Can AI Bring Play and Creativity Back Into the Classroom?

Classrooms were never meant to be one-size-fits-all—yet teachers are expected to meet wildly different learning needs with less time and more paperwork than ever.

In this episode of Foundations of Learning, I sit down with Jeffrey Riley, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Day of AI, to explore how AI—when used intentionally—can help teachers differentiate instruction, reduce cognitive and administrative overload, and create space for something that’s been missing from many classrooms: play, curiosity, and passion-driven learning.

This conversation is not about replacing teachers or automating education. It’s about using AI to support what teachers already do best—seeing kids as individuals.

We discuss:

How AI can help teachers differentiate learning without adding more work

Ways AI can reduce paperwork so teachers can focus on instruction and relationships

How technology can support flexible pacing and diverse learning needs

Why play and student passions matter for deep learning—even in academic settings

What parents should understand about how AI should be used at school

Jeffrey brings a hopeful, practical perspective shaped by his work with tens of thousands of educators and millions of students, helping schools adopt AI in ways that protect creativity, equity, and human connection.

If you’re a teacher, parent, or school leader looking for ways to meet students where they are—without burning out—this episode will leave you encouraged and inspired.

Check out Day of AI:
FREE AI curriculum, resources, and community: https://dayofai.org/register/
America's Youth AI Festival: https://www.dayofaiusa.org/festival

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