AI in the Classroom with Holly Clark: How Technology Can Save Time, Personalise Learning & Reignite Teacher Passion

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, there's one conversation that can't be ignored: the rise of artificial intelligence. For many teachers, AI can feel like just another buzzword, another thing to learn and another tool to try. But what if it could actually give you time back? What if it could support the students who usually fall through the cracks? In Episode #136 of The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast, Kelly Bell sits down with globally recognised EdTech expert Holly Clark to unpack the transformative power of AI in the classroom and why now is the time to lean in, not shy away.

From Buzzword to Breakthrough: What AI Really Means for Teachers

Holly shares her experience from Silicon Valley to classrooms across the globe, showing how AI is far from a threat. Instead, it’s the co-teacher we didn’t know we needed. From creating customised lesson plans based on your teaching style to supporting students with dyslexia, ESL needs or neurodivergence, AI has the potential to level the playing field.

The key message? AI isn’t about replacing educators. It’s about amplifying them. It’s your co-intelligence partner, thought partner and time-saver all in one.

Personalised Learning: Finally Within Reach

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is the way AI can offer instant, personalised feedback to students. In classrooms where one teacher manages 30+ students, this technology becomes a second set of hands (and eyes) that helps every learner feel seen. Holly shares examples of students using tools like SchoolAI to ask questions, get unstuck, and even track their own health behaviours in PE. And the best part? It’s not giving them answers it’s teaching them how to think.

AI as the Great Equaliser

Holly passionately believes that AI has the power to create equity in education. Students from low-income backgrounds, students with learning difficulties, and students from diverse language backgrounds can finally access the kind of tailored support that was once reserved for those with tutors or advanced tech access. And for teachers? It cuts through the noise, helps with differentiation and creates real momentum.

The Challenge to Educators: Don’t Get Left Behind

The conversation takes a sharp turn as Holly addresses the elephant in the staffroom: resistance. If you’re still saying "I’m just not tech savvy" it's time to change the narrative. With AI evolving fast, staying on the sidelines could leave teachers (and their students) at a disadvantage. Holly challenges teachers to spend just 10 hours using AI tools to become literate enough to start harnessing their potential. That’s one PD day and it could transform your entire teaching experience.

A Final Word: Human Connection Isn’t Going Anywhere

Despite all the tech talk, both Kelly and Holly agree: nothing replaces the human heart of teaching. AI isn’t about replacing teachers. It’s about making space for them to be more human. More present. More connected. More impactful.

Whether you're an EdTech enthusiast or still clinging to your whiteboard markers, this episode is your invitation to explore what’s possible. Because if we want to prepare our students for the world ahead, we need to start understanding the tools that will shape it.

Connect with Holly: @hollyclarkedu

Listen to Episode #136 of The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast now thelearnnet.com/136