If You Live on Earth, You've Been Opted Into AI ft. Valerie Brock | My EdTech Life 361

There's no opt-out button for AI. That's the reality Valerie Brock, Curriculum Lead at Day of AI, brings to this conversation, and it changes how we think about AI literacy in K-12.In this episode, Dr. Fonz sits down with Valerie to unpack what AI literacy actually means (hint: it's not prompt engineering), why early childhood classrooms belong in this conversation, and how Day of AI is building developmentally appropriate, tool-agnostic curriculum that's now reaching students in Australia, Rwanda, Taiwan, New Zealand, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and beyond.Valerie draws on 13 years as a New York City special education teacher and six years with NYC's Computer Science for All initiative to explain how accessibility, UDL, and real classroom experience shape every lesson her team creates. She also shares the stories behind Day of AI's NYC Public Library pilot, the family toolkits built with Common Sense Media, and the new AASA fellowship putting superintendents at the center of AI rollout.Whether you're a teacher, a school leader, a curriculum designer, or a parent trying to figure out where to start, this episode gives you the language, the framework, and the free resources to move forward.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to My EdTech Life01:20 Meet Valerie Brock02:30 From NYC classrooms to Day of AI05:00 What Day of AI actually is06:30 The "opt out" button doesn't exist09:30 Accessibility, UDL, and designing for every learner13:30 What AI literacy really means17:00 The fear teachers bring to PD19:00 The NYC Public Library pilot20:45 Why kindergartners can handle this conversation24:30 How Day of AI decides what's developmentally appropriate30:00 Program Hubs around the world35:00 The AASA superintendent fellowship40:00 How to get started with Day of AI45:00 Valerie's AI kryptonite and billboard message🔗 CONNECT WITH VALERIE🌐 Day of AI: https://dayofai.org💼 LinkedIn: Valerie Brock🙌 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS☕ Come Back Coffee📚 Book Creator🎓 EduAid.AI🌱 Peel Back Education👍 If this episode helped you, smash that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with EdTech's best, and share it with an educator who needs to hear it.☕ SUPPORT THE SHOWIf My EdTech Life has added value to your work, consider becoming a member and helping us keep the conversations going.🔗 https://buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife/membershipStay Techie ✌🏼Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show