Disruptive Technology

Digital Leadership in K–12: Harnessing AI Without Losing Humanity

/ Dave Eberwein / Leave a comment

I still remember the thrill of moving from my trusty Brother electric typewriter to a remote computer terminal. I’d type out a paper at the University of Calgary, send it across campus to the printer station, and — assuming someone was there — I’d find my term paper neatly placed in a pigeonhole. No more whiteout, no more misaligned type. Just a professional looking report. It felt like magic.

Captain Kirk at the Starship’s Computer

Back then, the future was something we saw on TV. In the 1960s and 70s, Star Trek imagined a world where Captain Kirk could simply ask the ship’s computer a question and get an instant, logical response. That seemed centuries away.

But here we are today where artificial intelligence (AI) can answer your questions in real time, scanning vast databases for what it thinks is the best response. Not perfect — just reasonable. Still, it feels like magic.

I’ve written before about AI’s potential in school (The Sky is Falling … AGAIN, Jan 2023) — personalized instruction, student assessment, lesson generation. But it’s not just about teaching and learning. AI has the ability of transforming the business side of K–12 as well — student registration, policy or procedure inquiries, workflow improvements, even analyzing population growth trends. And that’s only scratching the surface.

THE VISION: Harness AI to improve student learning and success while limiting misuse and risk.

AI is everywhere — digital assistants, search engines, social media, online shopping, fraud prevention, gaming, medical diagnosis. The list goes on. But with this leap forward come real concerns: deepfakes, bias, privacy violations, job security, hacking, intensive energy consumption and more.

So, where do schools fit in? How do we balance possibilities with risks?

To begin, we keep asking the important questions:

  • What bias and accuracy does this AI tool bring?
  • Does it make sense to use it in a particular place? Will it improve student access to their learning?
  • How do we protect data privacy?
  • How do we preserve critical thinking skills?
  • How do we keep human connections at the center?

Actively exploring its possibilities is not only important, it’s also non-negotiable. As AI’s capabilities evolve, waiting until ‘things have settled’ is like waiting for the grass to stop growing before you mow it. You might as well start now, because it’s only going to get more difficult the longer you wait.

We’ve done this before. Think calculators. Think the internet. Both were disruptive. Both raised concerns. Yet we found ways to integrate them without losing the essence of learning. Calculators didn’t erase math skills. The internet didn’t destroy originality — plagiarism existed long before Google. We adapted. We can do it again.

My point here is not to minimize the real and potential risks of AI — they are there — but, instead to chart a path of exploration that can maximize its advantages while minimizing the risks. Yes, there are bigger challenges with AI than with the calculator and the internet — primarily because AI is evolving so quickly, and we don’t know what next month will look like, let alone next year. Yet, it’s potential for improved access to curriculum, personalizing the educational experiences, building student success, and enhancing the business side of education is unparalleled.

Why AI Matters for Kids’ Brains

Can technology actually help our kids’ brains grow? Yes, if we use it wisely.

Here’s the good news — AI can be a powerful ally for brain development. AI can personalize learning, offering challenges that match a child’s pace and providing instant feedback. Research shows this supports executive functions like working memory and cognitive flexibility. When used wisely, AI can help teachers focus on what they do best — inspiring curiosity and connection.

But here’s the catch — too much automation can strip away the human connection that fuels motivation. Brains aren’t just processors — they’re social organs. Kids need eye contact, laughter, and human connection. Schools are where this happens. When I ask students what’s working for them, they never say “the technology”. They talk about teachers, administrators, counselors, educational assistants—the people who connect with them on a daily basis.

Human connections build confidence, understanding and competence — technology is a tool, not the teacher.

Of course, every shiny tool has a shadow. Over-reliance on AI can lead to passive learning, reduced creativity, and data privacy concerns. AI algorithms aren’t perfect — they carry biases that affect their output, so teaching about these potential biases help us manage how and where we use the tool.

So, what’s the solution? Balance.

Digital leadership means creating guardrails so AI enhances — not replaces — the human elements of learning. Think of AI as the sous-chef, not the head chef. It can chop the veggies, but the teacher still crafts the recipe. In Saanich, as part of our own guardrails we developed an Artificial Intelligence Framework built on four themes:

  • Teaching & Learning
  • Inclusion and Accessible Learning
  • Ethical Use
  • Privacy, Security & Safety

What Can Parents Do?

You don’t need a tech degree to stay involved. Encourage screen-time boundaries. Promote activities that build executive function outside of the tech world — things like puzzles, outdoor play, and storytelling. The best brain development happens when kids combine digital learning with real-world experiences — with trusted adults being the glue and the motivation.

AI in education isn’t a villain or a superhero — it’s a tool. In the hands of thoughtful leaders and engaged parents, it can help kids develop the cognitive skills they need for a complex world. But, we’re also not losing sight of the human heartbeat in learning.

Because, no algorithm can replace the magic of a teacher who believes in your child — or the joy of a parent cheering them on.

(This post was written by the author. AI created some of the images as well as reviewing the post for flow and grammar.)

My 2024-2025 Reflections

/ Dave Eberwein / 1 Comment

There’s so much I am grateful for as Superintendent. But if I had to name just one thing that stands out, it’s this: I get to be part of a professional community that never stops striving to be better. Every day I’m surrounded by people who challenge and inspire me to grow — people who believe deeply in creating spaces where every learner can thrive. Together, we’re not just educators. We’re leaders. And we’re building something meaningful.

