools Week coming up in October 2026, this conversation is a timely invitation to help young creatives see where their interests could take them.

Explore The Rookies and Rookies Schools Week at https://www.therookies.co/

Subscribe to The Kitchen Think for more conversations about education, creativity, technology and preparing young people for an AI-rich world.

Dr Kitchen's CTL - Creative Teaching & Learning site - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/ctl ⁠is also worth a look if you for more resources and support around the safe & ethical use of AI and digital creativity.

You can book Dr Kitchen to engage with your school in-person or online via - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/book-tim/⁠

Chapters

01:19 Tell us a bit about what you do at Adobe and, more importantly, what you’re doing with The Rookies.

01:44 Tell us a bit more about The Rookies.

02:03 The Rookies is probably better known overseas than in Australia. Would that be accurate?

03:51 What advice do you have for teachers and students who have a passion for CGI or making games but are looking for the next step?

06:06 What is Adobe Substance, and how could it help students learn about 3D design?

07:27 Why would someone go into CGI or filmmaking if AI is doing it all these days?

07:34 Is that actually the case, or what’s happening in the industry?

10:25 How important is The Rookies’ professional network, and how can students get feedback and make industry connections?

12:08 What is the website address for people listening to the podcast?

13:18 Tell us about Rookies Schools Week.

14:40 At the end of Schools Week, what do you hope a young person will understand or feel more confident doing?

16:27 What other creative industry companies are working in Australia?

What if the city itself became the classroom?In this episode of The Kitchen Think, Dr Tim Kitchen interviews Laura Bain, Director of Vision and Development for the Immanuel Lutheran College Urban Campus Project on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.Laura is helping to develop an innovative senior learning community in the heart of the Maroochydore CBD on the Sunshine Coast on QLD, Australia. Built around the idea that “the city is your campus”, the project aims to connect students with local businesses, universities, community organisations and authentic real-world learning opportunities.During the conversation, Laura explores:• Why traditional schooling does not meet the needs of every student• How curriculum, wellbeing, technology and community partnerships can work together• The importance of student agency and personalised learning• How physical spaces can influence learning• The potential for AI to provide timely feedback and support individual learning journeys• How schools can help young people use AI thoughtfully, responsibly and discerninglyAt the heart of the conversation is a hopeful vision for education - one in which every student is deeply known, learning is connected to the wider world, and schools become springboards into the future.Subscribe to The Kitchen Think for more conversations about education, creativity, technology and preparing young people for an AI-rich world.Dr Kitchen's CTL - Creative Teaching & Learning site - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/ctl ⁠is also worth a look if you for more resources and support around the safe & ethical use of AI and digital creativity. You can book Dr Kitchen to engage with your school in-person or online via - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/book-tim/⁠Chapters0 min 0 sec - Introductions1 min 52 sec - Promos3 min 03 sec - Intro to Laura3 min 58 sec - What prompted Immanuel Lutheran College to explore a new model of senior learning?4 min 36 sec - How are you bringing together curriculum, technology, wellbeing and authentic real-world experiences?5 min 43 sec - What role will partnerships with businesses, universities and community organisations play?6 min 12 sec - How do you create meaningful real-world learning without losing academic depth or rigour?7 min 08 sec - Will students have greater agency over what, where and how they learn?7 min 51 sec - How do physical spaces influence the culture, relationships and learning experiences you are trying to create?8 min 41 sec - Where does AI fit within the vision for the Urban Campus?9 min 45 sec - How can schools move beyond simply using AI to save time and begin using it to transform learning?11 min 03 sec - What concerns about AI do you believe schools should take seriously—and which fears may be distracting us from its genuine potential?12 min 41 sec - What do students who successfully complete the Urban Campus Project experience that they may not experience in a conventional senior school?14 min 11 sec - What gives you the greatest sense of hope about the future of education?15 min 19 sec - Tim's thoughts16 min 51 sec - Conclusion

