AI in Education: Key Insights for Schools from ACCET 2025
What the latest AI in education trends mean for schools in Chicago — and how to get started with tools like Co-Pilot
The 2025 ACCET Annual Conference in Chicago highlighted one of the most important trends shaping education today: AI in education. Across multiple sessions and workshops, thought leaders explored how artificial intelligence is influencing institutional success, teaching effectiveness, and the future of learning. These national conversations reflect the same challenges and opportunities we see every day when supporting schools across Chicago. This blog draws on those insights to explore key takeaways from ACCET and how local institutions can take practical steps to leverage AI responsibly.
Why AI in Education Matters for Schools
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword. In schools, it’s already helping teachers spend less time on paperwork and more time with students — with tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot for schools making everyday tasks easier.
AI has the potential to:
- Improve operational efficiency by streamlining workflows.
- Enhance student engagement with adaptive learning tools.
- Provide staff with smarter resources for lesson planning and grading.
- Strengthen institutional resilience by improving data-driven decision-making.
ACCET 2025 made it clear: AI isn’t about some distant future. Schools are already testing and adopting these tools in ways that impact classrooms today.
To see how these conversations are playing out at a national level, it’s helpful to review some of the conference highlights.
Key Themes from ACCET 2025
Several sessions at ACCET reinforced the importance of AI adoption in education. For schools, these themes highlight that AI is no longer an experiment — it is becoming an expectation. Here are a few key takeaways:
Navigating AI in Education: Strategies for Institutional Success
Suzanne Ricci emphasized the need for thoughtful planning around AI adoption. For schools, this means setting clear goals for how AI will support teaching and administration, and ensuring staff have the right training to use these tools effectively.
AI Grading Goes Gourmet: Improving Outcomes and Instructor Effectiveness
Luyen Chou and Kathleen Ahearn demonstrated how AI can assist instructors with grading and feedback. This reflects a growing opportunity for schools to reduce staff workload while maintaining high-quality assessments and student outcomes.
AI by Design: Embedding AI into Program Planning
The AI by Design workshop encouraged institutions to integrate AI into curriculum and program development. For K-12 and higher education, this points to the importance of embedding AI into long-term strategies instead of treating it as a short-term experiment.
Together, these themes make clear that schools should be proactive. Success with AI comes from combining strategy, staff support, and strong technology foundations.
To move from broad conference themes into actionable steps, it helps to look at what schools can realistically implement right now. This is where practical applications come into focus.
Practical Applications of AI for Schools
While national conversations set the stage, schools in Chicago must focus on what is realistic and immediately beneficial. Practical applications schools are exploring right now include:- Giving teachers back valuable time through Microsoft Co-Pilot for Schools.
- Spotting students who need extra support before they slip through the cracks.
- Protecting sensitive student data with stronger, AI-powered cybersecurity tools.
- Building staff confidence with training that makes new technology feel less overwhelming.
While these practical applications are promising, schools need the right expertise and support to put them into action.
How GO Technology Group Supports Chicago Schools
As a Chicago managed service provider with extensive experience in education technology consulting, GO Technology Group helps schools turn these ideas into reality. By bridging high-level AI strategies with practical implementation, we empower schools to innovate responsibly while protecting their communities. Our team provides:
- Tailored IT services for schools that align with academic and administrative goals.
- Guidance for safe and secure adoption of AI in education tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot and trusted student safety platforms such as Securly.
- Classroom-focused interactive display solutions that improve student engagement and collaboration.
- Comprehensive mobile device management (MDM) to keep student and staff devices secure, compliant, and optimized for learning.
- 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring to protect against evolving digital threats.
- Ongoing training and support to ensure staff are confident using new technologies.
Next Steps for Schools Adopting AI in Education
The 2025 ACCET Conference made one thing clear: AI in education is here to stay. For schools in Chicago, the opportunity lies in adopting tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot while ensuring secure, sustainable implementation.
Thinking about how AI could fit into your school? At GO Technology Group, we work with schools across Chicago to make technology adoption simple, safe, and effective. Our goal is to guide you through the process so staff feel supported and students benefit from meaningful results. Reach out today to start a conversation about what’s possible for your institution.
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Frequently Asked Questions: AI in Education
What is AI in education?
AI in education refers to using artificial intelligence tools to make school life easier for staff and students. That can mean automating routine tasks, helping teachers plan lessons faster, or providing data insights that improve student outcomes.
How can schools start using AI today?
The best place to start is with tools you may already have access to, such as Microsoft Co-Pilot for schools. It connects to familiar Microsoft platforms and can reduce time spent on repetitive tasks. Schools don’t need to overhaul everything at once — starting small can deliver quick wins.
Is AI safe for schools to implement?
Yes, when the right protections are in place. Schools handle sensitive student and staff data, so AI adoption should go hand-in-hand with strong cybersecurity safeguards. A trusted IT partner ensures that compliance, security, and responsible use are built in from day one.
How does GO Technology Group help schools with AI?
We partner with schools to make AI adoption less overwhelming. From consulting and planning to cybersecurity, MDM, and training, we help schools integrate AI tools like Co-Pilot in a safe, practical, and supportive way. Our goal is to ensure technology enhances learning without creating new risks.