Exploring AI for Young Learners: An Authentic Conversation

About this episode

The episode features a conversation about the integration of AI in elementary education with insights from educators and students.

What does it really look like to bring AI into an elementary classroom? Join me for an honest and authentic conversation with three inspiring educators—Nneka McGee, a national voice in AI and quantum computing; Marina Pisto-Lombardo, an award-winning classroom innovator; and Vicky Sedgwick, veteran tech integration specialist and elementary educator. We’re not just talking theory, we’re sharing real classroom experiences, challenges, and the practical ways AI is being introduced to our youngest learners. And to keep it truly grounded, we’re joined by some of those very students. These elementary kids are exploring AI firsthand, and their voices bring fresh insight into how this technology is being understood, experienced, and embraced in real time. This multigenerational conversation highlights the heart, the hurdles, and the hope of AI in early education - and why starting young might just be the key.

People in this episode

Host: Alana Winnick

Guests: Nneka McGee, Marina Pisto-Lombardo, Vicky Sedgwick

Topics covered

• AI in education
• elementary classroom
• educator experiences
• student perspectives
• technology integration
• early education

Keywords

• AI
• education
• elementary
• classroom
• technology
• students
• teachers
• integration
• learning

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