This episode of The Kitchen Think explores how a diverse school community helps students thrive and prepares them for an increasingly AI-shaped world. Dr Tim Kitchen interviews Sean McMahon, Assistant Principal at Braybrook College, Melbourne and discusses school culture, leadership, the opportunities and challenges of generative AI, and the importance of keeping people at the centre of education.Tim also promotes his new book - The Human Advantage, Teaching, Learning & Leading in s Gen AI World. Find out more via - https://timkitchen.net/book4/Dr Kitchen's CTL - Creative Teaching & Learning site - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/ctl ⁠is also worth a look if you for more resources and support around the safe & ethical use of AI and digital creativity. You can book Dr Kitchen to engage with your school in-person or online via - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/book-tim/⁠Chapters:0 min 0 sec - Introductions1 min 7 sec - Book promo2 min 09 sec - Interview intro2 min 46 sec - The Interview18 min 05 sec - Concluding comments18 min 56 sec - Final promos19 min 34 sec - Conclusion

What does the Castlereagh Statement actually mean for busy teachers?In this episode of The Kitchen Think, Dr Tim Kitchen explores this Australian cross-sector call to action for education in the age of AI and translates its big ideas into practical classroom strategies.Discover why “process over product” matters when AI can generate polished work in seconds, how assessment can better reveal genuine student learning, and why responsible AI use should focus on transparency rather than catching students out.The episode shares five practical actions teachers can try now: make the learning process visible, introduce simple AI Use Statements, build in human checkpoints, teach critical AI literacy through your subject, and protect the productive struggle students need for meaningful learning.You’ll also hear a simple four-question planning routine for deciding when AI adds value—and when students need to do the thinking themselves.Above all, this episode explores the human advantage teachers bring to an AI-rich world: relationships, judgement, creativity, care and knowing what individual students need.A practical overview for teachers and school leaders looking to thoughtfully integrate AI into teaching, learning and assessment without losing sight of what matters most: the learning.Ideal viewing for teachers, school leaders and anyone interested in the future of learning.Dr Kitchen's CTL - Creative Teaching & Learning site - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/ctl ⁠is also worth a look if you for more resources and support around the safe & ethical use of AI and digital creativity. You can book Dr Kitchen to engage with your school in-person or online via - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/book-tim/⁠Educator Intelligence Live - https://live.educatorintelligence.ai/

Chapters:0 min 0 sec - Introduction0 min 37 sec - Educator Intelligence Live promo1 min 28 sec - Opening2 min 39 sec - What is the Castlereagh Statement 5 min 40 sec - Professor Danny Liu7 min 16 sec - The Six Principles12 min 45 sec - The Three Horizons14 min 46 sec - Five Practical Classroom Actions 20 min 06 sec - A Simple Planning Routine21 min 15 sec - The Human Advantage22 min 57 sec - Conclusion

In this episode of The Kitchen Think, Dr Tim Kitchen explores new Australian eSafety research revealing how young people are using AI assistants and companions—not just for schoolwork, but for advice, connection and emotional support. He highlights key implications for student wellbeing, online safety and school AI policies, and speaks with education consultant Matt Esterman about Educator Intelligence Live. Essential viewing for busy teachers and school leaders navigating the increasingly human side of AI in education.

Chapters

0 min 0 sec - Introduction

0 min 53 sec - Professional Learning and CTL Resources

1 min 51 sec - When AI Becomes a Confidant

4 min 15 sec - Beyond Homework: AI as Emotional Support

5 min 12 sec - The Risks Schools Need to Understand

7 min 10 sec - What Teachers, Leaders and Parents Can Do

9 min 50 sec - In Conversation with Matt Esterman

17 min 00 sec - A Shout-Out to Braybrook College

18 min 02 sec - Keeping Education’s Response Deeply Human

In this episode of The Kitchen Think, Dr Tim Kitchen explores Australia’s emerging national approach to artificial intelligence and what it could mean for schools, teachers and students. Drawing on his recent visit to St Rita’s College in Brisbane and a conversation with Noni Harrison, the College’s new Head of Teaching and Learning Innovation, Tim examines AI literacy, assessment, authorship, creativity and the importance of keeping education’s human purpose at the centre of change.

Chapters:

0 min 0 sec - Introduction

0 min 41 sec - Three Resources Worth Exploring

2 min 39 sec - AI Becomes a National Priority

5 min 29 sec - Creativity, Ownership and Environmental Responsibility

8 min 52 sec - AI Literacy Is More Than Prompting

11 min 00 sec - Innovation in Practice at St Rita’s

11 min 45 sec - Interview with Noni Harrison

23 min 42 sec - Leading Innovation as a Shared Effort

25 min 05 sec - Five Things Schools Can Do Now

27 min 26 sec - Keeping the Human Purpose at the Centre

What’s the most important thing teachers can do to prepare students for an AI-rich future?

