UIC Assistant Director of Digital Accessibility Joins National AI in Education Panel
Introduction
Blake Bertuccelli-Booth, Assistant Director of Digital Accessibility Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago, recently represented UIC at a national discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in education. The event, held at the United States Capitol, brought together leading voices from education, technology, and policy to examine both the opportunities and risks of AI in classrooms.
The one-hour session, The Promise and Perils of AI in Education, was moderated by Josh New, Director of Policy at SeedAI. Fellow panelists included:
- Vicki Chung, Chief External Relations Officer, Khan Academy
- Krista Tomaselli, Director of State Government Affairs, Code.org
- Jake Bonello, Education Policy Advisor, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
- Joshua New, Director of Policy, SeedAI
Exploring Possibilities
Panelists discussed how AI is creating new ways to support student learning, from adaptive tutoring to automated feedback. These tools, they noted, are already helping make education more personalized, flexible, and accessible.
Addressing Challenges
The conversation also underscored the complexity of bringing AI into schools. Issues such as student data privacy, equitable access, and public trust were central themes. Speakers stressed the need for policy frameworks that balance innovation with strong student protections.
Looking Ahead
Key takeaways from the session included the importance of:
- Establishing clear national guidance on ethical AI use in schools
- Building transparent systems that safeguard student privacy
- Strengthening collaboration among educators, developers, and policymakers
UIC’s Role
By contributing to this national dialogue, UIC underscored its commitment to advancing accessibility, technology, and policy conversations that shape the future of education. As AI continues to transform the classroom, UIC remains a leader in ensuring innovation works for all students.