The Illuminate Series: Implications of AI in Education

Don McNamee

Director of Education Technology, South Saigon International School

Don McNamee is a seasoned leader in the field of education technology, with a rich background that spans various high-impact roles, from classroom teaching to executive leadership positions within renowned organisations. Don is a Canadian national who holds four territory degrees; urban economics, geographic information systems, education and a Masters in education leadership.

His career reflects a profound commitment to leveraging technology to enrich K-12 educational environments, foster innovation, and enhance learning outcomes. With experience as a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) and a Leadership Executive at Apple Inc., Don has played a pivotal role in shaping the integration of technology in education. His work focuses on developing and implementing strategic initiatives that support educational excellence, demonstrating a keen understanding of the intersection between technology, teaching, and student engagement.

In his current capacity as Director of Education Technology, Don leads efforts to identify, evaluate, and deploy cutting-edge technological solutions that address the evolving needs of a modern school. He excels in program development and service management, underscoring his ability to drive transformational change in educational settings through strategic vision and leadership.

Don’s journey in education is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation. His contributions extend beyond organisational boundaries, influencing broader discussions on the future of education technology. By championing scalable and sustainable models of technology integration, Don is committed to improving the educational landscape for learners and educators alike. A visionary in the education technology sector, Don McNamee remains dedicated to exploring new frontiers in learning, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for educational transformation and success.

Dr. Catriona Moran

Head of School, South Saigon International School

Dr. Moran is an Irish national with over 35 years of experience in education and leadership, 30 years of which have been in international schools in Japan, Taiwan, and now Vietnam. She currently serves as Head of School at Saigon South International School, HCMC. Catriona holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego in the U.S.

Trained as an elementary teacher, Catriona has served as an elementary principal in two international schools and deputy head of a school in Asia for two decades. In 2013, she was named the “National Distinguished Principal of the Year” by the National Association of Elementary Principals and the U.S. State Department.

She is the Vice President of the EARCOS Board of Directors. She serves on the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Saigon International Network of Schools in HCMC.

Dr. Burkhard Schrage

Senior Lecturer, Senior Program Manager, MBA and Management Programs at The Business School, RMIT

Dr. Burkhard Schrage is a senior academic, business leader, and former investment banker. Born and raised in Germany, he studied and worked in France, the United States, Brazil, and Singapore before moving to Vietnam 10 years ago. His rich past and present industry experience influences his teaching and research, which focuses on strategic management, corporate governance, and the political economy.

Sue Huffman

Learning Experience Designer, FSE Learning & Teaching Hub, Arizona State University

Sue Huffman is a Learning Experience Designer in the Learning and Teaching Hub at Arizona State University, where she partners with faculty in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering to create engaging online learning environments. She holds a Master of Science in Science Education and previously worked as a science teacher, curriculum writer, and project coordinator, developing and presenting informal K–12 STEM programs and teacher professional development.

At ASU, Sue’s work spans diverse areas including biomedical engineering, construction management, and virtual reality development. Sue has been an active member of her department’s “AI Development Team” contributing to the creation and testing of more than twelve custom GPTs centered around instructional design. She is particularly interested in leveraging AI to enhance student learning and faculty teaching. Sue is also passionate about building communities of practice around AI that are reflective, inclusive, and foster exploration and honest feedback.