At the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) 2025 in Orlando, Florida, Tim Needles, an art teacher and technology integration specialist for New York’s Smithtown Central School District, shared his unique perspective on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education. His presentation, titled “The Intersection of Creativity and Artificial Intelligence,” highlighted the potential of AI to transform creativity in classrooms, making it accessible to all students, regardless of their artistic skills.
Needles addressed the polarized reactions he encounters when sharing AI-generated art. While educators and technology enthusiasts are generally excited, many in the art community criticize the use of AI, fearing it dilutes traditional creative processes. Needles, however, approaches AI as a tool, much like a pencil, emphasizing that its value lies in how it is used. He argues that ignoring such a powerful tool would be a missed opportunity in education and beyond.
AI, according to Needles, has the power to democratize creativity. Many people mistakenly believe that creativity is limited to traditional artistic skills like drawing or painting. However, Needles insists that creativity is more about thinking outside the box. AI can bridge the gap between ideas and execution, helping students and educators bring their visions to life. He believes this democratization allows students of all skill levels to explore their creative potential, fostering a sense of accomplishment and engagement.
During his presentation, Needles showcased two projects he had conducted with his students using Adobe Express. In one project, students learned to animate audio recordings, a task that resonated across age groups. Kindergarteners, college students, and everyone in between were captivated by the process of turning their voices into animated visuals. This activity not only engaged students but also provided teachers with a unique way to assess how much students had learned.
In another project, students created self-portraits in the style of bobbleheads using AI tools. This exercise helped Needles connect with his students on a personal level, learning their names and interests early in the school year. It also served as a fun introduction to AI, teaching students the basics of creating prompts—a critical skill as AI technology evolves rapidly.
One of Needles’ key messages was the importance of overcoming fear and judgment surrounding AI in education. Many educators are initially resistant to new technologies, often due to apprehension about their complexity or implications. To address this, Needles encouraged his colleagues to start with playful experimentation. He stressed that fostering a nonjudgmental environment is essential for both teachers and students to explore creative tools without fear of failure.
Needles emphasized the need for trust in this process, both between educators and students and among colleagues. He leads by example, often putting himself in the spotlight during AI-based activities. Whether by using AI to create his walkup music for a keynote presentation or by demonstrating the bobblehead project with his image, Needles builds trust by showing that it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes.
His approach to integrating AI into education also includes training other teachers. He focuses on showing them how AI can enhance their teaching methods and benefit students. By demonstrating the potential of AI tools in a supportive and collaborative manner, Needles helps educators see the technology as an ally rather than a threat.
As AI continues to develop, Needles believes its role in education will only grow more significant. He views it as a tool that not only facilitates creativity but also prepares students for a future where AI will be integral in almost every industry. By teaching students how to use AI effectively and ethically, educators can equip them with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Needles’ presentation at FETC 2025 underscored the importance of embracing new technologies in education. By integrating AI into classrooms, educators can unlock new levels of creativity, engagement, and learning for students. As Needles aptly puts it, AI is just a tool—but it holds immense potential to transform the way we think about creativity and education.
