Navigating AI: Build Your Parent Playbook
Turn uncertainty into clarity, confidence, and empowerment
On Saturday, November 8, 2025
Join AI experts (also parents!) as they help you turn confusion and concern into clarity, confidence, and empowerment in this no-cost, hands-on, parent-centered workshop.
Reserve your space today!
Event Details
Worried about AI and your child’s future?
You’re not alone, and we’re here to help!
Explore AI’s impact on learning and well-being, share experiences in small group discussions, and gain hands-on familiarity with AI tools in a supportive environment. Let’s tackle this evolving landscape together.
Bobby Hodgkinson and Michael Whitaker (“Whit”), AI experts and BVSD parents, understand both the research and the realities of raising kids today. Together, they have created Navigating the AI Frontier, an interactive workshop designed to replace confusion and fear with confidence and connection. Combining expert insight, open discussion, and hands-on exploration, the workshop will help parents engage with AI in meaningful ways. You’ll gain clarity on AI’s role in K–12 and higher education, connect with other parents, and build your family’s “AI playbook.”
Leave feeling informed, empowered, and ready to guide your children with confidence.
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
DATE: Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
LOCATION: CU Boulder Smead Aerospace Building, 3775 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 (link to parking)
SCHEDULE:
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Navigating & Demystifying AI
Bobby and Whit begin the day by helping parents gain an understanding of how AI is influencing schools and society. The large group session will be followed by small-group conversations that surface common hopes and fears.
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM – Lunch
Time for community, connection, and informal small group discussions. Pizza and snacks will be served.
12:45 PM – 2:00 PM – Experiential
Parents choose between two paths to deepen understanding:
1. Guided discussion exploring real-life scenarios, or
2. Educational demo: hands-on experimentation directly with AI tools.
NOTE: While extremely beneficial, you do not need to stay for the whole workshop to participate.
BACKGROUND
The rapid acceleration of AI in education and society has left many parents feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, and powerless. Navigating the AI Frontier was created to transform that confusion into clarity and confidence. By developing a deeper understanding of what AI can and cannot do and by engaging in real, hands-on experiences, parents can move from fear to informed action.
This workshop empowers families to build agency around AI, supporting their children’s learning and well-being today and preparing them for an uncertain but opportunity-filled future.
AI EXPERT HOSTS
Bobby Hodgkinson: Associate Teaching Professor, Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU Boulder and father of BVSD 7th and 5th graders.
Michael Whitaker (“Whit”): Senior Vice President of Strategy Execution and Organizational Innovation at ICF and father of BVSD 9th and 6th graders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a charge for the workshop?
This workshop is being offered free of charge. Bobby and Whit are generously donating their time and talents, and PEN is able to bring you this program free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our donor community. Please consider making a donation of just $10, $25, or whatever amount inspires you to support more of these types of empowering, educational parent programs. To make a donation, click here.
What is the purpose of this workshop?
The purpose of this workshop is to help parents move from confusion and uncertainty about AI to a place of understanding, confidence, and empowerment. Through shared discussion, practical examples, and hands-on exploration, we’ll demystify how AI is shaping education. Parents will leave with a clearer sense of what AI can and can’t do, how to guide their children’s use of it responsibly, and how to use the technology themselves as a tool for learning, communication, and connection.
Can you tell me more about the workshop schedule?
We’ll combine expert insight, open discussion, and hands-on exploration to help parents engage with AI in meaningful ways. The workshop begins with an informed understanding of how AI is influencing schools and society, followed by small-group conversations that surface common hopes and fears. Parents then choose between two paths: guided workbook discussions to explore real-life scenarios, or hands-on sessions experimenting directly with AI tools. This mix of reflection and experience empowers parents to build their own “AI Playbook” for guiding their families with confidence and curiosity.
What if I can't be there the whole time?
While extremely beneficial, you do not need to stay for the whole workshop to participate.
Is there a limited number of participants?
Yes. Space is limited to 200 participants. Register early to secure your spot.
Is Spanish interpretation available?
Yes. Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Can I attend virtually?
Due to the interactive intention behind this parent workshop, we are not able to offer virtual participation for this event. If there is interest, we can look into a virtual option in the future. Please let us know of your interest by emailing us at [email protected].