WEEK 1

Weekly Overview

Welcome to MIT 817: Preparing Educational Organizations for Artificial Intelligence. This week introduces the course, establishes expectations, and explores why educational organizations must prepare for the implementation of artificial intelligence. Students will examine the current state of AI in education, the growing need for educator and organizational readiness, and begin planning their semester-long Organizational AI Implementation Plan.

Required Reading

Aguilar, S. J. (2026). Authenticating Intelligence: Preventing AI from Hijacking Education.

• Chapter 1: Why "Authenticating" Intelligence

Vee, A., Watkins, M., & Bruff, D. (2026). The Norton Guide to AI-Aware Teaching.

• Introduction: What Is AI-Aware Teaching?

Additional Reading

Gallup. (2026). Teachers Receive No Formal Guidance on AI.

READ ARTICLE

This article examines the growing gap between educators' expectations to use artificial intelligence and the limited guidance and professional learning they receive. As you read, consider how this preparation gap influences educator confidence, instructional decision-making, and organizational readiness. This article establishes the central problem that will be explored throughout the course.

Leadership Perspective (Required Viewing)

Powered by Curiosity: Designing Learning for the Age of AI

WATCH VIDEO

Watch this video before participating in this week's discussion and completing the weekly assignments. As you watch, consider how the ideas presented connect to this week's readings and the development of your Organizational AI Implementation Plan.

Assignments Due

Discussion 1 (10 points)

Why Should Educational Organizations Prepare for Artificial Intelligence?

After completing this week's required readings, discuss why preparing educational organizations for artificial intelligence requires more than simply adopting new technology. Identify one challenge and one opportunity AI presents for educational organizations, supporting your response with evidence from the required readings and the Gallup article.

Respond thoughtfully to at least two classmates by extending the discussion through questions, additional evidence, or professional experiences.

Reflection 1: Organizational AI Readiness Profile (40 points)

Select the educational organization that will serve as the focus of your semester-long Organizational AI Implementation Plan.

In a 2–3 page reflection, address the following:

• Describe the educational organization, including its mission and the population it serves.

• Explain why you selected this organization.

• Evaluate the organization's current use of artificial intelligence (if any).

• Identify the organization's initial strengths and challenges related to AI implementation.

• Discuss your initial observations regarding the organization's readiness for artificial intelligence.

• Explain what you hope to learn throughout this course that will help prepare this organization for successful AI implementation.

This assignment becomes the first section of your semester-long Organizational AI Implementation Plan and will serve as the foundation for future project milestones.