AI Readiness Takes Center Stage at EdTech Week in New York City

As AI reshapes the workforce, continuing to build human connection, relationships and durable skills are critical to helping students succeed, aiEDU CEO and co-founder Alex Kotran and Jane Martinez Dowling, Chief of the Office of Student Pathways for New York City Public Schools told a packed audience at EdTech Week on the campus of Columbia University in New York City. 

In a panel titled "The Jobs Are Disappearing—Are Schools Ready?" Kotran and Martínez Dowling dug into how the education system can evolve to prepare students when AI is driving rapid change. 

The conversation centered on AI Readiness as the solution. (Read more and download a copy of aiEDU’s AI Readiness Framework here.)

Kotran defined AI Readiness as the knowledge and capabilities needed to apply one's human advantage to evolving technology. A person is AI Ready when they can leverage core content knowledge and durable skills like critical thinking and collaboration alongside AI to achieve their life and career potential, he said.

Drawing on research conducted with the Burning Glass Institute, Kotran emphasized that AI literacy alone isn't enough. As layoffs mount and AI co-pilots replace junior roles, education systems must focus on developing the human skills that will remain essential, Kotran said.

Martínez Dowling highlighted work underway in NYCPS to build career pathways. She said that “human connection and relationships” are what will ultimately move work forward for students.

She also emphasized the importance of career-connected learning and not overreacting to AI’s disruption.

“The students have the skills, they just need to be developed,” she said.