The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) will host the AI Forward Summit on August 3, bringing together educators, administrators, and technology leaders. The one-day conference, held at the OCDE Conference Center in Costa Mesa, aims to explore practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools and prepare students for an AI-driven workforce, according to newsroom.ocde.us.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping educational environments, workplaces, and the essential skills students will require for future careers. As schools increasingly explore how AI can enhance instruction and improve operations, educators are also addressing questions concerning ethics, governance, and responsible implementation within the classroom and school systems.
The summit is designed to help educators navigate these opportunities and challenges. Rather than focusing solely on specific AI tools, the event will encourage critical thinking about responsible AI implementation to strengthen learning and prepare students for a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
Wes Kriesel, OCDE’s AI education lead, highlighted the shift in educational priorities. "Most districts are past asking whether AI belongs in schools," Kriesel stated. "The harder question is who decides how it’s used, and on what principles. That’s a leadership question as much as a classroom one, and it isn’t answered one teacher at a time." Kriesel further noted that the summit aims to unite educators and district leaders to explore practical, adaptable approaches for their respective schools. "On Aug. 3 we’re bringing district leaders and educators into the same room — not for a tech demo, but to think it through together," he explained. "People will see governance frameworks they can adapt to their own context, and they’ll spend the day actually working with them: talking through real decisions, trying the tools, comparing notes with colleagues. Practical enough to bring back Monday, and grounded in what’s right for students.”
Designed for educators at every level, the summit will feature keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities organized around three learning strands: Executive Leadership, Classroom Practice, and Future Ready. Dr. Kip Glazer, author of “Ready to Lead with AI,” will deliver the opening keynote, discussing how school leaders can thoughtfully implement AI to improve learning and student outcomes. Attendees will receive a copy of her book. The conference concludes with a closing keynote by Antonio Vigil, who will address governance and AI literacy as school systems adapt to emerging technologies.
Throughout the day, participants can select from more than a dozen breakout sessions. Topics include AI leadership, cybersecurity, classroom tools, student wellness, and responsible technology use. Examples of session titles are "What’s Really Happening in Cybersecurity Because of AI," "AI for EQ: Using Artificial Intelligence to Strengthen Human Connection," "Healthy Tech Use in Schools," and "Ctrl + Alt + Chill: Reframing Your AI Anxiety."
The AI Forward Summit is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, August 3. Registration costs $50, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and conference materials. Additional information, including the full agenda and registration details, is available on the event website, ai-forward-summit.web.app. This report is based on information initially published by newsroom.ocde.us.
