In this episode, Dr. Nikolas McGehee talks about how confidence, curiosity, and a supportive school environment influence the way educators approach AI. He shares what he is seeing in the research, why belief in one’s own ability matters so much, and how AI can serve as a helpful facilitator in the classroom.
What follows is an honest look at what helps educators feel comfortable trying something new. Dr. McGehee reflects on the moments that build trust, the value of giving teachers space to experiment, and the small shifts that can make AI feel less intimidating and more like a tool that supports their work.
For more than 27 years, Michigan Virtual has partnered with K–12 school districts across Michigan to expand learning opportunities for students and educators alike. Through our high-quality online courses, taught by Michigan-certified, highly qualified teachers, we empower students to learn anytime, anywhere. We also provide affordable, impactful professional development to help educators grow in their craft. Most recently, Michigan Virtual has been at the forefront of innovation and artificial intelligence in education, offering consultation services and professional learning to guide schools in thoughtfully integrating new technologies and learning pathways.
For decades, education systems have relied on familiar benchmarks but struggle to capture what young people actually need to navigate a rapidly changing world. This gap between what we measure and what truly matters has led many districts to a powerful organizing idea: the Portrait of a Graduate.
In a two-phase pilot across Michigan schools, educators used Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor and teaching assistant, to explore how AI might support teaching and learning. Their reflections surfaced both opportunities and challenges. The big takeaway? AI has potential, but only with intentional support.