Stanford Summit Explores How AI is Reshaping the Future of Education

The third Stanford AI+Education Summit gathered researchers, educators, and policymakers to explore AI’s role in transforming learning. Hosted by Stanford Accelerator for Learning and HAI, the event highlighted innovative AI applications while emphasizing ethical and responsible use. Discussions focused on AI literacy, privacy, and policy frameworks to guide AI integration in education. Experts showcased AI-driven research in child development, classroom tools, and accelerated education research. Ethical concerns were addressed, emphasizing AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—human intelligence. Policymakers from various states shared strategies for implementing AI in K-12 systems. The event underscored the need for collaboration and equity in shaping AI-driven education.

Stanford Summit Explores How AI is Reshaping the Future of Education

The third annual Stanford AI+Education Summit brought together researchers, educators, policymakers, and tech developers to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping education. Hosted by the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), the event highlighted innovative AI applications while emphasizing ethical and responsible implementation.

The summit opened with Dan Schwartz, Dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, outlining a vision for an AI-integrated learning future. Discussions centered on key questions, such as how to maintain human uniqueness in an AI-driven world and how AI can be leveraged ethically to enhance education. The event featured expert panels, speed talks, and collaborative discussions, enabling attendees to exchange insights and address challenges. Additionally, AI research grant recipients presented their work, and new tools, such as the AI Tinkery and the Generative AI for Education Hub, were showcased.

Stanford professor Victor Lee emphasized the growing need for AI literacy in schools, advocating for a standardized framework to help students and teachers understand AI’s capabilities and implications. With legislative efforts, such as California’s AI literacy bill, Lee stressed the urgency of defining what AI knowledge should be integrated into education. Michael Frank introduced projects like BabyView and LEVANTE, which use AI to analyze child language development through global data collection, refining models to improve understanding of learning variability. Meanwhile, Emma Brunskill discussed how AI can accelerate educational research by optimizing and simulating interventions, potentially reducing the traditionally long innovation cycle in the field.

Ethical considerations were a major focus, with Rob Reich arguing that AI should amplify rather than replace human intelligence. Instead of designing AI to mimic human cognition, he suggested a focus on tools that enhance human capabilities. Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, highlighted concerns around AI’s transparency, security, and data privacy in education, stressing the need for clear accountability measures to protect student information and mitigate biases in AI systems.

Policy leaders from New York, North Carolina, and Washington shared their approaches to integrating AI in K-12 education. Tara Carrozza from New York City Public Schools discussed initiatives such as professional development programs for teachers and the establishment of a K-12 AI Policy Lab. Similarly, Kris Hagel from Peninsula School District, Washington, outlined efforts to create an AI action research team and foster collaborations with universities. Catherine Truitt, former North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction, highlighted the need for clear state guidelines on AI, noting that only 26 states currently provide formal policies, leaving many educators uncertain about how to navigate AI’s role in classrooms.

Looking ahead, experts explored emerging AI applications in education, including collaborative classroom tools, virtual reality, and epigenetics research. Across discussions, there was consensus that AI should support—not replace—human relationships and that accessibility and equity must be priorities in AI development. Carrozza emphasized that education is a national priority requiring collaboration among educators, students, parents, and policymakers. Mote reinforced this, urging the need to equip students with adaptability skills to navigate an unpredictable AI-driven future. As a parent and school founder, she highlighted the importance of resilience and flexibility in education, recognizing that the next generation will face even more rapid technological shifts.