Guiding AI in Education
An interactive media performance by Random Actor opened the 2026 BU Wheelock Forum. Photo by Michael Spencer
Guiding AI in Education
Insights from a dynamic forum on AI’s impact, potential, and challenges in learning
As a new generation of learners navigates educational spaces shaped by AI, educators and professionals are doing the same. This year’s BU Wheelock Forum: AI and the Future of Education offered a unique opportunity to explore the growth of AI and its impact of on education. It featured a live demonstration of the kind of innovative work that can emerge with the help of AI, and also provided opportunities to discuss the promise and challenges of AI.
“When we think about AI in education, we need to think about who is going to guide AI to make education better,” said Aaron Rasmussen (COM’06, CAS’06), who delivered the keynote speech. Throughout the evening, presenters echoed this sentiment, noting that it’s up to educators to guide what comes next as far as the use of AI in the classroom.
With over 250 guests in attendance, the event included an interactive media performance by Random Actor and an interview with co-creators James Grady and Clay Hopper of BU’s College of Fine Arts. It also included a panel discussion about AI in the classroom and informal learning spaces with BU Wheelock faculty panelists Naomi Caselli, Michael Alan Chang, Nermeen Dashoush, and T.J. McKenna, led by Dean Penny Bishop. Finally, at the reception, BU students who participated in CivicHacks 2026 shared demonstrations of their AI-related projects.
Highlights from the Forum
This Talk is Already Outdated
Aaron Rasmussen does a deep dive on how technology and AI are advancing faster than humans might be adapting to it, making it important for educators to move quickly with this new shift.
Reimagining Art with AI
A media performance by Random Actor, led by CFA faculty James Grady and Clay Hopper, which reimagines and extends art with the use of AI.
What the Future Holds for AI and Education
BU Wheelock faculty Naomi Caselli, Michael Alan Chang, Nermeen Dashoush, and TJ McKenna discuss the roles of educators and researchers when attempting to equitably integrate AI into the classroom. Moderated by Dean Bishop.
Photos from the Forum
Naomi Caselli interviews James Grady and Clay Hopper from Random Actor 
A performance by Random Actor 
TJ McKenna responds to a question during the panel discussion 
(l-to-r) Michael Chang, Nermeen Dashoush, TJ McKenna 
Keynote speaker Aaron Rasmussen 
Dean Penny Bishop 
(l-to-r) Dean Bishop, Naomi Caselli, Michael Chang
Michael Alan Chang 
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