Navigating the Challenges: Addressing Concerns About AI in Classrooms

Outline

Outline

1. Welcome & Framing the Conversation (5 min)

Content: Introduce session goals and the importance of addressing AI-related challenges in education.

Engagement: Participants will share initial thoughts or questions about AI to build collective awareness.

Process: Brief interactive activity or whole-group discussion to surface key themes.

2. The AI Landscape in Education (15 min)

Content: Provide an overview of how AI is evolving in schools, highlighting potential benefits and challenges.

Engagement: Participants will reflect on and discuss their current experiences or perceptions of AI.

3. Strategies for Responsible and Ethical Integration (20 min)

Content: Explore approaches for addressing concerns, establishing guidelines, and connecting AI use to broader educational priorities.

Process: Group collaboration and sharing of ideas.

5. Reframing and Communicating Effectively (15 min)

Content: Discuss techniques for shifting conversations from fear to constructive dialogue and building trust in AI’s role.

Engagement: Participants will practice reframing objections and share communication strategies.

Process: Interactive discussion or paired activity.

6. Reflection and Next Steps (5 min)

Content: Summarize key takeaways and encourage participants to plan for continued exploration of AI integration.

Engagement: Participants will identify one action or consideration to apply in their own practice.

Process: Individual reflection and group share-out.

Total Time: 60 minutes

Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to better navigate conversations with families, students, and colleagues about AI’s role in education by exploring approaches to address concerns around safety, mental health, equity, and sustainability. They will consider strategies for reframing objections into constructive dialogue, explore ways to design clear guidelines for student use, and reflect on practices that support ethical, responsible integration. Participants will also gain tools to critically evaluate AI resources and identify opportunities to incorporate them thoughtfully to enhance — rather than replace — authentic teaching and learning.

Supporting research

World Economic Forum. (2022). Shaping the Future of Learning: The Role of AI in Education. https://www.weforum.org/publications/shaping-the-future-of-learning-the-role-of-ai-in-education-4-0/

Maine Department of Education. (2024). Artificial Intelligence Guidance for Maine Schools. Augusta, ME: Maine Department of Education. Retrieved fromhttps://view.genially.com/6717d13429a41768c92aa057/presentation-ai-guidance-toolkit

Shelton, K., & Lanier, D. (2023). The promises and perils of AI in education. Lanier Learning.

Clark, H. (2023). The AI-infused classroom. Elevate Books Edu.

AI Assessment Scale (AIAS). (n.d.). Resources and information for the AI Assessment Scale. Retrieved [October 2025], from https://aiassessmentscale.com/