AI in Schools: Strategy Over Shiny Tools with Kyler Cheatham
When it comes to AI in school districts, rushing in without a clear why can cost millions, crush teacher buy-in, and derail your entire tech strategy.
In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Kyler Cheatham, a system architecture expert in AI and predictive analytics, to break down what districts are getting wrong and how to get it right.
Kyler shares hard truths about AI adoption in K-12 and higher ed:
Whether you’re a district leader, tech director, or educator navigating AI, this conversation will give you the questions, strategies, and fail-safes you need before signing that next contract.
00:00 – Welcome and introduction
02:17 – Kyler’s background in AI and education technology
04:26 – The toughest challenges districts face with AI adoption
07:00 – Teachers as “speedboats, tugboats, and anchors”
09:14 – Advice for CTOs feeling overwhelmed
12:32 – The dangers of rushing into AI for the sake of hype
15:43 – Why vendor partnerships can make or break implementation
20:00 – Building a core team with 50% end users
22:58 – “Phase Zero” and defining your why before selecting tools
32:21 – The AI sticker joke—and why labels aren’t strategy
35:15 – Two wins and two losses Kyler sees in AI adoption
40:42 – Final advice for districts, CTOs, and vendors
46:25 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Kyler
Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting these important conversations:
📚 Book Creator
🧠 Eduaide.ai
🗣️ Yellowdig
Listen in, take notes, and as always…Stay Techie!
Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.
Yellowdig is transforming higher education by building online communities that drive engagement and collaboration. My EdTech Life is proud to partner with Yellowdig to amplify its mission.
See how Yellowdig can revolutionize your campus—visit Yellowdig.co today!