What is AI, really?
Artificial intelligence can show up in educator conversations with big feelings and bigger claims. Sometimes AI gets described like a person with thoughts and intentions. Other times it gets pitched like a magic shortcut that guarantees speed and certainty. Those mixed messages matter because they shape how we explain AI, whether we try it, and how we answer questions from students, colleagues, and families.
This quick ignite moment is a pause button. You'll notice what you already think about AI before you dive into definitions, frameworks, and classroom decisions.
Reflection
Think about the last time AI came up at school. What was the vibe? Hype. Anxiety. Pressure to keep up. A helpful idea. Something you wanted to avoid.
Name your current assumption in one sentence. AI is mostly __________ in education.
Why this matters
When educators start with an unclear mental model, it's easier to over trust confident sounding outputs or dismiss useful support out of fear. A clear mental model helps you recognize when AI is involved, interpret what it produces, and keep human responsibility visible. Notice the language you already use. That matters because language shapes trust, choices, and accountability in real classrooms.