A Conversation with Dr. Nneka J. McGee, Researcher and Innovative Educator

About this episode

Dr. Nneka J. McGee discusses the integration of AI in K–12 education and the importance of AI literacy and community readiness.

Executive Summary In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Dr. Nneka J. McGee, a leading voice at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and K–12 education. Dr. McGee shares her journey into AI, beginning with early exposure to computer science and culminating in her doctoral research on the role of AI in future-ready teaching and learning. She highlights the longstanding presence of AI in education while emphasizing the disruptive impact of today's generative technologies. The conversation explores the current tension in schools between resistance and adoption of AI, underscoring the importance of AI literacy, practical implementation strategies, and clear policy guidance. Dr. McGee introduces the “CLIP” framework: Community, Literacy, Implementation, and Policy, as a lens for thoughtful AI integration. She encourages leaders to begin with foundational questions such as “Is it necessary?” and stresses the superintendent's role in assessing community readiness, building support, and setting realistic timelines. Access and cultural relevance are central to Dr. McGee’s message. She cautions that device availability does not…

People in this episode

Host: Steve Barkley

Guest: Dr. Nneka J. McGee

Topics covered

• artificial intelligence in education
• AI literacy
• educational policy
• community engagement
• culturally responsive teaching

Keywords

• AI
• education
• K–12
• literacy
• policy
• implementation
• community
• cultural relevance
• media literacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: artificial intelligence, K–12 education, CLIP

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