Beyond the Classroom: Balancing Innovation and Integrity in AI-Driven Learning and Training

**This event will be held in person only.**

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally rewriting the rules of how we learn, teach, and train. From AI-powered tutors in elementary schools to automated grading in universities and predictive upskilling in the corporate world, AI is augmenting learning and accelerating training and expertise development. The question is no longer if AI belongs in education and development, but how we manage its massive, disruptive influence and maximize its benefits while addressing its limitations.Join the Austin Forum for a dynamic, multi-perspective conversation featuring a panel of leading academic and industry experts who will explore these topics and take audience questions. We will explore the sweeping transformation of the learning landscape across the entire lifecycle—spanning K-12 classrooms, higher education institutions, professional development programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. This session will go beyond the standard talking points to look at the empirical data, real-world case studies, and systemic challenges of this new frontier.

Discussion Highlights
–The Lifelong Learning Spectrum: How AI tools are being tailored for different stages of development—from fostering foundational literacy in K-12 to optimizing academic research in college and accelerating workforce retraining.
–The Success Stories: An examination of where AI is genuinely moving the needle. We will look at personalized learning platforms that adapt to a student’s unique pace, AI assistants that relieve teachers of administrative burdens, and immersive simulations that make professional training safer and more effective.
–The Failure Modes & Pitfalls: A candid look at the dark side of digital classrooms and training modules. Our experts will tackle the complex issues of academic dishonesty, the erosion of critical thinking skills, the amplification of bias in automated assessment, and the hype surrounding expensive tools that fail to deliver actual value.
–The Human-AI Synergy: Strategies for educators and corporate leaders to integrate these tools effectively. We will discuss how to design curricula that embrace AI as a collaborator rather than a crutch, ensuring learners discover how to think, not just how to prompt.
Speakers: Luke Owings, Chief Product Officer, Abilitie | Amy Polvado, Founder and CEO, Facilimax | Julie Schell, Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Technology, The University of Texas at Austin

Who Should Attend?
Whether you are an educator striving to adapt your classroom, a technologist building the next generation of EdTech, a corporate leader looking to upskill your workforce, or anyone navigating the shifting professional landscape, this event will provide the insights and frameworks you need to navigate the future of learning. Bring your tough questions for an open, balanced, and essential conversation on how we can harvest the immense potential of AI while fiercely protecting integrity and human potential.

Networking
–Pre-event networking and food from 5:15p to 6:15p.
–Post-event networking and continued conversation at Remedy, located at 3rd & Nueces. Connect with fellow attendees, swap insights from the event, and enjoy a complimentary drink on us, thanks to our amazing Austin Forum Annual Partners, Champions, and Friends.

Attendance Instructions
ACC Rio Grande: Building 3000
The Center for Government & Civic Service
1218 West Avenue Austin, TX, 78701

Street parking is free after 6 pm.