In this episode of The Kitchen Think, Tim Kitchen shares insights from leading educators interviewed at EDUtech 2026, including Professor Danny Liu, Emma Wilson, Vince Wall, Bridget Pearce, James Jenkins, Miriam Scott, Dylan Sulzer, Laura Bain and Matt Esterman.

A clear message emerges: as AI becomes more capable, schools must place even greater emphasis on developing the uniquely human skills that matter most, critical thinking, creativity, ethical judgement, metacognition and curiosity. Discover practical advice to help students use AI as a thinking partner rather than a thinking replacement.

Ideal viewing for teachers, school leaders and anyone interested in the future of learning.

Chapters

0 min 0 sec - Introduction

1 min 44 sec - Tim's take part 1

3 min 53 sec - Interview with Professor Danny Liu

5 min 9 sec - Interview with Emma Wilson

5 min 56 sec - Interview with Vince Wall

6 min 48 sec - Tim's take part 2

7 min 25 sec - The Human Advantage promo

9 min 58 sec - Interview with Bridgett Pearce

11 min 02 sec - Interview with James Jenkins

11 min 48 sec - Interview with Miriam Scott

12 min 34 sec - Tim's take part 3

15 min 02 sec - Interview with Dylan Sulzer

15 min 39 sec - Interview with Laura Bain

16 min 59 sec - Interview with Matt Esterman

17 min 47 sec - Educator Intelligence promo

20 min 17 sec - Tim's take part 4

In this episode of The Kitchen Think Podcast/Vodcast recorded on 16th June, 2026, Dr Tim Kitchen shares insights gathered from leading education presenters at EDUtech Australia 2026 and explores key messages from Pope Leo’s recent encyclical on artificial intelligence.

The discussion highlights why critical thinking, ethical decision-making, creativity, and other uniquely human qualities are becoming even more important as AI transforms education. A practical and thought-provoking reflection for busy teachers navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI in schools. You can find the full article including the list of references via ⁠https://timkitchen.net/kitchen-think-archives/

More about EDUtech 2026 can be found via - https://timkitchen.net/2026/06/05/edutech2026/

Dr Kitchen's CTL - Creative Teaching & Learning site - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/ctl ⁠is also worth a look if you for more resources and support around the safe & ethical use of AI and digital creativity.

You can book Dr Kitchen to engage with your school in-person or online via - ⁠https://timkitchen.net/book-tim/⁠

Key chapters

0 min 0 sec - Introduction

1 min 45 sec - EDUtech 2026

4 min 31 sec - Interviews with Dr Andrew Fuller, Holly Payne & Bob Willetts at EDUtech 2026

7 min 24 sec - What the Pope says about AI intro

11 min 40 sec - What This Means for Educators

15 min 5 sec - Environmental impacts

17 min 25 sec - What the Pope says about school education

22 min 16 sec - Prioritising professional learning

24 min 11 sec - Conclusion

Welcome to episode 1 of The Kitchen Think Vodcast/Podcast.

This episode is based on Dr Tim Kitchen's LinkedIn article published on the 3rd of January, 2026 titled - It’s About the Journey – The generative AI evolution is giving K-12 education the revolution it has needed for many years.

This article is focused how the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022 marked a turning point for education, accelerating the adoption of generative AI across schools, forcing educators to rethink teaching, learning, and assessment. It explores how the rise of gen AI has shifted the focus of assessment away from polished end products, back toward the learning process itself, highlighting the renewed importance of critical thinking, creativity, reflection, ethical use, and frameworks like Bloom’s Taxonomy in preparing students for an AI-rich world.

You can find the full article including the list of references via https://timkitchen.net/kitchen-think-archives/

Dr Kitchen's CTL - Creative Teaching & Learning site - https://timkitchen.net/ctl is also worth a look if you for more resources and support around the safe & ethical use of AI and digital creativity.

You can book Dr Kitchen to engage with your school in-person or online via - https://timkitchen.net/book-tim/

Chapters:

Introduction - 0 min 0 sec

Resources - 0 min 58 sec

Summary - 1 min 30sec

The Article Intro - 2 min 19 sec

From COVID lockdowns to Gen AI - 4 min 47 sec

A change to teaching & learning - 7 min 49 sec

Linking back to Benjamin Bloom - 8 min 47 sec

Rethinking assessment - 10 min 36 sec

Closing comments & resources - 13 min 4 sec