The Fears: Privacy, Cheating, and Control

One recurring theme was fear - not necessarily of AI itself, but of how it might be used. Educators voiced concerns about academic integrity, noting that AI tools capable of writing essays, solving equations, or summarizing research blur the line between genuine learning and technological shortcutting. In classrooms designed to empower students, how do we ensure AI becomes a support rather than a substitute?

Then there’s privacy - the invisible cost of convenience. The data-driven nature of AI raises questions about who controls personal information, especially in the context of assistive technology, where sensitive user data is often collected to tailor experiences. The sentiment was clear: trust must come before technology.

What about the lack of institutional leadership?

Another pressing concern raised during the discussion was the lack of institutional leadership in responding to AI’s rapid evolution. Many participants observed that post-secondary institutions and businesses are adopting a “wait and see” approach, hesitating to establish clear policies or frameworks.

This uncertainty leaves technologists, educators, and support staff - the people working hands-on with students, employees and systems - to navigate AI-related challenges on a case-by-case basis. Without consistent guidance, decisions about ethical use, privacy, and integration vary widely, leading to confusion and inconsistency across departments.

As one participant noted, this reactive stance may cost organisations  later, as those without proactive strategies could find themselves scrambling to address issues that more forward-thinking organizations have already anticipated and resolved.

A Shift in Thinking

Perhaps the most thought-provoking idea came from a reflection on how AI is shaping the way we think. As one participant noted, quoting computer scientist Sydney J. Harris:

“The real danger is not that computers will begin to think like people, but that people will be able to think like computers.”

This sentiment resonated deeply. It reminded us that AI should not make us less human, less empathetic, less creative, less curious - but instead help to amplify those very traits. The goal isn’t to mimic machine efficiency, but to harness it so we can spend more time doing what machines can’t: inspiring, connecting, and caring.

The round table discussions didn’t end with any conclusions, as you might expect, but with commitments - delegates present resolved to explore, to question, and to guide AI development with ethics and empathy at the very forefront. And in the world of AT and education, that means ensuring AI remains a tool for inclusion, not exclusion.

It is worth remembering that AI isn’t here to replace educators or specialists, it’s here to empower them. Like with any new colleague, embracing AI is about learning to work together, to build trust, and to remember that behind every algorithm, there must remain a very human purpose.

We also want to say a massive "thank you" to Doug Mantle and Steve Crave for moderating the round table sessions at AT Exchange last month!