Every week, it seems, there’s a new headline, app, or breakthrough showcasing how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education. From automating routine tasks to personalizing learning experiences, AI holds the potential to fundamentally transform how schools operate—and how we think about teaching and learning.
But for all its potential, integrating AI into schools isn’t just about plugging in tools or apps—it’s a mindset shift in how we think, teach, and lead.
And that’s where friction comes in.
As Hugy Rao and Robert Sutton highlight in The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder, strategic friction (and/or friction removal) can either propel meaningful change or protect against the wrong kind of disruption.
When it comes to AI, school leaders need to carefully consider where to smooth the path for adoption and where to add friction to encourage intentionality and ethical use.
Here’s how school leaders can use friction to manage the challenges and opportunities AI brings to education.
1. Removing Friction to Accelerate AI Learning and Adoption
One of the biggest barriers to AI integration is fear of the unknown. Teachers, administrators, and even parents often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of AI tools and the potential impact on education. Removing friction in key areas can make AI less intimidating and more accessible.
Simplifying Training Opportunities: AI workshops and training should feel like an open door, not an obstacle course. Schools can lower barriers by offering on-demand resources, interactive sessions during existing PD days, or even peer-to-peer mentoring programs. The easier it is for educators to learn, the more confident they’ll feel experimenting with AI in their classrooms.
Streamlining Access to Tools: If teachers have to navigate complicated approval processes or unclear policies to access AI tools, they’re likely to give up before they begin. Leaders can remove friction by creating a curated list of approved, user-friendly tools and providing clear guidelines on how to integrate them into teaching practices.
Encouraging Pilot Programs: Teachers may be hesitant to dive in fully, but they might be willing to test the
waters. Making it simple to start small—like piloting an AI-supported lesson or tool—can lower the stakes and build momentum. Removing friction here fosters a culture of experimentation and learning.
2. Adding Friction to Encourage Thoughtful Use of AI
While it’s tempting to dive headfirst into AI adoption, doing so without guardrails can lead to unintended consequences. Strategic friction can slow the process down just enough to ensure careful planning and ethical decision-making.
Pausing to Define Goals: Before rolling out AI tools, schools should ask themselves: What problem are we trying to solve? Adding friction by requiring departments or teams to articulate specific goals and desired outcomes can prevent the adoption of AI for AI’s sake. This reflection ensures that new technologies are aligned with the school’s broader mission and values.
Creating a Review Process for New Tools: Not all AI tools are created equal. A thoughtful review process that evaluates tools for effectiveness, data privacy, and alignment with educational goals adds necessary friction. It ensures that only high-quality, responsible tools make their way into classrooms.
Building an Ethical Framework: AI raises questions about equity, bias, and data security. By adding friction in the form of mandatory ethics discussions or policies, schools can ensure that AI use reflects their values. For instance, requiring staff to complete a brief reflection or checklist before implementing AI tools can help maintain a focus on fairness and transparency.
3. Removing Friction to Build Trust and Buy-In
When it comes to transformative change, trust is everything. If educators, parents, or students feel left out of the decision-making process, even the best initiatives can fail. Removing friction in communication and collaboration can build the trust needed for AI integration to succeed.
Opening Communication Channels: Transparent communication removes friction in understanding AI’s role in the school. Regular updates, Q&A sessions, or even an AI-focused newsletter can demystify the technology and make stakeholders feel included.
Involving Teachers Early: Teachers are on the front lines of education, and their buy-in is crucial. Schools can remove friction by involving educators in AI decision-making processes from the start. When teachers feel heard, they’re more likely to embrace change.
Simplifying Parent Engagement: Parents often worry about the risks of AI, from screen time to data privacy. Providing clear, accessible resources—like FAQs, open forums, or sample lesson plans—can ease concerns and foster a partnership mindset.
4. Adding Friction to Protect What Matters Most
AI can be a powerful tool, but it should never overshadow the human elements of education. Adding friction in certain areas ensures that the core values of teaching and learning remain intact.
Prioritizing Relationship Building: AI tools can save time, but they can’t replace the connections between teachers and students. By adding friction—like requiring teachers to balance AI-driven personalization with face-to-face interactions—schools can protect the relational core of education.
Curbing Over-Reliance on Automation: While AI can handle administrative tasks, schools should be cautious about over-automating decision-making processes. Adding friction—like requiring human oversight for AI-generated insights or recommendations—ensures that technology remains a tool, not a replacement for professional judgment.
Guarding Against Data Overload: AI can generate mountains of data, but not all of it is useful. Adding friction by limiting the types of data collected or requiring regular “data audits” can prevent information overload and keep the focus on meaningful insights.
Finding the Balance Between Smooth and Sticky
As school leaders navigate the integration of AI, the challenge is to strike the right balance between smooth pathways and purposeful obstacles. Too much friction can stall progress and frustrate stakeholders, but too little can lead to rushed decisions and unintended consequences.
By thoughtfully removing friction in areas like training and communication, schools can empower educators and build trust. And by adding friction to processes like tool evaluation and ethical discussions, they can ensure that AI serves the school’s mission and values.
AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a transformative force. And with the strategic use of friction, schools can harness its potential to innovate while staying grounded in what makes education truly meaningful: connection, curiosity, and care.
Which areas in your school need a little more friction—or a little less—as you think about AI?
Let’s start the conversation.
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