Episode 68: Technology Innovation in Independent Schools

Available March 25, 2025

AI and other technological advances are moving at an almost incomprehensible speed right now, and schools have to adjust. Some are leaning out, with phone bans and efforts to make the school day as low-tech as possible. Others are cautiously leaning in, adopting new technologies, and trying to strike a comfortable balance. And then there are the school leaders who are leaping ahead, with a vision to embrace technological innovation as a vibrant cornerstone of their plans for the future. Jalaj Desai is one of those visionary heads of school, and he’s joining NAIS President Debra Wilson to share how he’s using AI to transform Saddle River Day School.

Guest: Jalaj Desai

Resources, Transcript, and Expanded Show Notes

In This Episode:

• “And that's the beauty of our school. We don't really worry about what did not work. We try different things. And if it doesn't work, it's OK and move on. We teach our kids the same exact thing. Don't get stuck up with what didn't work. We kind of evaluate the situation, see why it didn't work, and then simply move on.” (6:49)
• “We are still a typical independent school. Our teachers are still human beings and they love what they do. They love to teach. So when there is a doubt, it's because they want to make sure that what we're doing is right by the kids and by them, right?...But we are determined to, as a school, to do this, right? AI is here to stay. So sooner we get on board, as a whole community, as a whole faculty, it's much better for all our kids.” (18:59)
• “Some dreams you let go, right? In terms of because it doesn't work out, there are clear signals to do that. Some dreams you keep going because it's going to take time. It's going to, you gotta be patient. You need to go through a lot of stuff, especially when a school is going through so many different cool things and changes. You just have to make sure your resources are divided correctly.” (26:04)

Related Episodes: 49, 46, 45, 31, 26, 19

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