From Fear to Confidence: Embracing AI

Adopting AI in schools can feel intimidating, but with the right mindset and approach, school business managers can overcome their tech fears and unlock its full potential

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Forbes

Utilising new technology can be a daunting challenge, and AI is no exception. Overcoming those “tech fears” is tough, especially when it feels like you’re venturing into unfamiliar territory. But with the right attitude and a bit of curiosity, AI can become a powerful ally in streamlining operations and making smarter decisions.

Acknowledging Fear

Fear is a natural barrier when adopting new technology, and AI is no exception. In schools, staff may worry about making errors with data, misinterpreting results, or not fully understanding how AI will impact their roles. Concerns about getting data wrong can feel especially daunting, as this can have direct implications for decision-making and school operations.

To help staff overcome these fears, it’s important to create a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth and learning. Providing a “sandbox” or trial environment where teachers and staff can experiment with AI tools without the pressure of real-world consequences is a great way to build confidence. This allows them to explore how AI can be used to manage data more effectively and improve school processes without the fear of making irreversible errors.

Overcome Assumptions

Assumptions about AI – its complexity, its relevance to certain roles and its capabilities – can hold staff back from fully embracing the technology. Some may think AI is too complicated to use or only useful for specific tasks, limiting its potential impact on improving school operations. These assumptions can become roadblocks to growth and innovation.

To overcome these limiting beliefs, encourage school staff to challenge their assumptions. Organise workshops or open discussions where teachers, school leaders and support staff can share their thoughts and concerns about AI. These conversations provide an opportunity to address misconceptions and show how AI can be a valuable tool across all roles – whether it’s simplifying data analysis, improving administrative efficiency, or enhancing the learning experience.

Encouraging Curiosity

AI is a powerful tool, but its effectiveness depends on the questions asked. Vague or poorly crafted questions often result in unhelpful or irrelevant outcomes. To make the most of AI, SBMs should approach it with curiosity and think about how the technology can address their specific needs and challenges.

Consider what you want AI to achieve for your school: Do you need simpler, more streamlined reporting that saves time? Would automated processes help unlock more hours in your day to focus on strategic planning and decision-making? Engaging with AI through a lens of curiosity will help uncover ways it can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your school, allowing you to work smarter, not harder.

By addressing fears, challenging assumptions and encouraging active engagement, school business managers can tap into the full potential of AI to enhance operations and drive better decision-making. With the right mindset, AI can become a powerful tool – but its success depends on getting both your team and you fully on board, embracing it with confidence and curiosity.