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The Elephant in the AI Classroom

    My Conversation on Education Perspectives

    Every few years, I seem to make a significant pivot in my career journey… and right now, I am so excited to be exactly where I need to be, diving deep into the future of education with AI. I recently had an incredible chat with Liza Holland on the Education Perspectives podcast, and we went straight for the big elephant in the room:

    We’re all supposed to be using AI, but most of us don’t know how.

    It’s true! Our education system, largely designed for the Industrial Age, is seriously struggling to equip all of us (teachers, staff, and students alike!) for the Intelligence Age. The world has shifted, but our methods—and sometimes our mindsets—haven’t kept pace.

    Here are some of the key takeaways from our honest and insightful discussion that I think you’ll resonate with:

    • Are We Still Designing Education for 1985?
      We explored how many of us are still preparing students for a world that simply doesn’t exist anymore. While the AI transformation is happening daily, many educators feel a massive hunger for clear, human-centered guidance. We talked about how teachers, like you, see that elephant and want to know what the heck to do about it!
    • The AI Imperative: From Answers to Questions
      In today’s world, answers are literally everywhere (thanks, AI!). The real superpower now isn’t finding answers; it’s learning to ask the right questions. This shift in mindset and skill is crucial for fostering critical thinking and strategic problem-solving. We dove into how AI can be a powerful tool for deeper inquiry, rather than just a way to “cheat.”
    • AI as the Ultimate Amplifier: Unlocking Confidence and Capability for ALL
      My background in special education heavily influences how I see this. What was once specialized “assistive technology” for a few is quickly becoming “native tech” for everyone. Imagine AI tools igniting confidence for struggling learners, just like voice-to-text did for an elementary student with dyslexia I worked with. This isn’t about teaching every single AI tool, but equipping all adult staff with the mindset and foundational skills to confidently navigate this new landscape.
    • The Global Race for Readiness: The Time to SHIFT is NOW
      My experience living and working in Ghana gives me a unique perspective. Other countries are moving fast, embracing AI education as early as elementary school to prepare a global workforce. We need to act quickly in the U.S. to ensure our educators are empowered, so we don’t miss the bus in this global race.

    Ready to Make Your Own SHIFT?

    These aren’t just big ideas; they’re why I developed The SHIFT System™, the practical framework outlined in my new book, ‘Surviving the AI SHiFT®: A Strategic Guide for Educators and Staff in the Artificial Intelligence Age’.

    My goal is to empower every educator and staff member to confidently navigate and lead this transformational change. This isn’t just another random unfunded mandate; it’s about providing concrete tools and a clear path forward.

    Here’s how you can take action:

    1. Grab the Book: My book is heading to print and officially launches August 5th, 2025! It’s packed with the practical framework you need.
    2. Assess Your AI Readiness (for FREE!): Want to know where you stand and what your next steps should be?
      • Take my Free AI Readiness Assessment: Click here!
    3. Bring The SHIFT System™ to Your School/District: If you’re a school leader (Superintendent, Principal, PD Director, Tech Leader) looking for a comprehensive professional development solution for your entire staff, I invite you to connect.

    I’ll be training thousands of educators in the next year, including keynoting at the Georgia EdTech Conference this November. I’m excited to empower more educators to turn AI anxiety into capability.

    Thank you for listening to the episode and for joining me on this vital journey. Let’s make the SHIFT happen!

    Ayo Jones
    Founder, The SHIFT System™
    Author, Surviving the AI SHiFT®
    survivingtheaishift.com
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