From AI skeptic to creating personalised learning experiences at speed, with Matt Tonkin

<p>In this episode of Trailblazing Schools, Trudy speaks with Matt Tonkin about how AI is transforming his approach to teaching and leadership in a special school setting. Discover practical ways to leverage AI for personalised learning, time-saving, and supporting students with diverse needs.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Resources:</p><p></p><p>Find out more about the Trailblazing Schools Partnership here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/" target="_blank">https://www.trudygraham.com.au/trailblazing-schools/</a> </p><p></p><p>Find out more about the Leaders Learning Circle here <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/" target="_blank">https://www.trudygraham.com.au/leaders-learning-circle/</a></p><p><br /> Get your copy of AI in Action: Field Notes from School Leaders. It's free, practical, and designed to prompt your own next step. Download today at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes" target="_blank">trailblazingschools.com/fieldnotes</a><br /><br /> If this conversation resonated and you're exploring how to strengthen leadership in your school network or system, visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://trudygraham.com.au/connect" target="_blank">trudygraham.com.au/connect</a>  to explore working together. <br /><br />Credits<br /><br />The Trailblazing Schools Podcast is hosted by Trudy Graham - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.trudygraham.com.au/" target="_blank">https://www.trudygraham.com.au/</a></p><p><br />This podcast is edited and produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene from PERK Digital - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://perkdigital.com.au/" target="_blank">https://perkdigital.com.au/</a></p><p></p><p>The theme music is Dusty Road by Indiebox</p><p></p><p> Trudy Graham acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which she lives and is recording today, the Darumbal people, and pay my respect to elders past and present, for they hold a deep and continuing connection to the land, sea, and sky.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Matt and his work in special education</p><p>04:11 Using AI to create personalized stories and activities for students</p><p>05:54 The impact of AI on student engagement and learning</p><p>08:01 Leadership challenges and mental health in schools</p><p>10:00 The role of gender and role modeling in education</p><p>12:04 Using AI to support staff and streamline tasks</p><p>13:55 Adapting leadership style in response to pressures</p><p>15:58 The mental health toll of working in special education</p><p>18:00 The influence of stress and health on staff and parents</p><p>20:00 Matt’s journey from skepticism to AI advocate</p><p>21:48 Practical examples of AI in daily school tasks</p><p>23:57 Creating SMART goals and support resources with AI</p><p>25:58 Engaging students with AI-generated activities</p><p>28:02 The quick and personalized resource creation process</p><p>30:04 Student engagement and confidence building through AI</p><p>31:56 Time savings in report writing and planning</p><p>34:10 Supporting ESL teachers and reducing workload</p><p>35:56 Getting started with AI in schools and leadership</p><p>38:05 Matt’s personal insights and secret spots in his area</p><p>38:58 Books, films, and active relaxation strategies</p><p></p><p>AI in education, special education, leadership, personalized learning, time-saving tools, teaching with AI, mental health in schools, innovative leadership</p><p></p>