What AI in Education Should Really Look Like – A Conversation with Elliott Levine
“If you're not paying for AI, then you are the product.”
— Elliott Levine, Worldwide Director of Education, Qualcomm
What if we’ve been thinking about AI in education all wrong?
In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Elliott Levine, a veteran educator turned technologist and now the Worldwide Director of Education at Qualcomm, delivers a powerful reality check on where AI is headed—and what that means for schools right now.
Recorded live at TechFest, the conversation begins lightheartedly, with a nod to Levine’s influence on Mark’s choice of laptop. But it quickly turns into one of the most compelling discussions yet on this podcast: a no-nonsense, deeply informed dive into AI’s promises, perils, and potential in K–12.
Cloud-Based AI? Schools Can’t Afford It.
Levine warns that the current cloud-first model of AI—while powerful—is unsustainable for schools. Licensing fees, privacy concerns, and accuracy issues make it an inaccessible solution for many districts.
Instead, he champions a shift toward on-device AI, where processing happens locally and securely, avoiding costly subscriptions and third-party data risks.
The Ethical Imperative: Stop Selling Student Data
Levine is candid about the ethical minefield surrounding free tools and cloud-based services. “If you’re not paying,” he says, “the product is you.” Schools relying on free platforms often unknowingly trade student privacy for access—a practice he believes must end.
His call to action: treat student identity as sacred, and demand that vendors hand data ownership back to districts.
What Tech Directors Should Do Now
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Refresh hardware with AI-capable NPUs (neural processing units)
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Invest now in future-ready devices to avoid obsolescence
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Push for edge AI, which provides faster, cheaper, and more secure results
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Start training educators to shift from substitution-level tech use to transformational learning
Beyond Engagement: Build Investment
Levine also challenges long-held assumptions about engagement, arguing that schools need to foster student investment rather than superficial interest.
“Engagement is bringing home a puppy. Investment is taking it for a walk at 2am in the rain.”
Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
Perhaps the most surprising insight? The skill he believes we need to teach most isn’t coding—it’s language. The ability to communicate clearly, collaborate with empathy, and adapt in real-time are, he argues, the true indicators of future success.
Your AI Roadmap Starts Here
If you're a school tech director, principal, or educator thinking about AI, equity, or digital transformation, this episode is a masterclass. Levine brings together 30+ years of experience across K–12, higher ed, startups, and big tech to lay out a vision that’s urgent, ethical, and empowering.
🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.