From Passengers to Rocket Powered Explorers: Designing AI Infused Innovation Pathways
From Passengers to Rocket-Powered Explorers: Designing AI-Infused Innovation Pathways for Secondary Schools:
As AI rapidly reshapes the world beyond the classroom, how can schools move students from passive consumers of information to active innovators and creators? This session explores how secondary schools can design future-ready learning pathways that empower students to use AI as a co-pilot in design thinking, entrepreneurship, and project-based learning.
Drawing from real-world case studies and programs—including existing innovation pathways, a 3D printing design course where students used AI to prototype solutions, and a student-led app development program using AI coding agents—we’ll examine how AI can amplify creative problem-solving, accelerate iteration cycles, and deepen engagement.
This interactive workshop invites participants to examine the current innovation landscape, learn how AI-enhanced learning tools can be implemented, and identify strategic actions for launching or scaling AI-powered pathways in their schools. We’ll also discuss the critical role of ethics, equity, and future-ready assessment models to ensure these pathways are accessible and impactful for all learners.
Participants will leave with concrete strategies, collaborative connections, and a renewed vision for helping your students become rocket-powered explorers in an AI-driven world.
Facilitated By
Sam Vierra
Coordinator for the Institute of Design and Innovation, American Embassy School
For nearly a decade, Sam has been designing and implementing innovative teaching and learning practices. His interest in reimagining education began after watching Most Likely to Succeed, a documentary that explored groundbreaking approaches to course design and assessment at High Tech High.
At Stanford’s d.school, Sam explored ways to integrate design and systems thinking into his courses. Building on this work, he partnered with the d.school to develop the Global Sustainability by Design program at Punahou School in Hawaii.
In 2022, Sam earned a Master’s in School Leadership from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, focusing on leading change within independent schools. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with Tony Wagner in designing authentic, innovative programs that equip students with the mindsets and skill sets essential for 21st-century learning.
Currently, Sam leads the Institute for Design and Innovation (IDI) at the American Embassy School in New Delhi, where he continues to push the boundaries of student-centered, experiential learning.
Ryan McKinnie
Technology Innovation Coordinator, American Embassy School
With over 15 years of international teaching experience, [Name] is a seasoned educator and technology leader whose career spans diverse roles—from teaching history in China to serving as a Grade 2 PYP teacher in Lebanon. Currently, [he/she/they] serves as the Makerspace and Technology Coordinator at the American Embassy School in New Delhi.
Throughout [his/her/their] career, [Name] has remained committed to empowering students through the integration of technology, creativity, and hands-on learning. At AES, [he/she/they] lead(s) the development of a vibrant makerspace where students are encouraged to explore, design, and problem-solve using a range of tools including 3D printing, coding, robotics, and augmented reality. By blending traditional pedagogy with emerging technologies, [Name] fosters collaboration and innovation, helping students unlock their potential and develop the skills needed for the future.
