ReThinking Thinking: Hard Now, Good Later
As AI tools increasingly take over cognitive load, how can educators ensure students still engage in the mental struggle that builds understanding? This session explores strategies for designing learning experiences where students “think first, AI later.” Participants will analyze examples of cognitive offloading, experiment with author-first vs AI-first activities, and walk away with practical frameworks to preserve deep thinking in an AI-augmented classroom.
Facilitated By
Nick Soentgerath
Technology Learning Coach, Yokohama International School
Nick Soentgerath is the Technology Learning Coach at Yokohama International School and a advocate for ethical, responsible, and impactful AI use in K–12 education. He leads staff training and student learning initiatives that integrate emerging technologies into classroom practice. Nick is also a graduate student in Educational Technology at the University of British Columbia, where his research focuses on the intersection of AI, literacy, and cognition. A frequent presenter at international conferences, Nick blends pedagogical insight with hands-on experience to empower educators in navigating the future of learning.