Like everywhere else, our district is affected by global issues. The global social and political realities of today are significant and impacting us in unexpected ways. In some of my previous posts I have commented on things such as the current political turmoil, economic uncertainty and social media biases — where we have seen the marginalizing of people because of their beliefs and personal preferences. I have blogged about the problems of racism, bigotry and hatred — because they are important topics for me — areas where we need conversation and action against them. As a school system, we have an obligation to combat these intolerances and be strong in our belief of being the places of kindness and understanding — the places where students feel welcomed, safe and included.

Tucker catching up on some critical down time

These are some of the current influences that are shaping my thinking and wonderings. With this as a backdrop, I’ve compiled a short list of 4 areas of personal reflection that I’d like to share — areas where I’ve spent some time — at work, on my drive home or perhaps walking Tucker:

  • Student Success
  • Artificial Intelligence & Education
  • Political and Economic Upheaval
  • A Personal Perspective

Student Success

We are 1/2 way through Strategic Plan 2022-2027 — and making some good progress in: Literacy; Indigenous Learner Success; Mental Health & Wellness; and Global Citizenship.

School Plans, Personal Growth Plans, Long-Range Facilities Plans, staff recruitment, the Information Technology Plan, budget planning and many other areas are all examples of how we align our efforts to the Strategic Plan, building on what we know works well as well as trying new things to make us better.

The Enhancing Student Learning Report (Sept 2024) provides a great overview of our successes and areas where we still need to focus.

Here are some sample results:

  • Overall student literacy rates are showing improvement including for students with complex learning needs. There is still a difference in literacy rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, but the gap is narrowing.
  • Overall, students are feeling welcomed and safe at school. There has been a significant improvement of Indigenous students feeling a sense of belonging.
  • It is clear that having an adult with whom every child feels connected makes a tremendous difference in students’ sense of safety, as well as feeling valued for who they are in this world.
  • Graduation rates for all students continue to show a steady increase, with the biggest increase seen for the 6-year Indigenous student graduation rate increasing from 56% (2022-22) to 73% (2023-24).

These are just a few of the trends we are seeing. I encourage you to look over the entire Report when you have some time. While there is still much work to be done — especially as it relates to building equity — it is important to acknowledge the efforts our staff are providing in building successful learning opportunities for the students in our care.

Artificial Intelligence and Education

This is an exciting time to be in K-12 education.

In the words of a friend and colleague, “The AI you’re using today is the worst it’s ever going to be.” Being the most recent ‘disruptive technology‘, AI is altering the educational landscape — changing how we lesson plan, increasing accessibility to the curriculum, as well as how we assess student progress. It also provides opportunities within the business side of our system.

But, this newest of technologies also comes with questions and worries. We’re not ignoring these, but instead we’re building a foundation of understanding that is continually evolving alongside of the technology. By embracing the conversation, we have the best opportunity to leverage its possibilities, while being cognizant of ensuring its appropriate use.

In Saanich, we produced a foundational document (Framework for Generative AI in Saanich Schools) that provides some of the ‘bumper pads or guiderails’ for AI in our schools. It is not the final word on how we use AI, but it does give us the foundation from which to build awareness and understanding, as well as increase our system capacity in capitalizing on this new, and evolving tool.

We hosted two staff GenAI Think Tanks this year as well as a virtual Parent Information Evening with 300 parents registered.

Our goal in these ongoing conversations is to share our current knowledge and progress, ask questions and continue our learning journey. We don’t have all of the answers. By asking questions and spending the time charting a path forward, we remain committed to being informed and progressive. We see the possibilities that AI can bring to our teaching and learning environments.

Stay tuned for continuing updates next year.

Political and Economic Upheaval

I have never intended for this blog to serve as a political platform—that has never been its purpose. Yet, remaining silent in the face of today’s turbulent political, social, and economic climate would be to ignore the wild uncertainty that surrounds us. This global instability is reverberating across all levels of governance — national, provincial, and local — leaving no community untouched, including here in British Columbia. Government budgets are in a state of flux, and school districts are not immune from the effects of this global uncertainty.

A Personal Perspective

Life is filled with moments that take your breath away and remind you there is a bigger picture . This past year, one of those moments was the birth of our granddaughter, Ophelia. What a pure bundle of joy! And, she just had her first birthday.

Baby Ophelia – 1 year old

Her brightness and inquisitiveness, the pure joy when she tastes new food, the giggles when you play peek-a-boo, and the screams of delight when you blow bubbles in her neck — they all put into perspective life’s priorities.

While there are many pressure points in our professional lives — in the end, what matters most are the people.

It is Ophelia and others like her who bring the greatest meaning to our lives and our priorities — both personally and professionally.

See you in September!

For those of you returning next year, I look forward to connecting with you again in our schools and district office. And, if you are off to new adventures thank you for being part of our community of learners. I wish you well.

Thank you to everyone who has entered my world this year — you have made an impact and a difference. I wish all of you a summer of rejuvenation, and opportunities to do the things that may get pushed aside during the busy school year.

Dave

(This post was written without the support of Artificial Intelligence.)