Galleries

Ep. 296 | The Hidden Problem With AI in Education With Ken Shelton

AI literacy is not about prompts. Learn why schools are misusing AI tools and how leaders can simplify edtech decisions for better results.

This episode is sponsored by TWT Audio. Are your students dealing with broken headsets, poor audio quality, or unreliable microphones at moments that matter most? TWT Audio was built for educators, by educators, designing headsets specifically for real classroom environments, durable enough to last, and comfortable for all-day use. With over 5 million headsets and headphones sold, schools trust TWT because they just work, delivering consistent performance while simplifying technology.

Instead of replacing cheap headsets year after year, invest in a solution that schools nationwide trust every day.

TWT Audio — hear the difference.

What if everything we think we know about AI literacy in education is…off?

That’s exactly where my conversation with Ken Shelton goes. And fair warning, it gets deep fast.

Most educators hear “AI literacy” and immediately think about prompts, chatbots, and what students should or should not type into tools. But that definition is way too small. AI literacy is not just about using tools. It is about understanding how those tools work, how language shapes outcomes, and how human decisions influence the results.

In other words, it is less about “what do I type?” and more about “how do I think?” Check out the full conversation for yourself down below.

A big takeaway from this episode is that language matters more than we realize. The difference between words like summarize, analyze, or interrogate can completely change what an AI system produces. That is not a tech skill. That is communication skill. That is literacy.

And here is where things get even more interesting.

Many educators are unknowingly treating AI like Google. They use vague searches and expect precise results. That mismatch leads to frustration and poor outcomes. AI systems require clarity, specificity, and intentionality. The more precise the input, the more useful the output.

Now let’s zoom out to leadership.

School administrators are facing a different challenge. Not just how to use AI, but how to make decisions about it. And right now, many are moving too fast. There is pressure from all directions. Vendors, teachers, parents, and policy concerns.

The advice shared here is simple but powerful. Slow down.

Start with your goals. What does your school actually need? Then evaluate tools based on alignment, not hype. Because here is the reality. Some districts are juggling hundreds of platforms. In one case, over 500.

Yes. 500.

After auditing usage, many of those tools were redundant. By narrowing down to just two platforms with strong overlap, the district saved money and improved professional development. Fewer tools. Better results.

That is the game.

AI literacy at the leadership level is not about knowing every tool. It is about making intentional, strategic decisions that support teaching and learning.

And if you are feeling overwhelmed, here is a helpful mindset shift. Think of AI like cooking.

At first, you follow the recipe exactly. Over time, you develop intuition. You adjust, experiment, and create. That is when the process starts to feel easier. The same is true with AI.

You do not need to rush mastery. You need consistent practice and thoughtful application.

So before you chase the next shiny tool, pause and ask yourself one question.

Is this aligned with what we are trying to accomplish?

If the answer is no, it is probably just another app collecting digital dust.

About Ken Shelton

Ken Shelton is a multi award winning educator, author, speaker, and consultant. He has worked in education for well over 20 years. His work includes teaching middle school technology, keynote speaking, leading professional development, and providing consulting support to many education systems around the world. He is the co-author of the best selling book “The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity have Entered the Chat.”

Connect With Ken Shelton

Ep. 289 | Will AI Kill Critical Thinking? Carl Hooker’s 6 Predictions For 2026

Will AI kill critical thinking? Explore six of Carl Hooker’s 2026 edtech predictions about artificial intelligence in schools, digital literacy, student data, and the future of learning management systems.

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.

In this episode, Carl Hooker and I unpack six of his bold 2026 edtech predictions, including students becoming the product in the AI economy, the rise of AI generated “pink slime” misinformation, the threat to critical thinking, and the emergence of a unified Teacher Operating System. We also explore wearable tech, social media trust, and the fine line between innovation and surveillance. If you want clarity and practical insight on leading responsibly in an AI saturated world, this conversation is for you.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

About Carl Hooker

Carl Hooker has spent the past 27 years in education as a teacher and administrator focused on the thoughtful integration of technology and innovation in schools. He consults for multiple districts across the country and is a frequent keynote speaker at state and national events. He’s also a 10-time author, 5-time podcast host, advisor to multiple ed tech companies, and National Faculty Emeritus for Future Ready Schools. Carl is also the co-founder of K12Leaders.com – A social media platform made by educators for educators. Check out his website https://CarlHooker.com and his blog at HookedOnInnovation.com

Connect With Carl Hooker

Ep. 286 | The Fix Your School Culture Needs With Mandy Froehlich

Why are so many teachers burning out and what can actually fix it? Discover how healing spaces can transform toxic school cultures in this powerful episode with my good friend Mandy Froehlich.

This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

Learn more at Teq.com.

In this powerful episode, I welcome back Mandy Froehlich—longtime friend of the podcast and a leading voice in educator mental health. Mandy introduces us to the concept of healing spaces. These are not just quiet rooms or meditation music, but deep cultural shifts that support teacher recovery, emotional well-being, and long-term sustainability in education.

We unpack the difference between burnout and demoralization, how leadership can unintentionally miss the mark, and what educators truly need to feel supported. If you feel like you’re trying to stay afloat or you’re an administrator ready to build a better culture, this episode is your blueprint for creating change.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

Connect With Mandy Froehlich

Ep. 34: Jennifer And The Winward Academy

In this episode, I chat with the founder of the Winward Academy, Dr. Jennifer Winward. We discuss how virtual tutoring has transformed how and when students learn. She’s a San Diego native as well and listen to hear what she has to say about her favorite cuisine from her worldwide travels, including flour vs. corn tortillas. Don’t forget to tell a friend, subscribe, and leave a review on iTunes, Google Play, or whatever podcast platform you get your podcast from. Buen Provecho!

Connect With The Winward Academy

Connect With And Support The EdTech Bites Podcast