Artificial Intelligence and You 290 - Guest: Jeff Riley, Former Commissioner of Education, part 1
Jan 5, 2026
In this discussion, Jeff Riley, the former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education and a leader with MIT's RAISE initiative, shares insights on integrating AI into American classrooms. He highlights the goals of the Day of AI initiative, which focuses on teacher training and developing K–12 AI curriculum. Riley addresses concerns about AI's impact on students, from social media risks to tackling cheating with AI detectors. He emphasizes the importance of teacher engagement and crafting flexible AI policies as education adapts to this tech-driven landscape.
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Fuse Tech Expertise With Classroom Experience
- Pair MIT technologists with experienced educators to translate AI into classroom practice.
- This fusion leverages deep tech knowledge and practical school expertise for workable solutions.
Let Students Lead Policy And Projects
- Involve students directly by showcasing projects and inviting youth representation.
- Let student leaders draft policies and present AI work to model responsible use and agency.
AI's Big Promise And Serious Risks
- AI presents both learning opportunities and real safety risks like deepfakes and harmful companions.
- Schools must balance harnessing personalization with protecting student wellbeing.
