What does it look like when a former classroom teacher helps build an AI tool specifically for teachers?

In this episode of Integrate This!, we talk with Thomas Thompson (CEO & co-founder) about Eduaide.ai / EduAid AI and what it means to design AI around real classroom workflow: lesson planning, instructional materials, differentiation, assessment supports, and the realities of what AI can (and can’t) do well.

We also dig into the bigger picture: why teacher-to-teacher sharing has been so powerful for growth, why “learning science” matters when evaluating edtech tools, and what Thomas thinks the next few years of AI in education could look like.

🔗 Check out Eduaide.ai: https://www.eduaide.ai/

Engagement isn’t a Chromebook problem. It isn’t an app problem. And AI isn’t a magic wand.

In this episode, Jeremy and David sit down with Carl Hooker to talk about what actually moves the needle right now: designing learning experiences students want to be part of, making creativity + risk-taking normal again, and using AI in ways that strengthen thinking instead of replacing it. Carl also shares practical ways leaders can set direction (without over-controlling), and what kind of professional learning actually changes practice.

In this conversation, we dig into:

• Why engagement isn’t about the device—and what it is
• Creativity vs. compliance (and how school systems accidentally train it out of kids)
• “Ready, Set, FAIL!”: risk-taking as a classroom and leadership skill
• AI beyond efficiency: creative use-cases that don’t reduce teaching to shortcuts
• Differentiation + accessibility wins (including language supports)
• Leadership moves for the AI era: modeling, guardrails, and staying nimble
• PD that sticks: what changes practice and what doesn’t

Resources & links

Carl Hooker (Website): https://carlhooker.com/

Carl Hooker (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlhooker/

Learning Evolution: The New Era of AI in the Classroom: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Evolution-New-Era-Classroom/dp/B0CS482H2B

Ready, Set, Fail!: Using Failure & Risk-Taking to Unlock Creativity: https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Set-Fail-Risk-Taking-Creativity/dp/B0CS46GGX1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31GL44GW0F710&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dyPeOd58pYfwqZNCs8NuLoFZrGW6MkiZQzpr9r5htEJWclatQr3y7ct1pIjTn-gREpFtY11CAdPZNOz3sHrG5g.jcvUnHQtDJj6M4-F0MPgaGigDR0G6Wj3UhPofQ3WBpQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ready%2C+Set%2C+FAIL%21&qid=1770049981&s=books&sprefix=ready%2C+set%2C+fail+%2Cstripbooks%2C107&sr=1-1

Designing for the Needs of Every Learner.

If generative AI is everywhere, what’s the point of school… of teaching… of learning? In this episode, Jeremy and David sit down with Dave Blanchard to talk about what’s real (and what’s messy) when AI hits actual classrooms and institutions. From learning-space design (yes, “podium optional”) to faculty development, UDL, digital accessibility, and the gap between AI policy vs. AI practice, Dave brings a grounded, human-first take: AI can help, but learning still has to lead.

In this conversation, we dig into:

• Why “policy” often lags behind what people are already doing
• AI as a collaborator for feedback, clarity, and communication
• Equity + access realities (infrastructure gaps, tool availability)
• UDL as the lens for designing options and removing barriers
• Digital accessibility as more than a checkbox

Resources & Links:

Dave Blanchard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsonblanchard/

MNGAIA / AI4MN: https://www.ai4mn.org/