AI in Education: From Experimentation to Impact

18/12/2025 54 min

Listen "AI in Education: From Experimentation to Impact"

Episode Synopsis

This episode of the CoSN Podcast is sponsored by Infosys.Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in K–12 education—it is already transforming classrooms, district operations, and leadership decision-making. In this episode of the CoSN Podcast, host Stephen Gilfus, a technology and education industry leader and industry advisor in IT, cybersecurity, AI, and education, leads a timely discussion on how AI is moving from experimentation to meaningful impact. Stephen is joined by Dr. Tom Ryan, Co-Founder of the K–12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group and former CoSN Board Chair, and Narayan Nandigam (Nandi), Vice President and Global Head of Services and Education at Infosys. Together, they explore what makes this moment in AI fundamentally different from past technology waves—and what education leaders should prioritize as adoption accelerates.Key TakeawaysAI is a productivity accelerator, not just another edtech toolEducators are already using AI to save time on lesson planning, assessments, and operational tasks—freeing them to focus more deeply on instruction, relationships, and student engagement.Leadership and values must guide AI adoptionAI initiatives are most effective when they align with district values, instructional goals, and operational priorities—not when they are deployed simply because the technology exists.Responsible AI requires governance, training, and human oversightTransparency, equity-first design, data privacy protections, and continuous professional learning are essential to ensure AI enhances critical thinking and learner agency rather than replacing them.Why It MattersAs AI adoption accelerates across education systems worldwide, this conversation offers practical, grounded guidance for K–12 leaders navigating innovation, ethics, and impact—helping districts move from experimentation to intentional, responsible use.ModeratorStephen GilfusA technology and education industry leader, a board member, and industry advisor to multiple for-profit and nonprofit organizations focused on IT, cybersecurity, AI, and education, including ISACA, a global professional organization. Stephen started his career as a founder of Blackboard Inc.GuestsNarayan Nandigam (Nandi)Vice President and Global Head of Services and Education at Infosys. Narayan leads business services, professional services, and education initiatives, driving innovation and operational excellence across global client engagements. He has played a key role in shaping Infosys’ integrated experience solutions for the education and real estate sectors.Dr. Tom RyanCo-Founder of the K–12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group, longtime CIO, former CoSN Board Chair, and national thought leader on digital transformation in schools. Tom is also a Senior Fellow at the Center for Digital Education.Additional Resources Enterprise AI for Education: Success Stories - AI for EducationFor more information, contact:  [email protected] Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)  K-12 Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) Readiness ChecklistProduced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

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