AI is changing the landscape of education, but for many teachers, it feels intimidating. The idea of relying on AI tools can spark concerns about losing control or compromising teaching quality. But as educators like Al Kingsley have discovered, AI can be a powerful ally when introduced thoughtfully.
Al Kingsley, a school leader and CEO of NetSupport, was initially skeptical about AI. He worried that AI tools might oversimplify the educational process or even threaten the role of teachers. However, instead of rejecting AI, Kingsley chose to explore how it could complement—not replace—the human aspect of teaching.
Start Small
He started small. Kingsley first introduced AI to manage administrative tasks in his schools, like organizing resources and grading assessments. By allowing AI to handle these repetitive tasks, teachers suddenly had more time to focus on meaningful interactions with students. This was Kingsley’s first turning point: realizing that AI didn’t take away from teaching but enhanced it.
Next, he explored using AI to analyze student performance data. Instead of teachers manually tracking student progress, AI flagged students who might need extra support. This allowed for earlier interventions, enabling teachers to provide targeted help to students who were falling behind. The result? Improved student outcomes without added workload.
Explore One AI Tool At A Time
Kingsley’s approach was slow and thoughtful. He didn’t jump into using AI for every task. Instead, he encouraged his schools to start with tools that addressed specific needs. For example, using AI to streamline grading and provide detailed feedback saved teachers time while improving the quality of student evaluations.
He emphasizes that AI doesn’t have to be revolutionary to make a difference. It’s about finding small gains in efficiency that give teachers more bandwidth for creativity and student engagement. Kingsley’s story shows that AI can support, not replace, educators—and it all begins with trying one tool at a time.
Start Using AI For Simple Repetitive Tasks
If you’re skeptical about AI, you’re not alone. But like Kingsley, you can start by using AI for simple, repetitive tasks like grading or managing student data. As you grow comfortable, you’ll discover how AI frees up time for what matters most: connecting with your students and improving their learning experience.
The key is to start small and go at your own pace. You don’t have to adopt every AI tool out there—just the ones that help you. With time, you might find that AI becomes an invaluable assistant, not a threat, in your classroom.