Perspectives on AI in K–12: Implications of New Global Research (Part 1)

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping K–12 education, but what does the latest global research actually tell us?In Part 1 of this special two-part CoSN Podcast, we explore the key findings from the CoSN webinar Perspectives on AI in K–12: Implications of New Global Research. CoSN CEO Keith Krueger is joined by two of the world's leading education researchers: Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution and Andreas Schleicher of the OECD to discuss how AI is transforming teaching, learning, and educational leadership.During this episode, we examine the major themes from their presentations, including the opportunities artificial intelligence creates for K–12 education, the challenges schools must address, and why thoughtful leadership, not technology alone, will determine AI's impact on students.In this episode, you'll hear about:Why AI has become one of the most important leadership conversations in K–12 educationRebecca Winthrop's research on AI's impact on students, learning, and the future of educationThe difference between "narrow AI" and "wide AI" and why the distinction mattersOpportunities for AI to improve access, personalization, and instructional supportWhy AI is more than "the next calculator" and what that means for student learningAndreas Schleicher's global perspective on AI in education and why he describes AI as "an amplifier"Lessons education systems around the world are learning as they begin implementing AIWhy teachers, relationships, and instructional leadership remain central in an AI-enabled futureFeatured SpeakersKeith KruegerCEO, CoSNRebecca WinthropSenior Fellow and Director, Center for Universal EducationBrookings InstitutionAndreas SchleicherDirector for Education and SkillsOECDFeatured ResourcesA New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect (Brookings Institution)OECD Digital Education Outlook 2026: Exploring Effective Uses of Generative AI in Education (OECD)CoSN Webinar: Perspectives on AI in K–12: Implications of New Global ResearchComing NextDon't miss Part 2, where we dive into Keith Krueger's moderated discussion with Rebecca Winthrop and Andreas Schleicher. The conversation explores where their research aligns, what school leaders should prioritize over the next several years, AI governance, educator preparation, and practical guidance for districts developing AI strategies.Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.