In this episode of Future-Proof Education, Dr. Bob Hutchins and Dr. Jessica White welcome Timothy Howes, Deputy Executive Director of ACES, for a conversation about the concerns shaping AI adoption in education.

Together, they explore screen time, environmental impact, creative ownership, and the importance of using AI with purpose. Jessica shares how the ACES K–12 AI literacy curriculum introduces younger students to critical thinking, verification, and analysis through screen-free, play-based activities. Tim discusses how AI can help educators and administrators reduce routine work and explore new approaches to teaching and leadership.

The conversation also previews the upcoming ACES AI conference on September 25, 2026, in Bristol, Connecticut.

In This Episode

The questions educators and parents are raising about AI.

How AI literacy can begin with building blocks, drawing, and collaboration.

Why purpose and intentionality should guide classroom technology use.

Helping students question, verify, and think critically.

How AI can support lesson planning and give teachers more time with students.

Opportunities for creativity and efficiency in school administration.

Environmental concerns and more deliberate AI use.

What to expect at the upcoming ACES AI conference.

Join Us: ACES AI Conference

Date: September 25, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Location: DoubleTree in Bristol, Connecticut Information and registration: ACES PDSI

The conference brings together perspectives from industry, district leadership, school leadership, and students, with four tracks:

Designing Systems

Designing Learning

Designing Human Agency

Designing Intelligent Tools

Sessions will explore vibe coding, differentiation, creative arts, and AI policy and governance. Bob and Jessica will lead a vibe coding session, and the ACES Center for AI will showcase tools developed to support educators. Attendees can also meet SparkE, a robot from Garner Holt.