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About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this episode, Dustin sits down with Drs. LeeAnn Lindsey and Chad Geston of the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy for a powerful conversation on how AI is reshaping the entire P-20 landscape—from K-12 to higher ed to workforce development.
You’ll hear why Arizona has taken a leadership role in AI education, how schools can prepare for what's coming, and why higher ed can’t afford to move at “the speed of mud” anymore. This one’s a masterclass in pragmatic optimism, grounded strategy, and bold institutional rethinking.
Key Takeaways
- AI in education is no longer optional — it’s essential. The Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy is pioneering how schools and institutions prepare for an AI-driven future.
- AI literacy is foundational. From administrators to educators, understanding how to use AI ethically and effectively is now a critical skill set.
- Education leaders must think beyond preservation. Instead of maintaining the status quo, higher ed institutions should explore how AI can evolve — not just support — their missions.
- K-12 investments shape higher ed success. Building AI awareness and adaptability early on creates stronger, more capable learners for colleges and universities.
- We need collaborative, not corporate-driven, AI solutions. Educators, not just tech companies, must shape how AI integrates into the classroom.
- Balanced and realistic AI strategies are key. Success means both embracing AI’s potential and mitigating its risks.
What is the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy?
Founded by Chad Geston, the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy was created to connect the dots between K-12, higher ed, and the workforce. It sits at the unique intersection of education and industry, aiming to redesign systems, not just improve what already exists. Partnering with Northern Arizona University, the institute is working to rethink the future of learning and work across the P20 continuum.
Geston emphasized that Arizona lacked a centralized organization that connected education to economic development. The institute fills that gap by facilitating collaboration between schools, universities, local governments, and businesses. It’s both a research hub and a strategic catalyst — focusing on how AI can disrupt and improve the way we prepare students for the future.
How is AI influencing education in Arizona — and beyond?
Dr. LeeAnn Lindsey shared that the AI conversation gained momentum shortly after ChatGPT’s launch. The institute quickly pivoted to explore AI because stakeholders across the state — from superintendents to business leaders — were all asking the same question: “What do we do about AI?”
That question revealed a huge opportunity. AI wasn’t just a tech trend — it was, and is, an education disruptor. Arizona leaders weren’t alone in their uncertainty. Around the country, states were scrambling to provide AI guidance to educators. In response, the institute helped draft Arizona’s first statewide AI guidance for education, cementing its role as a thought leader in the space.
What does AI literacy really mean?
AI literacy is about more than just knowing how to prompt a chatbot. Lindsey broke it down into two layers. First, we need to equip today’s educators and administrators with the practical skills to use AI safely, ethically, and effectively. Second, we must consider how AI shifts the very nature of what we teach and how we teach it.
This includes preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, fostering resilience and critical thinking, and reimagining curriculum to reflect a world where AI is embedded in every discipline. From classroom workflows to workforce readiness, the AI conversation touches every part of the educational experience.
How does this work in K-12 connect to higher education?
The ripple effect is real. The panelists noted that conversations about AI in middle and high school are almost identical to those happening in college faculty meetings. So, why aren’t we having these conversations together?
As Geston explained, better-prepared K-12 students — equipped with AI literacy and critical soft skills — enter higher education more ready to succeed. That readiness shows up in higher retention, better completion rates, and ultimately a stronger pipeline into the workforce. For both sectors, the key is alignment: building a seamless, tech-forward educational journey that doesn’t just react to change, but leads it.
What should higher ed leaders be doing right now?
Both guests called for courageous, forward-thinking leadership. For Dr. Lindsey, the imperative is clear: stop trying to preserve the current higher ed model and start imagining what’s possible with AI. Small experiments today could lead to transformative changes tomorrow.
Geston urged institutions to stay balanced and realistic. AI is neither savior nor villain — it’s a tool. Leaders must learn to play offense (leverage the benefits) and defense (mitigate risks like bias and misinformation). The future belongs to institutions that evolve with the technology, not those that resist it.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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