Surfing the AI Wave: Gabriel Yanagihara on AI Innovation in Education

Surfing the AI Wave: Gabriel Yanagihara on AI Innovation in Education

What does it really look like when AI is done right in education?

In this powerful episode of Classroom Dynamics, we take you from the energy of SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas… all the way to the classrooms of Honolulu, Hawaii—where a quiet revolution in #AI #education is already underway.

Meet Gabriel Yanagihara, an emerging technologies #teacher who is a forward-thinking educator and changemaker.  Gabriel isn’t just talking about artificial intelligence, he’s building a movement around it.

From his roots growing up on Maui to leading groundbreaking AI programs at ‘Iolani School, Gabriel is redefining what it means to prepare students for the future. With over 2,500 educators trained and initiatives reaching millions, his work blends cutting-edge technology with culture, creativity, and ethical responsibility.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll discover:

•  How one #teacher turned curiosity into a statewide AI movement 
•  What AI actually looks like in an elementary classroom (hint: it’s not what you think) 
•  How students are using AI to enhance writing—not replace thinking 
•  Real strategies to address AI skeptics—both #educators and parents 
•  Simple, high-impact AI projects you can try with your students tomorrow

Plus, we revisit Adam’s live, on-the-ground conversation with Gabriel at SXSW—this time with the depth, clarity, and insight educators have been craving.

If you’ve been curious, cautious, or even concerned about AI in education… this episode will challenge your thinking and leave you inspired.

Because while the world debates AI, classrooms like Gabriel’s are already showing us what’s possible.

🎧 This is more than a conversation—it’s your roadmap to the future of teaching.

👉 Hit follow and join thousands of educators using Classroom Dynamics as their weekly professional reset.