Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering classrooms, but educators have varying levels of experience and confidence. In this episode of the CoSN Podcast, we explore the webinar “Developing AI Innovation through the Stages of Adoption,” presented by the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation.

The discussion highlights a research-based framework that helps districts support educators as they move from awareness and curiosity to experimentation, adoption, and advocacy. The conversation also examines strategies for building AI literacy, evaluating tools responsibly, and designing professional learning that meets educators where they are.

To learn more, see the show notes below for a link to the webinar and additional resources, or visit https://www.cosn.org/

Key Topics Discussed

• The five stages of technology adoption: awareness, interest, evaluation, trial, and adoption

• Designing professional development that meets educators where they are

• Coaching strategies that help teachers move from curiosity to confident use

• Evaluating AI tools for accuracy, bias, and instructional value

• Why experimentation—the “messy middle”—is essential for technology adoption

• How educator advocates and mentors help expand AI innovation

• Building a human-centered approach to AI use in schools

Webinar Featured in this Episode

Developing AI Innovation through the Stages of Adoption

Presenters

Emma Braaten
Director of Digital Learning
The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

Jaclyn B. Stevens
Director and Senior Research Scholar
The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation | NC State University

Assets

Developing AI Innovation through the Stages of Adoption Webinar - YouTube

William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

The Sessions Everyone Was Talking About Webinar Series

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This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.