9:45 - 10:15 AM | Intelligence, Imagination and the Future of Learning — AI as Education's Greatest Opportunity
FIRESIDE CHAT
The Conversation
The AI conversation in education has largely exhausted its hype phase. Every school leader has heard the promises; far fewer have seen genuine, responsible implementation that moves outcomes. The schools worth paying attention to now are the ones doing the quieter, harder work of integrating AI deliberately with clear frameworks, real teacher involvement, and a serious approach to governance.Â
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This session moves beyond the hype to practical, responsible classroom implementation, exploring what genuine AI-enhanced learning looks like in practice and why it's already transforming outcomes in the schools doing it well. It examines strategic frameworks for schools that want to lead on AI rather than simply follow, considers how the teacher's role is evolving, augmented, not replaced, and addresses what school leaders must understand about AI governance, safety and ethics before they can lead with confidence.Â
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Key discussion points include:Â
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Moving beyond AI hype to practical, responsible classroom implementationÂ
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What genuine AI-enhanced learning looks like in practice, and why it's already transforming outcomesÂ
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Strategic frameworks for schools that want to lead on AI, not just followÂ
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The teacher's evolving role in an AI-enabled classroom, augmented, not replacedÂ
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What school leaders must know about AI governance, safety and ethicsÂ
Speakers
Siju Philip Head of GCIE, Global Indian International School, Dubai Siju Philip is the Head of AI & Innovation at GIIS Dubai, a NASA Certified Educator, and creator of the Ai Enabled Robotics -innovation -STREAM-Exploration (RISE) curriculum- (RAISE )Framework for grades 1 to 12 . He specializes in AI, robotics, and future-ready education, leading innovative programs, global collaborations, and student innovation initiatives that empower learners with creativity, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Vignesh Narayan Director of Digital and Technology Services, Aldar Education Vignesh Narayan, an experienced executive and led Digital, Technology and AI Transformations in several sectors including Education, Government, Healthcare and Retail. He is currently the Director of Digital and Technology Services at Aldar Education, for over 27 schools and 40,000 students. His specialization and expertise across the entire tech stack and modern technology enabled him to deliver several exciting programs across organization. His experience working in the US, Europe and most recent in Australia for 1300 schools and Digital services to a population of 400,000, brings a wealth of experience and global perspective to problem solving and challenges. His interests in Education and to ensure people lives are made better by Digital and Technology through innovative programs and collaborations is evidently seen in his experience. Vignesh holds, the prestigious Graduate of Australian Institute of Directors Certificate (GAICD), Certified Enterprise Agile Coach and Six Sigma and is a member of various boards.
Joseph Souassou Assistant Head of Primary, Nord Anglia International School Al Khor Joseph Souassou is an Assistant Headteacher and AI Lead based in Qatar, where he develops and implements AI strategy at whole-school level across academic and functional departments, while also applying AI directly within primary classrooms. His work focuses on responsible, practical and age-appropriate use, including staff development, ethical frameworks and systems that support teaching, learning and school operations. Alongside his wider leadership responsibilities, Joseph is particularly interested in how AI can reduce workload, strengthen professional decision-making and enhance learning experiences. He brings a practitioner perspective that connects whole-school implementation with the everyday realities of teachers, leaders and young learners.