Exclusive: Lenovo’s Hassan Baickdeli on AI reshaping education
The promise of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is vast, and Hassan Baickdeli, Lenovo's Head of Emerging Technologies and Solutions, has a clear vision of how technology can address key challenges in the education sector.
Speaking with TechDay about AI's potential to alleviate staff and resource shortages in Australian schools, Baickdeli explained, "AI can drive significant value for educators by leveraging work that's already been done."
He highlighted lesson planning as a prime example, where teachers spend countless hours preparing for the next day.
"AI could allow educators to search for pre-existing lesson plans aligned with the Australian Curriculum, amend them for context, and save hours of planning," he said, emphasising that such tools could dramatically reduce teachers' workloads.
While these advancements are promising, Baickdeli acknowledged the early stages of AI adoption in classroom management.
He noted, "The potential is huge, but governance, policy, and ethical considerations need to be addressed first."
For example, AI could automate attendance or identify students who need one-on-one support, but the implementation must respect educators' teaching styles and varying digital literacy levels.
Baickdeli's optimism about AI's future in education is tempered by the current barriers to adoption.
"The biggest challenge isn't interest or willingness - it's readiness," he said, recounting a school visit where students and teachers had already experimented with AI tools like ChatGPT, despite leadership hesitancy.
"It's clear everyone's using AI at some level," he added, "but implementing it at a school-wide scale requires security, governance, and ethical frameworks."
AI also offers the potential for personalised learning experiences, Baickdeli explained.
"Imagine an AI that tailors learning journeys based on a student's interests and needs," he said.
"For instance, if a student struggles with maths but excels in creative subjects, AI could identify these patterns and adapt content accordingly."
While these capabilities exist today, Baickdeli stressed the importance of safeguarding students' digital footprints and ensuring AI's use is ethical and appropriate.
Despite these hurdles, AI's integration into education appears inevitable. Baickdeli shared examples of grassroots initiatives where tech-savvy students assist teachers with emerging technologies.
"I've seen students reverse mentoring educators, teaching them how to use AI tools effectively," he said, describing it as a collaborative effort that benefits both groups.
He also highlighted the importance of fostering digital literacy. "Train-the-trainer sessions are crucial," Baickdeli said. "Educators can learn best practices and develop critical thinking skills to evaluate AI-generated outputs."
Observing staffroom discussions, he noted a shift in focus towards integrating new technologies, including AI, into teaching methodologies.
Looking ahead to 2025, Baickdeli anticipates the rise of passive AI in classrooms.
"We'll see more ambient AI solutions for tasks like attendance, progress tracking, and blended learning," he said. Such innovations, he believes, will make educators' time more efficient and enable students to learn at their own pace.
However, Baickdeli emphasised the importance of maintaining critical thinking and creativity in education. "AI is a tool to enhance learning, not replace it," he explained. "We must ensure students and teachers alike engage thoughtfully with AI-driven insights."
As Australian schools navigate the complexities of AI adoption, Baickdeli's message is clear: preparation and collaboration are key.
"If schools could implement AI seamlessly today, they would," he said.
"But ensuring it's done ethically and effectively takes time."
Baickdeli concluded with a hopeful vision for the future: "AI's potential to transform education is undeniable. By working together, we can create a system that supports both educators and students in reaching new heights."
