03/26/2026
Thoughts on Technology and Education
At the end of the day, we’re all engaged in this conversation because we share a vested interest in the value of education for our kids and understand the crucial role a strong school system plays in any community. I wanted to share an upcoming event, along with some thoughts on AI, technology, and learning that connect to the broader discussion about how we ensure all students have access to meaningful, high-quality educational opportunities.
It’s important to remember that kids learn in different ways and have a variety of learning styles and needs. Technology can be used thoughtfully to support differentiation, provide accommodations, and help meet diverse learning needs.
Recently, SPS shared an upcoming event for families:
Monday, March 30 at 7:00 PM — the SPS Instructional Technology Team will host an hour-long virtual AI Literacy Night for PreK–8 parents and guardians.
“The session will include an introduction to what AI is and how it functions, a look at the ethical considerations regarding data privacy and misinformation, and practical strategies for discussing these emerging trends at home. While SPS students are not currently using AI in school, this informational session aims to empower families with the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape safely and critically.”
This made me think about an interesting podcast with Ezra Klein from The New York Times, “We Have to Really Rethink the Purpose of Education,” where he interviews Rebecca Winthrop, an education expert at the Brookings Institution and co-author of The Disengaged Teen.
Ezra shared: “Quality of when students find the teacher, find the subject, find the approach that activates them, then all of a sudden things that are not that activating to them become easier—there is sort of a lock and key dynamic.” This really resonated with me and is something I hope for every student.
They also discuss how AI now provides the potential for this kind of 1:1, student-specific learning. For years, we’ve seen that students with access to 1:1 tutoring often make greater academic progress—but that level of support is not accessible to every family.
The conversation around 1:1 learning through AI closely mirrors something that has existed for years: access to private tutors and enrichment opportunities. Individualized support—where someone can adjust pace, explain concepts in different ways, and provide immediate feedback—can make a meaningful difference over time. But too often, that level of support has only been available to those who can afford it.
As fellow resident Jillian Kelton recently shared:
“A purely ‘merit-based’ system only works if everyone has had equal access to opportunities in the first place—and we know that’s not always the case. The goal isn’t to lower standards; it’s to make sure all students have a real chance to meet them. This isn’t about giving some students an advantage. It’s about making sure the system works for all students, not just the ones it’s already working for.”
AI has the potential to help address that gap by expanding access to individualized, 1:1 support without the same financial barriers. In that sense, it could be a powerful tool.
At the same time, it does not replace the human element that is at the core of meaningful education. While AI may increase access, I’m not convinced more technology is always the answer. There is real risk in losing the depth of thinking and human connection that meaningful learning requires.
AI and technology may seem like an easy solution, but the real challenge is using them in ways that support learning—not replace educators or the learning process—while preserving what matters most: human connection, critical thinking, and strong relationships between students and educators.
I hope to continue this conversation as a School Committee member, and I would be honored to earn your vote on March 30 by writing in Jonathan Sullivan for Sudbury School Committee.
I honestly don’t know how I should be educating my kids. A.I. has raised a lot of questions for schools. Teachers have had to adapt to the most ingenious che...
