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Bridging AI and Innovation Gaps in Rural Education with Dr. Nicholas Wade
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In this episode of Decode, we’re live from the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego with Dr. Nicholas Wade, Superintendent of Columbia Union School District in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills. Leading a "small but mighty" rural K–8 district, Dr. Wade brings a compelling mix of grit, strategy, and heart to the conversation around AI, digital equity, and future-ready learning.
We explore how his team is turning geographic disadvantage into opportunity—leveraging partnerships, innovative tools, and intentional training to reimagine what’s possible for students and educators. From building AI literacy through Amanda Bickerstaff’s AI for Education to collaborating with Elevate K12 to expand course access, Dr. Wade demonstrates what it means to lead with purpose in a changing educational landscape.
Timestamps
00:00 – Opening remarks and the ASU+GSV “Davos of Education”
01:19 – Introducing Columbia Union: rural redefined
04:32 – Broadband, equity, and the post-COVID shift
06:38 – CTE, exposure vs. mastery, and blended learning models
09:34 – Data-driven growth and student achievement
11:19 – The GSV Google Fellowship and building the Opportunity Hub
13:35 – Responsible AI integration: mindset, PD, and classroom use
17:17 – AI tools in action: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Notebook LM
18:42 – Final thoughts: change is hard, but it’s easier together
Connect with Dr Nicolas Wade:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-wade
17 episodes
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