191 - When AI Becomes School Infrastructure

This conversation explores what happens when AI becomes part of a school’s everyday systems, not just a classroom tool. It looks at how schools can use AI and data to support learning and reduce administration, while still protecting privacy, student agency, and human judgement. Andy Birch is Director of Technology at Hong Kong Academy, with 28 years of experience in international education and more than a decade leading technology in schools. He will be joined by Marishaan Kuehn, Flex Coordinator, who brings a practical perspective on how these systems affect learning, organisation, and the day-to-day experience of students and educators. About Andy Birch Andy has been at Hong Kong Academy for 16 years, serving as Technology Director for the past 12. Throughout HKA’s expansion into a K-12 institution and relocation to the purpose-built Sai Kung campus, he designed and implemented many of the school’s core operational systems. This background provides him with a thorough understanding of the workflows that support the school community. As a systems thinker, Andy collaborates across all departments to streamline processes and integrate new technologies. His role also encompasses educational technology leadership. Recent initiatives focus on optimizing teacher workflows, delivering actionable data to students and faculty, and designing dashboards and communication flows that support the integrity of HKA’s educational program. Originally from Jersey in the UK, Andy has 30 years of experience in education. His background includes roles as a primary school teacher, primary ICT coordinator, and middle school design technology teacher, alongside leading 1:1 device deployments. A former IB PYP workshop leader, he contributed to the IB’s foundational ICT in the PYP documentation. Outside of IT administration, Andy directs technical theatre operations, partnering with the student tech team to manage production logistics. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andy-birch-hka About Marishaan Kuehn Marishaan has been an international educator for 25 years, serving in diverse learning environments across South Africa, the UK, China, Botswana, and Hong Kong. She began her teaching journey in South African township schools - a foundational experience that deeply rooted her commitment to educational equity and sparked a lifelong dedication to service learning and the principle of giving back. Over her global career, she has held key leadership roles, including Head of Department in the UK, Head of Inclusion at a boarding school in rural China, and is currently in her fourth year at Hong Kong Academy as the Learning Innovation Coordinator. As a passionate advocate for inclusive education and an experienced IGCSE, A-level and IB MYP and DP English Language and Literature teacher, Marishaan designs learning environments that prioritise student voice, agency, and choice. In her current role, she oversees HKA’s FleX programme, which empowers students to engage in flexible learning and pursue their passions while driving meaningful, real-world impact. Grounded in the firm belief that students are far more than just their academic marks or test scores, she collaborates across departments to integrate forward-thinking pedagogical practices that promote holistic education. By embedding authentic service learning into the school culture, she ensures every learner recognises their intrinsic value and discovers their unique strengths and passions. Email: [email protected] Resources https://hkacademy.edu.hk John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsedu.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Do a full security audit of your Workspace for free at https://workspaceaudit.com Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial