In this episode, Alex sits down with Darren Coxon, an educator-turned-AI builder, to explore one of the most provocative questions facing schools today: should we stop teaching teachers how to use AI—and start exploring how to build with it?
From vibe coding experiments to creating his own education platform, ClassForge, Darren shares his journey from headteacher to developer and why he believes the real future of AI in education lies in what he calls “cybernetic classmates.” Together, Alex and Darren dig into the moral obligation of preparing students to partner with AI, the challenges of building safe tools, and the risks of ignoring the pace of change.
Discover why schools must unlearn outdated practices, what’s holding teachers back from experimenting, and how AI might not replace great teachers—but could easily replace poor teaching.
Small Tech for Schools: The real opportunity isn’t in big corporate AI platforms, but in schools creating their own bespoke, lightweight tools.
Cybernetic Classmates: Students need AI as partners in learning—used as unblockers, coaches, and collaborators rather than shortcuts.
Vibe Coding Explained: Teachers don’t need to become full developers—AI can write the code, while educators act as architects and problem-spotters.
Unlearning Old Habits: Reporting, one-size-fits-all assessments, and legacy systems are barriers; schools must clear space to let AI redefine processes.
The Hardest Part of Building: Coding with AI is like “herding amnesiac cats”—but the payoff is powerful new platforms that can adapt to learners in real time.
AI and Teachers: AI won’t replace the human connection, but it could make poor teaching obsolete. Great educators who embrace AI will thrive.
Building for the Next Model: As Anthropic’s Dario Amodeo suggests, build today with the next model in mind—because what’s impossible now may be unlocked in months.
Best Moments
💡 “The only way to leverage AI is to put it in the hands of students.”💡 “We’re teaching kids to fish in a river where a dam is being built upstream.”💡 “Vibe coding makes you the architect, not the coder.”💡 “AI won’t replace great teachers—but it could replace bad teaching.”💡 “If you’re building with AI, you’re really just herding amnesiac cats.”
About the Guest
Darren Coxon is an educator, writer, and AI builder. A former headteacher and international school leader, he now focuses on creating practical AI tools for schools, including the ClassForge platform, designed to give students safe and meaningful ways to work alongside AI.
Connect and Contact
The International Classroom:📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/theinternationalclassroom💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergray84/🌐 Website: https://deepprofessional.com/
Darren Coxon:💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrencoxon/