Matt Esterman

AI, Education & the Future with Matt Esterman

Episode Summary: In this special episode recorded live at the ReimaginED Fremantle conference, Kaz and Andy sit down with Matt Esterman, award-winning educator, AI researcher, and co-author of The Next Word: AI & Teachers.  Matt shares his journey from history teacher to tech visionary and how he’s helping schools and educators embrace the future of learning.

Recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk People of the Noongar nation, this conversation explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, pedagogy, and purpose-driven education.

What You’ll Learn:

• Practical advice for educators hesitant about integrating technology
• The mission behind The Next Word and how it’s helping educators navigate AI
• Insights into USchool and its vision for global learning hubs
• The biggest challenges and opportunities in adopting AI in schools
• Why AI is not about replacing teachers but empowering them

Notable Quotes:

“AI is not the future of education, it’s the present. The question is how we use it to enhance, not replace, the human connection.”

“We need to reimagine what learning looks like, not just for students, but for the entire ecosystem of education.”

Bio: Matt Esterman is a leading voice in educational innovation, with a career spanning teaching, leadership, and research.  He is the founder of The Next Word, co-leads USchool, and has been recognised as a Commonwealth Bank Teaching Fellow. His work focuses on empowering educators and institutions to use AI and emerging technologies to create more meaningful, equitable, and future-ready learning experiences.

Connect with Matt: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesterman
• https://nextwordnow.com/
• Book: The Next Word: AI & Teachers (2024)
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMKolAUf9XQ

Hosts:

• Kaz (Host)
• Andy (Director & Producer)

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If this episode sparked your curiosity, subscribe to Only Learning in the Building and share it with fellow educators and innovators. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember, you’re only learning when you end with more questions than answers!

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