AFT's AI Academy Launches with $23M Backing from Microsoft & OpenAI - AI in Education #14
July 09, 2025 -
AI in Education
Hi there,
Welcome to this week's edition of AI In Education Weekly.
In recent developments, the American Federation of Teachers has launched the National Academy for A.I. Instruction, backed by a $23 million investment from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic. This initiative aims to equip educators with the necessary skills to navigate AI ethics in classrooms. Meanwhile, several US universities, including the University of Maryland and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, are integrating AI into their curricula. Notably, Bryant College has received funding for AI education, Texas A&M has partnered with OpenAI, and the University of Chicago has introduced an AI-focused MBA concentration.
On a different note, a study by M.I.T. researchers has raised concerns about the impact of AI on student learning, suggesting that reliance on AI for writing may lead to weaker memory retention and less cognitive engagement. In response, the Australian Department of Education has introduced a framework for the use of generative AI in schools to address these concerns. Additionally, UNESCO and the Mongolian government have co-organized a policy dialogue in Ulaanbaatar, resulting in a joint action plan to advance AI in higher education. Lastly, Lingnan University in Hong Kong hosted the Digital Universities Asia summit, and TeacherMatic has partnered with Jisc to enhance AI accessibility in UK education.
Welcome to this week's edition of AI In Education Weekly.
In recent developments, the American Federation of Teachers has launched the National Academy for A.I. Instruction, backed by a $23 million investment from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic. This initiative aims to equip educators with the necessary skills to navigate AI ethics in classrooms. Meanwhile, several US universities, including the University of Maryland and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, are integrating AI into their curricula. Notably, Bryant College has received funding for AI education, Texas A&M has partnered with OpenAI, and the University of Chicago has introduced an AI-focused MBA concentration.
On a different note, a study by M.I.T. researchers has raised concerns about the impact of AI on student learning, suggesting that reliance on AI for writing may lead to weaker memory retention and less cognitive engagement. In response, the Australian Department of Education has introduced a framework for the use of generative AI in schools to address these concerns. Additionally, UNESCO and the Mongolian government have co-organized a policy dialogue in Ulaanbaatar, resulting in a joint action plan to advance AI in higher education. Lastly, Lingnan University in Hong Kong hosted the Digital Universities Asia summit, and TeacherMatic has partnered with Jisc to enhance AI accessibility in UK education.
AFT, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic Launch AI Academy for Teachers
The American Federation of Teachers has announced a $23 million initiative, funded by Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, to create the National Academy for A.I. Instruction. This program aims to train 400,000 educators in AI use over five years. Read more
US Universities Integrate AI into Curricula
Several universities in the United States, including University of Maryland and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, are incorporating AI into their educational programs. This move aims to prepare students for an AI-driven future, though it also raises concerns about academic integrity and the need for regulation. Read more
Concerns Over A.I.'s Impact on Student Cognition
A study by M.I.T. researchers suggests that students using A.I. for writing may have weaker memory retention and less cognitive engagement. The opinion piece discusses the implications of A.I. reliance in education. Read more
Australia's Education Framework for AI in Schools
The Australian Department of Education has released a framework for the use of generative AI in schools, following concerns from an MIT study about AI's impact on cognitive development. The framework aims to integrate AI into education while addressing these concerns. Read more
UNESCO and Mongolia Plan AI Advancements in Education
A high-level policy dialogue in Ulaanbaatar, co-organized by UNESCO and the Mongolian government, focused on enhancing AI in higher education. The event led to a joint action plan to develop AI and digital skills in Mongolia's educational workforce. Read more
Lingnan University Hosts AI Summit on Education
In July 2025, Lingnan University in Hong Kong hosted a summit with over 300 experts to discuss AI's role in transforming higher education. Read more
TeacherMatic and Jisc Partner to Expand AI in UK Education
TeacherMatic and Jisc have announced a partnership to provide UK educational institutions with access to over 150 AI tools. This initiative aims to enhance curriculum planning, feedback generation, and resource creation in the education sector. Read more
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