On January 31, 2025, George Mason University’s AI for Education Policy (AIEP) team partnered with the Educational Research Alliance of Northern Virginia at George Mason (ERA-NOVA) and hosted a convening that focused on AI use in K-12 schools at George Mason’s Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall.
At AIEP, we’re dedicated to leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced data analytics, and transdisciplinary research to drive positive change in education policy. As a collaboration between EdPolicyForward in the College of Education and Human Development and the Center for Advancing Human Machine Partnership (CAHMP), we’re at the forefront of bridging the gap between research and practice in education policymaking.
ERA-NOVA is an innovative partnership between the George Mason University College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) researchers and K-12 school districts and stakeholders in Northern Virginia (NOVA) to collaboratively address the pressing educational challenges in the region. By uniting diverse voices and shared commitment to academic success and positive impact on quality of life, the collaborative aims to drive systemic change across the region.
ERA-NOVA hosts quarterly meetings with its division partners to discuss relevant topics in education that emerge as key interests and learning opportunities. The January 31st meeting focused on AI use in education. Over 100 participants, including representatives from nine local school divisions, school leaders, and George Mason faculty attended this event.
CEHD Dean, Dr. Ingrid Guerra-López, Professor Dr. Audra Parker, and Dr. Beth Davis from AIEP opened up and moderated the event, which featured school division representatives sharing their experiences with AI applications and challenges. Participants engaged in table discussions on the implications of AI in their schools and districts, identifying key questions and insights for further exploration. Additionally, Dr. Jered Borup, a faculty member at Mason, demonstrated AI tools designed to enhance learning and instruction. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to exchange knowledge and explore best practices in AI implementation. AIEP is committed to hosting several of these events throughout the year to continue fostering dialogue and collaboration on AI in education.