All the resources from the session are here — slides, research, tools, and how to stay in the conversation.
The argument
AI tools reliably improve performance on tasks. The question emerging from the research is whether that performance reflects genuine understanding — or whether AI is doing the understanding instead. The gap between the two is not a small one.
Good classroom design can close that gap. This talk explores what the evidence says, what deliberate design looks like in practice, and what it means for schools in Aotearoa navigating AI without a roadmap.
International research
YAIRN — the Youth AI Research Network — is an international project where students are co-investigators, not just respondents. Aotearoa New Zealand is a founding partner. The NZ strand starts from tikanga and mātauranga Māori, not from OECD frameworks.
If you have students or teachers who want to be part of the NZ contribution, get in touch.
Find out more about YAIRNBehind the talk
Gander, T., & Shaw, N. (2024). Navigating the AI landscape: New Zealand educators' perspectives. EdMedia + Innovate Learning 2024. https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224426/
Read the paperGander, T., & Shaw, N. (2024). AI in education 2023: Understanding the impact on effective pedagogy, inclusive learning and equitable outcomes in Aotearoa. He Rourou, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.54474/herourou.v1i1.9137
Read the paperFreire, P. (2018). The banking concept of education. In Thinking About Schools (pp. 117–127). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429495670-11
Read the full textTijnagel-Schoenaker, B. (2018). The Reggio Emilia approach… the hundred languages. Prima Educatione, 1, 139–147. https://doi.org/10.17951/pe.2017.1.139
Read the paperHeimans, S., Biesta, G., Takayama, K., & Kettle, M. (2023). ChatGPT, subjectification, and the purposes and politics of teacher education and its scholarship. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 51(2), 105–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/1359866x.2023.2189368
Read the paperAI readiness tools, frameworks, and resources for educators and school leaders — all in one place.
Explore the tools →Work with Tim
Most AI professional learning follows the same pattern — a speaker arrives, demonstrates tools, and leaves. Educators return inspired and unsupported. Nothing changes for learners.
A FutureLearning Practice Partnership works differently. It's a year-long working relationship for schools, clusters, and RTLB practitioners — eight mentored sessions across the year, built around your context and your learners. Not a generic rollout. A sustained professional relationship grounded in effective pedagogy, inclusive practice, and equitable outcomes.
Who we are
FutureLearning works with schools and education organisations across Aotearoa on AI strategy, research, and professional learning.
Visit futurelearning.nzKeep going
If something from today is worth following up — YAIRN, a partnership, or anything else — get in touch directly.
tim@futurelearning.nz