Unpacking AI and Education: Highlights from the LEARN Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
By: ReadyAI
The LEARN Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was exciting, especially as educators, policymakers, and tech leaders gathered to discuss one of the hottest topics in education today: the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. One of the standout contributors to these conversations was Dr. Roozbeh Aliabadi from ReadyAI, whose insights left the audience both inspired and thinking deeply about what AI means for the future of education.
Let’s explore key takeaways from his talks and why his message resonates so strongly with educators worldwide.
What It Means to Be Human in the Age of AI
Roozbeh (we’ll keep it informal here!) kicked off with a big, bold question: What does it mean to be human in the age of AI? It’s not just about how AI helps or hinders us; it’s about understanding how AI changes what it means to be human — and what we want that to look like.
He didn’t claim all the answers (who could?), but he urged educators to make these questions central to their teaching. Rather than stressing over whether technology will replace teachers or redefine creativity, the focus should be on nurturing the uniquely human elements of education: connection, empathy, and mentorship.
A Fun Thought Experiment
At one point, Roozbeh got everyone involved in a simple but insightful experiment. He asked the audience to close their eyes and try to recall when they first learned something like a quadratic equation in algebra. Spoiler alert: most people couldn’t remember! But when he asked them to think of their favorite teacher, nearly everyone instantly remembered their name and face.
His point was clear: while educational content may be forgotten, the human connections between teachers and students last a lifetime. This, Roozbeh argued, is where educators should focus their energy in a world increasingly influenced by AI.
Saudi Arabia’s Bold Steps in AI Education
Saudi Arabia is already making waves with its forward-thinking approach to AI, and Roozbeh couldn’t help but highlight the impressive progress. The Kingdom’s national strategy for AI focuses on workforce training, education, and policy frameworks, making it clear that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in this space.
Though standardized teacher training still has room to grow, schools across Riyadh and NEOM have already implemented collaborative learning models where teachers and students tackle AI. This project-based, inquiry-driven approach allows both students and educators to grow more comfortable with AI rather than being intimidated by it.
Keeping Up with AI’s Rapid Pace
One of the challenges Roozbeh highlighted is how fast AI is moving — and how difficult it is for educators to keep up. He shared that even with programs designed by top institutions like MIT and Carnegie Mellon, the technology they're focused on has already evolved by the time they’re rolled out to classrooms.
So, what’s the solution? Focus on what’s timeless: the human connection. The bond between teachers and students will always matter more than the latest tech trends. These interactions inspire, guide, and foster creativity, even in the AI age.
Redefining Creativity in the AI Era
Another fascinating point Roozbeh made was about creativity. In today’s world, where AI can generate art, text, and images in seconds, what even counts as creativity? Rather than fighting this shift, he encouraged educators to embrace it — allow students to explore these new tools, and guide them in navigating what creativity looks like in the age of AI.
Instead of rigidly defining what is or isn’t creative, teachers can work alongside students to understand AI’s role in the creative process, opening up new avenues for innovation.
The Real Takeaway
At the end of the day, Roozbeh’s message at the LEARN Conference was simple yet profound: In the age of AI, being a good teacher isn’t about mastering the latest tech or content — it’s about being human. The future of education may be filled with incredible AI-driven tools, but it will always rely on the teacher-student relationships that make learning meaningful.
His reflections on Saudi Arabia’s bold initiatives in AI education and the broader role of AI in the classroom offer a fresh perspective on moving forward in a rapidly changing world. While technology may continue to evolve, the core of teaching — connection, inspiration, and guidance — will remain the foundation of great education.
Final Thoughts
Roozbeh’s participation at the LEARN Conference in Riyadh was a reminder that while AI may be transforming the world, the human elements of education truly matter. As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid progress under Vision 2030, it’s clear that the Kingdom’s focus on AI education will set a new standard globally. For educators, the message is clear: embrace AI but never lose sight of the human connections that define the future of learning.
And if you don’t remember how you learned quadratic equations, that’s okay — you probably remember the teacher who made you love learning. That’s what it’s all about.
Exciting times lie ahead for AI and education, and if the LEARN Conference is any indication, Saudi Arabia will be leading the charge!
To learn more about ReadyAI, visit www.readyai.org or email us at info@readyai.org.
